As we bid farewell to 2024, join us in revisiting a powerful conversation with Kelly Siegel, author of Harder Than Life and CEO of a national technology firm. Kelly’s journey from a challenging upbringing to leading a successful company is a testament to resilience and determination.

Through physical fitness, grit, and sobriety, he has overcome significant obstacles, breaking the cycles of abuse, addiction, and poverty. Kelly’s story reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, persistence and hard work can pave the way for transformation and growth. Take a moment to reflect and recharge as we close out the year with this impactful episode.

Today we sit down with Sara J. Ross, founder of Brain Amped, a research firm dedicated to leadership vitality, to explore how leaders can redefine success by focusing on energy and well-being.

This conversation dives into pivotal moments in leadership, balancing work and personal life, and how vitality isn’t a destination but a direction we consciously choose. Sara shares actionable insights on motivating teams, creating connection through face-to-face interactions, and reevaluating productivity systems to promote wellness over burnout.

We also discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, the nuances of meeting culture, and why carving out intentional moments for team check-ins can drive better results.

If you’ve ever wondered how your leadership style impacts your team—or how to lead without sacrificing your well-being—this episode offers a perspective you can’t afford to miss.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Vitality

06:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life

12:12 Motivating Employees Effectively

28:53 Fostering Connection and Engagement

34:52 Understanding Emotional Intelligence

41:45 Promoting Wellness Over Burnout

52:02 Personal Productivity Systems

Today we sit down with J.M. Ryerson, Let’s Go Win CEO, to rethink what it really means to win. From breaking free of limiting self-beliefs to mastering the power of positive self-talk, J.M. reveals how shifting your mindset can transform your reality.

We explore why the labels we accept hold us back, how the choices we make shape our future, and the untapped wisdom that could be shaping your growth. Discover how great leaders use feedback and personal evolution to create lasting impact.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Defining Winning: A Personal Perspective

05:59 The Power of Affirmations

12:03 Choosing Positivity and Growth

26:40 The Power of Perception

33:01 Leadership Qualities and Traits

38:20 Actions of Great Leaders

Today we sit down with Kaylor Betts, business and life coach, and host of Awake and Winning, for a raw and riveting conversation about the deeper truths behind growth, success, and fulfillment.

From navigating the messy waters of mental health to redefining what it means to live with purpose, Kaylor brings unfiltered insights that will challenge how you think about work, life, and everything in between.

We delve into the layers of growth, resilience, and fulfillment, uncovering the overlooked truths and unexpected insights that shape a meaningful life. With stories, lessons, and just the right touch of humor, this episode offers a fresh perspective that might shift the way you approach your day, your work, and your purpose.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Mustaches and Authenticity

06:06 Reprogramming the Mind: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

11:48 The Importance of Fulfillment Over Happiness

17:54 Building Resilience Through Hard Things

24:07 Creating Value and Serving Others

31:44 Building a Holistic Business Mindset

39:25 The Benefits of Sun Exposure

46:35 Productivity Hacks for Success

Today we sit down with Jeff Fenster, CEO of Everbowl, to uncover what it takes to reach the top in business. From rejecting the 9-to-5 mindset to rethinking long-term planning, Jeff shares his strategies for success, including the power of relationship capital, using technology to build thoughtful connections, and the value of surrounding yourself with high achievers. 

He also reveals how small daily goals and a positive internal dialogue can transform your routine and keep you focused on progress, not perfection.

This conversation is packed with strategies that challenge conventional wisdom, leaving you with tools to rethink how you approach growth, relationships, and your daily routine.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Inspiration from Sports Icons

10:08 The Importance of Networking Beyond A-Listers

18:12 Surrounding Yourself with High Achievers

23:53 Personal Productivity and Execution Strategies

29:40 Organizing Life into Key Areas

34:45 Morning Routines and Productivity

44:00 Defining Success and Personal Goals

51:11 Embracing Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)

Today we sit down with Jamie Hess, a seasoned wellness coach, public speaker, and the vibrant host of The Gratitudeology™ Podcast. Jamie is known for her unique ability to blend motivational insights with practical strategies for personal and professional growth. In this episode, we unpack the secrets behind landing big brand collaborations and how gratitude can be the catalyst for unlocking motivation, drive, and success at the next level.

