Game Plan Leadership

Episode 4

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

In this episode of Gameplan Leadership, Desi Mayner interviews Karly Rolls, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, a family-owned business in Michigan. They discuss the importance of leadership in service businesses, focusing on employee engagement, recruitment strategies, and the significance of a strong company culture. Karly shares insights on their unique referral bonus system, performance reviews, and the evolution of their training center, emphasizing the need for continuous development and proactive management. The conversation highlights the value of communication, feedback, and creating a supportive environment for employees to thrive.

Takeaways:

• Leadership is about elevating people, not just managing tasks.
• Culture fit is crucial when hiring; avoid hiring just to fill a position.
• Referral bonuses can enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Performance reviews should be a two-way street with self-assessments.
• Training should be personalized and based on actual needs.
• A dedicated training center can enhance skill development.
• Documenting calls can help identify training needs and improve service.
• Communication should be tailored to the audience's preferences.
• Proactive management can reduce the need for constant firefighting.
• Building a legacy in skilled trades requires commitment and passion.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rolls Mechanical and Carly Rolls

04:04 Carly's Role and Company Culture

07:11 Recruitment Strategies and Culture Fit

10:11 Referral Bonuses and Employee Engagement

13:04 Performance Reviews and Employee Feedback

19:01 The Importance of Action on Feedback

25:04 Creating a To-Do List from Reviews

29:20 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

32:07 Effective To-Do Lists and Feedback Loops

35:35 Evolving Training Models for Technicians

40:12 Documenting Calls for Improved Training

41:35 Developing a Dedicated Training Center

44:05 Creating Proactive Processes for Success

48:45 Key Leadership Skills and Hiring Practices

53:49 Introduction to Leadership Strategies

54:14 Engagement and Community Building

54:43 Call to Action for Leadership Development

In this episode of Gameplan Leadership, Desi Mayner interviews Mitch Babcock, owner of CrossFit Fenton, discussing the intersection of fitness, leadership, and personal development. Mitch shares his journey from physical therapy to gym ownership, emphasizing the importance of setting expectations, daily discipline, and the parallels between sports and business. The conversation also delves into nutrition, family, and the legacy of health and fitness for future generations. Mitch offers actionable advice for small business owners, highlighting the significance of leading from the front and demanding excellence in their craft.

Takeaways:

• Mitch Babcock emphasizes the importance of leading by example in fitness and business.
• Setting clear expectations is crucial for effective leadership.
• Daily discipline in fitness translates to better decision-making in business.
• Nutrition should be flexible, allowing for indulgences while maintaining a healthy routine.
• Creating a movement-rich environment for children fosters a healthy lifestyle.
• The journey of fitness is about small, actionable goals that lead to significant change.
• Accountability in leadership involves owning mistakes and improving processes.
• Exercise serves as a mental health outlet for better parenting.
• Building a legacy of health and fitness is essential for future generations.
• Business owners should focus on getting good at their craft before getting busy.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fit Leadership

02:06 Journey to CrossFit Fenton

03:35 Credentials and Community Impact

07:24 Leadership Lessons from the Gym Floor

13:21 Parallels Between Physical Training and Business

17:31 Leading by Example: Fitness and Nutrition

21:27 Nutrition Strategies for Busy Lives

24:43 Nutrition Discipline and Freedom

27:50 Family and Fatherhood: The Impact of Health

31:42 Building a Legacy Through Fitness

35:09 Leadership and Accountability in Business

41:02 Pursuing Excellence in Business

47:52 Introduction to Leadership Strategies

48:17 Engagement and Community Building

48:46 Call to Action for Leadership Development

Summary

In this episode of Gameplan Leadership, Desi Mayner discusses the challenges faced by middle managers and introduces the Re-align framework as a solution. The framework consists of reviewing the current situation, engaging in dialogue, assessing impact, laying out clear expectations, implementing a support plan, gauging commitment, and navigating forward. Desi emphasizes the importance of investing in team development and maintaining open communication to foster a high-performing team culture.

Takeaways:

• The Re-align framework is essential for addressing middle management issues.
• Specific examples of behavior are crucial for effective feedback.
• Engaging in dialogue helps uncover underlying issues.
• Clear expectations must be set for high performance.
• Investing in team development is vital for business success.
• Regular check-ins are necessary to monitor progress.
• Focus on progress rather than perfection.
• Reinforce positive changes to encourage growth.
• Understanding the impact of behavior on team dynamics is key.
• A structured action plan can guide managers back on course.

