Know and build on strengths – The Mentors Radio

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Robert Parker, a man widely considered the most powerful critic of any genre in history, about changing careers to pursue a passion. Pulitzer-prize winning media critic David Shaw, in his two-part Front Page profile for the Los Angeles Times, called wine critic Robert Parker “the most powerful critic of any kind, anywhere.” Parker’s impact on the wine world has been unrivaled, and many others agree that no critic of any genre, be it theatre, movies, music, art or fashion, has been as influential in their industry as Robert Parker has been in wine. Internationally acclaimed and recognized, Parker is the only wine critic ever awarded France’s highest Presidential honor, which he received twice, from France’s Presidents Chirac and Mitterrand. Robert was the first critic given Italy’s top honor by Italy’s President Berlusconi. He was also the first critic given Spain’s highest civilian honor by King Juan Carlos. Even though his influence is global, being hounded by paparazzi when he’d visit places like Japan, Robert Parker is an American writer who has had an enormous impact on America’s interest in and fascination with wine, and many say he’s been a major influence on how wine tastes and is made today. Listen to the show broadcast on Salem Radio in San Francisco, via live-streaming on iHeart Radio worldwide or anytime, on ANY podcast platform, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIN, Stitcher, Google Play and all the others. Sign up for the podcast here.

ROBERT PARKER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Cathy Lanier, whose amazing story continues to inspire. At age 14, Lanier got pregnant, ran away from home, dropped out of high school. But by age 39, this single mother became Washington D.C.’s Chief of Police, earned two master’s degrees, and now serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer for the National Football League (NFL). In her role with the NFL, Lanier coordinates the efforts of the League offices—that is, all 32 clubs!—and federal, state and local law entities to ensure the security of the NFL’s venues, fans, players, staff and infrastructure. Cathy served as Chief of Police in Washington, D.C. from 2007 to 2016, where she was not only the first female police chief but also the longest serving chief, serving under three mayors. Her innovative strategies were credited with reducing violent crime in Washington, D.C. by 21 percent from 2007 to 2015 while the city’s population grew by 15 percent. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

CATHY LANIER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Mitch Warner, managing partner of The Arbinger Institute and also an Arbinger author, about how to break free from self-deception to build authentic, thriving relationships. Self-deception is one of the most insidious barriers to success—affecting our leadership, relationships and even our ability to see reality clearly. You will learn how self-deception blinds us to our own impact, fuels conflict, and keeps us stuck in destructive patterns. We’ll explore how shifting our mindset can transform not just our professional lives, but also our families, friendships and communities. If you’ve ever struggled with accountability, leadership challenges or personal growth, this episode will open your eyes. Don’t miss this powerful conversation! LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

MITCH WARNER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with James Asplund, Chief Scientist at Gallup and one of the world’s leading experts on strengths-based development, diving into one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth—CliftonStrengths or more widely known as Strengths-Finder 2.0. Strengths-Finder 2.0 can unlock your own potential, as it has for more than 35 million people worldwide! If you’ve ever wondered why some people thrive while others struggle, the answer often comes down to understanding and using their natural strengths. Asplund spent years researching how focusing on what we naturally do best leads to greater success, fulfillment and even happiness. In this episode we explore why knowing your strengths can change the way you approach work, leadership, relationships and life itself. Get ready for a fascinating conversation that just might change how you see—and appreciate—yourself and others better. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

JAMES ASPLUND:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Michael Orkin, author of The Story of Chance: What’s Luck Got To Do With It? to explain the difference between skill and luck, what to play and avoid at the casino, what sports betting advice is worth paying for, and whether synchronicity exists or not.  A distinguished professor, consultant, researcher and author with a wealth of experience that offers unique insights into the concepts of chance and luck, Dr. Michael Orkin holds a BA in Mathematics and a PhD in Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his career, Dr. Orkin has made significant contributions to the field of statistics, particularly in the gaming industry, where he frequently serves as a consultant. His extensive research has been published in numerous academic papers, and he has delivered invited talks on these topics, including a notable presentation at Google Tech Talks. Dr. Orkin is a Professor Emeritus of Statistics at California State University, East Bay, and he currently serves on the mathematics faculty at Berkeley City College. His expertise and experience make him a leading authority on the statistical principles underlying games, chance and the role of luck in various aspects of life. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

MICHAEL ORKIN, PhD:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Mark O. Hubbard, seasoned broadcasting executive and author, to discuss the impact Coach Ara Parseghian had on those around him. The author of four books, including Ara-The Life and Legacy of a Notre Dame Legend, Mark spent more than 25 years in the broadcasting industry, including serving as President of Flagship Broadcasting, President of Fairmont Communications, and Senior Vice President for Corporate Development at Clear Channel.  Mark was most recently an independent consultant providing services exclusively to senior management at established companies and to entrepreneurs at start-up ventures.  Mark also has served as an Adjunct Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Notre Dame, where he was awarded a prestigious Marshall Scholarship, and he received an MBA from Wharton. Mark is also a registered Architect.   Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

MARK O. HUBBARD:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Chris Lowney, whose extraordinary journey took him from Jesuit seminarian to top executive at JP Morgan, to Chair of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. Discover the timeless principles that have shaped the Jesuit order for 450 years and how they continue to inspire 150,000 employees, serving 30 million people today. Tune in to learn how these same values can transform your own life and career! Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, just click here!

CHRIS LOWNEY:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with multi-award-winning writer Jon Gertner about what many believe was the most innovative institution—public or private—in history, Bell Labs. It is the topic of Gertner’s first book, The New York Times best-seller, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation. Bell Labs’ inventions and discoveries are too long to list, but include the vacuum tube, the transistor, the silicon chip, the solar cell, microwave and fiber optic transmission, UNIX, and for you TV fans, even the Big Bang Theory.  A seasoned science and technology feature writer with The New York Times Magazine, Jon’s writing and book reviews have also appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Book Review, and Wired Magazine. Additionally, Jon is the author of The Ice at the End of the World: Greenland’s Buried Past and Earth’s Perilous Future, and he is currently working on a book about NASA’s long-running Voyager Mission, tentatively titled How to Build Something the Lasts Forever. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, click here!

JON GERTNER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Renu Khator, Ph.D., Chancellor of the University of Houston system, as they discuss how teaching Gen Z is different from prior generations, and the unintended consequences that paying college athletes might have on University academic budgets and the future of “Olympic” sports on American college campuses. We’ll also discuss the impact AI is having on higher education. In 2008, Renu Khator became the first female chancellor in the state of Texas and the first Indian immigrant to lead a comprehensive research university in the U.S. Under Renu’s leadership, the University of Houston earned Tier One status for research from the Carnegie Foundation, and opened Houston’s first medical school in more than 50 years. It’s more than tripled the number of National Academy members on the faculty, and dramatically improved graduation rates. Dr. Khator has been named to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has served on numerous boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the NCAA, the American Council on Education, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Additionally, Renu has been an advisor to several Indian prime ministers.  She has been named Houstonian of the year, inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, received a Houston Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award and, in 2014, Indian President Mukherjee presented her with the Samman Award, the highest distinction bestowed upon a non-resident Indian.  Born in India, she earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in political science from Purdue. Listen to our radio podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, click here!

RENU KHATOR:

In this episode, The Mentors Radio Host Dan Hesse talks with Joe Montana, one of the greatest football players in history, a four-time Super Bowl champion. As Montana famously put it, “Always be prepared to start,” which sums up his approach to life on and off the field. Widely respected by teammates, coaches and colleagues as a phenomenal leader, Montana teaches us how to get the most out of those around us and how to perform under pressure. We’ll also learn how Montana parlayed his team leadership skills into a very successful career as an angel investor and “Unicorn” picker. Without a doubt, Joe Montana personifies excellence and personal integrity, both on and off the field. He is one of the toughest quarterbacks ever to play the game and his trademark was unflappable poise in the clutch, earning the nickname “Joe Cool.” Yet the word most closely associated with Joe is not winner — it’s leader.  After leading Notre Dame to the college football national championship, Joe led the San Francisco 49ers to FOUR Super Bowls titles with Joe earning MVP honors three times. He finished his legendary NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs and he’s a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His post-football life has been just as successful, as a public speaker, advertising pitchman, husband, father, grandfather and “angel” investor. Listen to this episode below or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues!

JOE MONTANA: