The best leaders don’t just think about their own growth — they think about the growth of the leaders around them.
Leadership development is retention strategy. It’s culture strategy. It’s future-proofing.

What are you doing right now to grow the leadership capacity of your team?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos is joined by leadership strategist and author Dr. Vijay Pendakur to explore what it really takes to lead through disruption. Drawing from his experience at top tech companies and Cornell University, Vijay unpacks the secret to building high-performing teams when the ground is constantly shifting beneath you. From the invisible forces of trust and belonging to the raw challenges of leading through crisis, this conversation offers a bold reframe of leadership - one that is both deeply human and urgently practical. If you've ever wondered how to turn volatility into opportunity, this episode is your blueprint.

Dr. Vijay Pendakur is the founder of Vijay Pendakur Consulting and a seasoned leader across tech and higher education, with senior roles at Zynga, VMware, Dropbox, and Salesforce. He previously served as Dean of Students and Presidential Advisor for Diversity and Equity at Cornell University. Vijay’s upcoming book, The Alchemy of Talent (Dec 2024), is a practical guide to building high-performing teams. He also authored Closing the Opportunity Gap (2016), a widely used resource on equity in student success. A faculty member at USC’s Race and Equity Center and recognized as a top DEI leader by Channel Futures and Untapped, he also advises Ezra Coaching and Enterprise Ireland. Vijay lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Mira and Savi.

00:00 Leadership Is About Relationship
00:29 Welcome to Start With a Win
00:55 Introducing Dr. Vijay Pendakur
02:03 From Education to Corporate Disruption
04:02 Growth Happens Through Pain
06:28 Why “The Alchemy of Talent”?
09:33 Leading Teams Through VUCA
13:07 Trust, Belonging, Connection Framework
15:08 How to Build Trust as a Leader
27:46 Where to Find the Book + Final Thoughts

https://www.vijaypendakur.com/

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

The biggest business shift starts with a mindset shift.
Growth stops the moment we stop growing ourselves and our people.

You don’t need a radical change — you need a daily one.
Grow your mindset. Grow your team. And your business will follow.

What’s one way you’re helping your team grow this week?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Every day as a leader is a chance to realign.
Ask yourself: Did I serve someone today? Did I stretch myself? Did I truly see someone for who they are?

Leadership isn’t about having a title — it’s about being a daily touchpoint for impact.
Try journaling your answers to those three S’s at the end of each day: Serve. Stretch. See.

How do you check in with yourself to stay aligned as a leader?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Stress is a signal, not a stop sign.
Great leaders don’t ignore tension — they notice it, name it, and guide through it.

Try this: when pressure rises, pause and use the “one-two-three” rule.
One deep breath. Two clarifying questions. Three focused steps forward.
You can’t eliminate stress, but you can lead through it.

How do you help your team navigate stress when it hits?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

In this mastermind episode of Start With a Win, bestselling author and trailblazing entrepreneur Candy Valentino joins Adam Contos in sharing a raw and riveting journey - from humble beginnings in a trailer to building and selling multiple thriving businesses. With hard-earned wisdom and unapologetic honesty, Candy breaks down the myths of modern entrepreneurship, challenges the glamorized “four-hour workweek” mindset, and reveals the truth about discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. If you’re ready to confront the real road to success - and unlock practical insights to elevate your financial future - this episode will shake your perspective and spark your ambition.

Candy Valentino is a highly sought-after expert in business leadership, finance and investing. Candy was born in a trailer on government assistance, but went on to build, scale and exit companies in service, retail, manufacturing and real estate investing. Her 26 years of business and finance experience, coupled with the way she breaks down and teaches complex business and finance topics, has earned her notable speaking engagements, viral video content, national media placement, and international recognition. She is the author of Wealth Habits, an instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller, and The 9% Edge.

00:00 Intro
02:30 This is here for you too… 
04:20 We have the ability to be hungry because we are this…
08:50 What should you look for as an entrepreneur? 
12:06 Key factor that will make a business fail!
16:35 This habit you weren’t taught is keeping you stuck! 
21:02 Make friends with this.
23:40 Shocking statement, need to relisten a few times to this! 
26:15 If I can control this…it will set up my day, week and even month.

https://www.candyvalentino.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigB0JiMAnkyrN5auGcsVVA
https://www.facebook.com/candyvalentinoofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/candyvalentino/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/candyvalentino/
Book: https://9percentedge.com/

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

People don’t just want a paycheck — they want purpose.
A paycheck gets compliance. But purpose? That gets commitment.

Mission-driven workers are 54% more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty like that doesn’t come from perks — it comes from meaning.
Connect the task to the impact. Show your team who benefits from their work.

How are you helping your team see the purpose behind what they do?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Your team isn’t overworked — they’re overwhelmed.
44% of employees say they feel stressed. But here’s the fix: stress drops fast when expectations are clear and communication is strong.

Ask your team one simple question this week: “What’s your number one priority?”
Then support them in it. Clarity creates capacity.

How are you making sure every person on your team knows what matters most this week?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Gallaher to uncover the surprising root of leadership stress and how radical self-acceptance plays a transformative role in professional growth. With decades of experience helping elite organizations—from NASA to Fortune 500 companies—Dr. Laura challenges conventional thinking around chaos, culture, and control. This conversation is an eye-opening exploration of how leaders unintentionally undermine psychological safety, and how understanding the science behind self-awareness can revolutionize the way we lead and live. Tune in to discover how to detox leadership overwhelm and elevate your impact—this one will stick with you long after the credits roll.

Dr. Laura Gallaher is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves and accomplish more than ever. She combines insights on radical self-acceptance with humor to create a unique connection with her audience. Despite being a national best-selling author, Dr. Laura stands out from the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers. Her notable achievements include being hired by NASA to reshape organizational culture after the Columbia accident, leading significant changes in performance management at Disney, and inspiring Yahoo’s global teams to pursue transformation from within.

00:00 Intro
02:35 Can culture blow up a company? 
03:50 Can leaders bully employees intellectually?
06:15 Do defense mechanisms have an impact on the team?
08:01 Is stress a choice? First choice is what story…
10:35 Ability to set boundaries, is a way to reinforce this! 
14:45 Instead of judging yourself, how can you do this… 
17:30 How can leaders get better at growing together?
20:47 How to break free of this judgement pattern? 
25:55 Moving my body with this is how I start my day with a win!    

Dr. Laura's Links:
linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd
drlauragallaher.com
selfacceptancequiz.com
         
===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

A single 15-minute conversation can be the reason someone stays — or the reason they leave.
Weekly, meaningful check-ins aren’t a “nice to have.” They’re the leadership game changer.

Gallup found that frequent, intentional conversations drive the highest levels of engagement.
Block time this week. Ask. Appreciate. Align.

How do you create space for meaningful connection with your team each week?

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership
Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
===========================
YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO
Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347
Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

===========================
Connect with Adam:
===========================
Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/
Facebook  ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO
Twitter  ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO
Instagram  ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory