Today I sit down with Berekk Blackwell - franchise executive and collegiate national champ.

The restaurant industry, arguably, has been forced to deal with the most Covid 19 disruption, but this experienced executive is cool as a scoop of ice cream. Drawing from his time, growing cold stone ice cream in japan and scoring a golden goal in one of his two collegiate soccer championships Berrekk Blackwell has a lot to share about the current economy and his journey as President of growing restaurant chain - The Daily Jam.

We discuss the use of training as a differentiator and a competitive advantage. We also discuss how it feels to win a sports championship and what you can do to create that same feeling in your company.

Today I run through the playbook of Brian Baxter, a Sports Psychologist and founder of Amilyfy Sport Psychology. Brian also founded a multi-sport summer training program in Portland Oregon. What I love about this conversation is the simplicity of Brian’s expertise. Anyone can take his philosophy and leverage it for growth. Sports or business, you can control the controllable.

Nat is a CEO that has been through the wringer, acquisitions, rapid growth, lawsuits and mergers. Listen and learn how his mental practice and personal philosophy made him not only stay afloat but thrive in such an ever-changing role.

I want to give everyone a win. So when an employee first starts working for us, I will actively seek out an opportunity for them to have a win. And I feel like that gives them ownership inside of the company and creates a team atmosphere a lot faster for them and helps them feel like they bring something to the table.

This is a special episode for Magic in the Middle.

1. Find a place where you can be alone - but you don’t have to stay still. I have done this on airplanes, driving, and running.

2. Start the audio

3. After a few breaths, you will hear me explain a visualization for each stage of your life. I will ask questions and help you see your life experiences as clearly as possible.

4. After each section, I will pause for a period of silence with low music in the background. Use this time to recall your life’s movie.

“It's people. You win with, people you develop your people. And if you have the right guy kind of people, thei organization will flourish. And if not, you'll sink.” - Barry Davis

Barry Davis is a lifelong student of America’s Past Time. Barry has been coaching baseball at the collegiate level for thirty-one years, the last sixteen of which have been with Rider University at the Division I level. Armed with a PHD in Sports Leadership, with an emphasis on transformation and culture change, Barry gives his uniquely educated perspective on the importance of a growth mindset, different coaching philosophies, and how to develop leaders. He has over 900 wins with Rider University, could his tips help you create a winning team?

This conversation with Matt is all wrapped up in a bow for you. I have many favorites but this quote is one of the best: “Proving people wrong wasn’t something that gave me that fire. I’d rather just take the people who are into the thing I like, and use that as fuel for the fire.”