Chapters:

00:00 Identifying the Problem with Middle Managers

04:00 The Re-Align Framework Explained

06:53 Engaging in Dialogue and Assessing Impact

10:14 Setting Clear Expectations and Support Plans

13:07 Navigating Forward and Accountability Plans

14:31 Introduction to Leadership Strategies

14:56 Engagement and Community Building

15:26 Call to Action for Leadership Development

In this episode of Game Plan Leadership, Desi Mayner sits down with Wayne Macklin, owner of Macklin Heating and Cooling, to discuss his journey in the HVAC industry. Wayne shares the challenges he faced in the early years, the importance of financial management, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way. He breaks down leadership development, team building, and effective communication strategies while offering insights on scaling a small business. Throughout the conversation, Wayne emphasizes authenticity, self-belief, and the mindset needed to succeed—not just in business, but in the people industry. Tune in for valuable advice on avoiding common operational mistakes and building a company that thrives.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Wayne Macklin and His Journey

03:59 Challenges in the Early Years of Business

07:14 Financial Foundations and Lessons Learned

09:59 Leadership Development and Personal Growth

13:13 Building a Reliable Team and Core Values

15:59 Communication and Delegation in Leadership

26:25 The Importance of Communication in Business

30:42 Operational Mistakes and Lessons Learned

32:36 Establishing Core Values and Business Identity

37:16 Scaling and Growth Strategies for Small Businesses

44:20 Leadership Principles and Authenticity in Business

46:11 Building Relationships with Employees

51:13 Introduction to Leadership Strategies

51:39 Engagement and Community Building

52:08 Call to Action for Leadership Development

Working harder is not the answer to scaling your business. The best leaders don’t just grind—they build systems that make scaling easier, teams more effective, and operations run without constant oversight.In this episode, we break down why relying on hustle alone leads to burnout and stagnation. You will learn how to implement leadership systems that improve efficiency, delegation, and team performance so your business can grow beyond you.If you are a service business owner stuck in the daily grind, this is your game plan for stepping back, leading with strategy, and building a business that thrives without running you into the ground. Mayner Leadership specializes in helping service professionals take control with proven leadership systems. Watch now to start scaling smarter.𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬? 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟!If you are a small service business entrepreneur and you’re ready to start WINNING so you can save more time, make more money and build a more impactful business, then click the link below to schedule a time to see if we’re a fit to work together inside of the 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 - https://calendly.com/desi_mayner/stra...Welcome to Mayner Leadership Channel! 🚀Are you a small business owner or manager looking to transform your leadership skills and take your business to the next level? You’ve come to the right place!At Mayner Leadership, we focus on empowering leaders like you with high-impact coaching, consulting, and leadership fundamentals. Whether you're overwhelmed by the challenges of managing a growing team or eager to improve your leadership game, our content is designed for service-based businesses ready to grow!🔑 What you’ll find here:Leadership Strategies: Actionable tips to transform your team and boost productivity.Interviews with Industry Experts: Get insights from leaders and influencers in business, including tips on high-performance habits.Bi-Monthly Podcasts: Deep dives into leadership fundamentals and strategies to help you grow personally and professionally.Practical Business Advice: Marketing tips, leadership training, and personal development content to help your business thrive.Subscribe and follow our journey as we share insights on leadership, strategy, and success! Let’s grow together!

In this energizing episode of Game Plan Leadership, Desi Maynor, alongside guest co-host and former All-American soccer player Cole Russell, dives deep into the strategies that separate good leaders from great ones. With a sharp sports focus and actionable advice, this episode tackles the myths of hustle culture, showing how repeatable systems and strong leadership fundamentals are the keys to consistent wins—both on and off the field.

Key Highlights:

The Huddle:

Leadership begins with clarity. Just like a coach with a whiteboard, leaders must ensure every team member knows the play. Using examples from Elon Musk’s chaotic Twitter rebrand, Desi and Cole emphasize the importance of clear communication and a solid playbook in achieving operational success.

Coach’s Q&A:

When chaos strikes, simplify. Whether it’s disorganized Post-it notes or a scattered team, the answer is focus. Start with one small win and build momentum—just like athletes mastering one skill at a time.

The Film Room Debrief:

Execution is king. Desi shares how pairing video training with detailed playbooks creates a winning system in business, just as game footage sharpens athletes’ skills on the field. Cole emphasizes how athletes improve through repetition, feedback, and consistent evaluation. Pro tip: Start simple—your phone is more than enough to begin capturing these crucial training moments.

Bonehead Call of the Week:

Culture matters. Drawing lessons from Uber’s early leadership missteps, Desi and Cole explore how toxic cultures derail teams, while clear missions and strong values create cohesion and drive success.

Winning Playbook:

Always be recruiting. Whether scouting players or hiring employees, recruit talent that fits your game model—a mix of culture, competence, and character. A well-structured hiring and training process ensures the right players are on the field when it’s game time.

Game Ball Spotlight:

Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, takes the game ball for his relentless accountability and inspiring leadership, proving why his team will run through walls for him. It’s a masterclass in building buy-in and fostering a winning culture.

Takeaway Action Plan:

Always be recruiting, even when not actively hiring.

Build systems that combine clarity, training, and accountability.

Focus on strengthening your team’s culture through actionable core values.

This episode packs the kind of game-changing plays that help leaders elevate their teams, streamline operations, and secure big wins. Tune in and gear up to lead your team to the championship level.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬? 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟!

If you are a small service business entrepreneur and you’re ready to start WINNING so you can save more time, make more money and build a more impactful business, then click the link below to schedule a time to see if we’re a fit to work together inside of the 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 

#eliteleadership #teamcharacteristics #softskills #personaldevelopment #highperformanceteamsmodel

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Game Plan Leadership

01:21 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

06:50 Organizing Chaos in Business

12:29 Training and Execution in Leadership

22:06 Learning from Leadership Failures

30:49 Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies