Let Me Speak To A Manager by Ian Mathews and Frank Cava

November 10, 2025 Abundance vs. Scarcity: Why You Benefit More From Sharing Than Hoarding Your Best Ideas And Secrets

Episode Summary

In this episode, Frank and Ian dig into the age-old entrepreneurial dilemma: when do you share your ideas, and when do you keep them close to the vest?

Frank wrestles with whether to present a cutting-edge affordable dwelling unit (ADU) investment strategy to his mastermind peers — a move that could either elevate his brand or arm his competitors. Together, Ian and Frank explore how business leaders balance transparency, competition, abundance mindset, and strategic advantage.

Along the way, they talk about real estate innovation, honest leadership, giving and receiving feedback, and the value of shooting people straight — even when it’s uncomfortable.

This episode is a raw, candid conversation on trusting your instincts, leading with integrity, and playing the long game in both business and relationships.

Show Notes & Chapters

00:00 – Dodgers, Jerseys, and Modelo Moments

Frank shares a funny story from a Dodgers game — and Ian calls him out for “team-hopping.”

01:20 – The Struggle: To Share or Not to Share

Frank preps for a mastermind talk and debates whether to reveal his ADU investment strategy publicly.

02:30 – Inside the Mastermind Room

Frank explains who’s in the audience, the dynamic between investors and operators, and what’s at stake.

04:00 – The 12% Return Question

Ian shares a conversation with a potential investor about why the deal’s strong ROI is legit — not “too good to be true.”

05:40 – Competitors, Capital, and Calculated Risks

Should Frank reveal details of his financing structure, or will that open the door to copycats?

07:20 – The Opportunity in Collaboration

Frank considers whether sharing could actually attract partnerships and expansion opportunities.

09:00 – Why Execution Beats Ideas

Ian argues that even if others hear the idea, few will execute it with the same rigor.

10:30 – The Abundance Mindset Shift

Frank and Ian discuss why there’s enough opportunity for everyone — and why fear-based decisions limit growth.

14:50 – Leadership and Scarcity in the Workplace

Ian shares parallels between hoarding information in corporate settings and limiting team growth.

17:00 – Shooting People Straight

Frank explains his “operating system” of honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable — and why people thank him for it.

18:50 – Radical Feedback & Real Coaching

Ian breaks down why leaders must tell the truth, give direct feedback, and stop avoiding hard conversations.

22:00 – Feedback Is a Gift

The duo wraps up with lessons on authenticity, leadership, and listening — featuring an unforgettable line from a mentor:

“The good Lord blessed you with one mouth and two ears for a reason. Shut your mouth and listen.”

Key Takeaways

Protecting your ideas often stems from fear, not strategy.

Execution is what separates winners from imitators.

Honest feedback builds stronger teams and relationships.

Abundance creates opportunity; scarcity creates isolation.

Being known for integrity is the ultimate brand advantage.

CONNECT WITH US

Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast

Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti.

https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/

https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava

https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava

https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava

https://frankcava.com/

Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title.

https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/

https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572

https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

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