Bennett Stirtz joins Jordan Montgomery on the Growth Over Goals podcast just days before the NBA Draft to reflect on his remarkable journey from two Division II offers to becoming one of the most inspiring stories in college basketball.

In this episode, Bennett shares how his faith, family, mentors, teammates, and coaches helped shape him into the leader he is today. He talks about the moment his work ethic changed, what he learned from Coach Ben McCollum, why he chose relationships and fit over a bigger NIL opportunity, and how he plans to stay grounded as he steps into marriage, a new city, and the next chapter of his basketball career.

In this conversation, Jordan and Bennett discuss:

• Going from overlooked recruit to projected NBA Draft pick

• The role faith played in Bennett’s growth

• Why being a great teammate creates opportunity

• Turning down money and choosing what truly satisfies

• Leadership lessons from Coach Ben McCollum and other mentors

• Staying grounded when the lights get brighter

• What Bennett wants to remain the same through every life change

Bennett’s story is a powerful reminder that growth does not happen overnight. It comes through humility, consistency, faith, and the willingness to keep showing up when no one is watching.

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author, speaker, mentor, and longtime friend Jon Gordon for a powerful conversation about the daily habits that shape great leaders, stronger teams, and more meaningful lives.

Jon shares insights from his newest book, The Power of Positive Habits, while unpacking the practices that have shaped his own journey. From becoming your own greatest encourager to forgiving fast, strengthening your strengths, choosing great over good, and learning how to slow down and enjoy the ride.

This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, friendship, and intentional growth. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, raising a family, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, Jon’s wisdom will challenge you to live with greater purpose, discipline, and joy.

Order The Power of Positive Habits, subscribe to Growth Over Goals, and share this episode with someone who is committed to becoming a better leader.

In this solo episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery unpacks one of the most underrated leadership traits: the ability to follow well. While leadership often gets the spotlight, Jordan challenges listeners with a powerful truth — if you are too big to follow, you are too small to lead.

Jordan breaks down five traits of exceptional followers and explains why the best leaders remain open-minded, coachable, secure, and mission-focused. From owning the mission instead of just completing tasks, to handling tension with maturity, to making leaders better rather than more exhausted, this episode is a practical reminder that following well is not weakness — it is strength.

You’ll be challenged to reflect on questions like: Where am I taking responsibility outside of my authority? Am I offering solutions or just pointing out problems? Does my leader get sharper because of me, or more exhausted? And where do I need to give credit away?

If you want to grow as a leader, start by growing as a follower. This episode is a powerful reminder that leading well begins with learning how to follow well.

Subscribe to the Growth Over Goals podcast for more conversations and solo episodes on leadership, influence, personal growth, and becoming the kind of person others want to follow.

#GrowthOverGoals #JordanMontgomery #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #LeadWell #FollowWell #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #ServantLeadership

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author and speaker Jess Ekstrom to unpack the tension so many high performers face; how to chase success without losing yourself in the process.Jess shares the heart behind her new book Making It Without Losing It, diving into the “arrival trap,” the lies we believe about our worth, and the pressure to always chase what’s next. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and powerful reframes, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink what success really means, and how to pursue it in a way that actually leads to fulfillment.From redefining identity to learning how to lead, communicate, and live with intention, this episode is packed with insights for anyone striving for more while trying to stay grounded in what matters most.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “once I get there, then I’ll be happy,” this conversation is for you.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and living with purpose.

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author, educator, and nationally sought-after speaker Weston Kieschnick to unpack what truly separates high performers from underachievers — and why most people never see it happening.

Weston shares the journey from classroom teacher to influential leadership voice, revealing how the principles that shape great educators also apply to parents, leaders, and professionals across every industry. The conversation dives deep into The Hidden Work — the unseen habits, mindsets, and choices that determine long-term success.

Throughout the episode, Weston and Jordan explore:

• Why education works best when parents and schools operate as true partners
• The four behaviors underperformers default to — and what top performers choose instead
• How ownership, truth, solutions, and grit drive sustainable excellence
• Why attention, connection, and relationships are at the core of leadership
• The growing crisis of isolation, exhaustion, and distraction in modern life
• A powerful reminder that your want can never exceed your work

This episode is a compelling reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intentional, disciplined effort when no one is watching.

🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: What hidden work am I willing to commit to today?

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with Brandon and Jenni Scherff for a deeply honest conversation about leadership where it matters most — at home. From navigating life in the NFL to raising a blended family rooted in faith, Brandon and Jenny share the rhythms, boundaries, and intentional decisions that have shaped their marriage, parenting, and calling.

This conversation explores what it truly means to slow down, steward success, and build margin in a world that constantly demands more. Brandon and Jenni open up about adoption, infertility, transition, and why not every good opportunity is worth saying yes to. Together, they unpack practical family rhythms like “mellow yellow weekends,” identity-driven parenting, and the importance of protecting the home front through every season of life.

Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or a family, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t start with achievement — it starts with alignment.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Why identity always precedes behavior

Leading with intention during seasons of transition

Creating margin, boundaries, and sustainable family rhythms

Faith-driven parenting and marriage leadership

Why not every opportunity is your assignment

Slowing down to steward what matters most

🎧 Subscribe to Growth Over Goals for weekly conversations on leadership, faith, and living with purpose.

In this profound episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with leadership expert, author, and mentor Mac Lake, whose life has been marked by humility, stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to leading like Jesus. This deeply personal conversation explores the power of parenting with intentionality, the balance of influence and identity, and why true leadership is measured not just in our presence—but in what remains when we're gone.

Mac reflects on raising his children, including award-winning artist Brandon Lake, and shares how surrender, boundaries, and daily example shape generational leadership. He also breaks down the difference between living like Jesus and leading like Jesus, challenging leaders in both ministry and the marketplace to use their influence with wisdom, courage, and clarity of purpose.

Whether you're guiding a team, stewarding a family, or growing your own leadership capacity, this episode is a masterclass in raising leaders through presence, not pressure. Jordan and Mac unpack legacy, mentorship, and the ongoing pursuit of learning—reminding us that the gift may be God-given, but it must be God-used.

In this unforgettable episode of Growth Over Goals, host Jordan Montgomery sits down with Patric Young—former SEC Defensive Player of the Year and ESPN analyst—for one of the most powerful and inspiring conversations yet.

Patric shares the story of his life-altering car accident in 2022 that left him paralyzed, and how that tragedy became the catalyst for a deeper purpose. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, he opens up about:

The moment that changed everything—and how he found strength in the struggle

Learning to receive help and the hidden strength in vulnerability

How gratitude and joy became his weapons against apathy and depression

His deep relationship with Coach Billy Donovan and the culture of love that built a Final Four team

The power of perspective, relationships, and living with intention

This is more than a story of survival—it's a testimony of transformation. Whether you're facing your own adversity or simply seeking perspective, Patric’s journey will challenge you to embrace hardship, choose joy, and lead with love.

📌 Plus: Learn about the Patric Young Foundation and the impact he's now making off the court.

#GrowthOverGoals #PatricYoung #GratitudeInAdversity #Leadership #PurposeDrivenLife #BillyDonovan #Inspiration #Resilience #SECNetwork #FaithAndSports

In this special Year in Review episode of Growth Over Goals, host Jordan Montgomery looks back on some of the most impactful conversations of 2025—bringing together timeless leadership wisdom, personal conviction, and practical insight from world-class coaches, authors, athletes, and thought leaders.

Across these standout moments, one theme rises above the rest: real growth doesn’t come from chasing outcomes—it comes from who you become along the way. From coaching the heart and leading with faith, to building meaningful relationships and addressing the loneliness epidemic, this episode captures the depth and purpose that defined the past year.

Listeners will hear powerful reflections on:

• Why great leaders choose depth over breadth in relationships
• Coaching hearts before performance—and why it works
• Living with faith as an action, not just a belief
• Valuing people without keeping score
• The overlooked importance of social health and connection
• Championing others at home, at work, and in the community
• Curiosity as a catalyst for growth, leadership, and influence

This episode is both a celebration and a challenge—a reminder that the most meaningful leadership is rooted in service, character, and genuine care for people.

🎧 If you’re committed to growing as a leader, teammate, and human being, this conversation will leave you encouraged—and called higher. Subscribe, share, and step into the year ahead focused on growth over goals.

In this powerful episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with Jeremy Foster—one of the most gifted communicators in America—to talk candidly about his story of failure, grace, and redemption. Jeremy opens up about his rise in ministry, the mistakes that nearly cost him everything, and the transformation that followed. His honesty and vulnerability offer timeless lessons for leaders navigating both the mountaintop and the valley.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:

• Why success amplifies both strengths and weaknesses
• The choice between building a defense or embracing grace
• How values slip by inches, not miles—and why leaders must guard them
• The role of mentors and friends who choose you at your lowest point
• The importance of accountability, honesty, and redefining failure as redemption
• A message of hope for anyone who feels buried in shame or uncertainty

This episode isn’t just about leadership—it’s about second chances, the power of grace, and the courage to live with authenticity.

🎧 Listen now and be reminded that no failure is final when grace has the last word.