Think brand deals are easy? There’s more to the story. Jamie shares actionable steps for anyone looking to secure those elusive collaborations while ensuring they maximize their investment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or simply looking for inspiration, Jamie’s expertise will leave you with the tools to take your goals to new heights. Don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of gratitude and grit!

Listen now to discover the missing piece in building partnerships that truly pay off.

Key Takeaways

Today we sit down with Heather Parady, the host of the top-ranked podcast Unconventional Leaders, to explore how outside-the-box leaders can scale their social impact in smarter ways.

We dive into the art of storytelling, and why mastering this craft is your secret weapon. Heather shares how resistance, instead of being an obstacle, can actually serve as a guidepost in your journey. We also talk about the power of pivoting in your business, and why consistency doesn’t always mean doing the same thing over and over—it’s about being open to new approaches.

Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the surface and challenges conventional thinking.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Consistency and Pivoting

02:53 Data-Driven Decisions in Content Creation

06:00 The Importance of Organized Testing

08:54 Creative Ideation and Idea Management

11:51 Scripting for Success in Content Creation

21:57 Crafting Compelling Content: The Importance of Scripting

24:16 The Art of Storytelling: Developing a Reverence for the Craft

28:44 Creating Space for Change: The Power of Letting Go

33:43 Faith and Creativity: Reconnecting with God through Art

37:46 Understanding Resistance: A Guidepost for Growth

Today, we sit down with host Brett McDermott of Persistence Playbook—and if you’re a repeat listener, you know he loves a good list. (He’s not alone in that, right?) In this episode, Brett’s got 10 reasons why journaling might just be the habit you didn’t know you needed

From quieting the mind to bringing a bit more clarity into each day, these benefits aren’t just about writing—they’re about rewiring how you think. We’ll just say this: there’s more to it than meets the eye. Brett’s goal? To show you why it’s worth giving journaling a shot.

So, when that resistance comes up—and it will—remember the why, and take action anyway. Grab your journal (or at least the motivation to start) and tune in!

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Transformative Power of Journaling

05:52 Self-Awareness and Goal Setting

12:07 Physical Health and Gratitude Through Journaling

As we reflect on some of our most impactful conversations this year, we’re thrilled to revisit our sit-down with Brett Eaton—a keynote speaker, author, and high-performance leader. 

In this episode, Brett dives into the essential role discipline plays in reaching our fullest potential. He emphasizes finding balance in our schedules to reduce friction and keep us moving forward—like those slow-building results from hitting the gym, it’s about breaking goals into manageable steps and knowing when to pivot to level up. 

Whether it’s your first listen or a timely refresher, Brett’s insights offer the perfect push as we move towards the end of  year and look ahead to what’s next!

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:30 Getting Clear on Goals and Defining Success

05:13 The Power of Consistency and 'No Zero Days'

08:10 Weekends as Opportunities for Personal Development

09:46 Deep Work and Time Blocking for Productivity

14:03 Reviewing Past Performance to Learn and Improve

21:26 Choosing Words that Reflect Productivity

26:17 The Power of Discipline

27:27 From Small Stages to Big Stages

29:36 The Challenges of Writing a Book

31:49 The Impact of a Book

36:05 Discipline: The Key to Success

45:23 Setting Clear Goals and Taking Action

Today, in this solo episode, Brett McDermott dives right into 10 crucial steps to define your niche and grow your thought leadership.

If you’re new here, get ready for Brett’s signature list—it’s concise, direct, and packs a punch with insights you won’t want to miss. And for returning listeners, you already know: Brett loves a good list, especially one that’s loaded with value.

Brett kicks things off with a simple truth: you DON'T have to be an expert right out of the gate. Everyone starts somewhere, it’s about uncovering the areas where you naturally shine.

One of the core takeaway is identifying your unique strengths and aligning them with your core values and ideal audience. But don’t be fooled—there’s strategy behind the scenes, like analyzing market gaps to carve out your space and creating content that tests the waters.

Get ready for actionable tips and a fresh perspective on owning your niche—this is one list you’ll want to check off step by step.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Finding Your Niche in Thought Leadership

02:25 Assessing Strengths and Skills

04:51 Identifying Passion and Core Values

06:49 Defining Your Ideal Audience

08:47 Analyzing Market Gaps and Unique Selling Proposition

10:41 Content Creation and Networking

12:35 Establishing Credibility and Consistency