In this holiday edition of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with entrepreneur and former HR executive Cindy Waddle for a powerful conversation on trust-based leadership, human connection, and building cultures where people truly commit - not just comply. From compassion and accountability to purpose-driven business and heart-led influence, this episode explores what it really means to lead people in today’s world.  Blending leadership wisdom, personal journey, and a touch of holiday fun, this episode will challenge how you think about empathy, motivation, and the lasting impact leaders can have - inside and outside the workplace. 

To leave lasting imprints on hearts when they’re needed most, rising through the ranks to GS-14 without a college degree during her 38-year federal career, former HR Director of the U.S. Mint at Denver, Cindy Waddle turned her life’s challenges into that purpose. After surviving near-death experiences and proving that grit and determination can outshine any credential, she followed her passion to uplift others by founding Dezire to Inspire (D2I). What began as a heartfelt act - writing 365 inspirational cards for a grieving family while volunteering in hospice - grew into a mission-driven company creating inspirational cards, flip books, and programs that promote healing, resilience, and connection. Featured as the Cover Star of Female Entrepreneurs Magazine (July 2025), Cindy’s story embodies perseverance, purpose, and the transformative power of words to change lives.

00:00 Intro
02:35 What could happen if you got to know someone…
05:20 These really do have power! 
09:19 Can leaders connect with heart?
11:24 Could this be what real leadership is about!
13:25 What would the leadership theme be?
16:40 Will you remember or believe if you got this… 
18:52 Holiday trivia time…with great leadership advice!
24:25 It is before I even get out of bed…

https://www.deziretoinspire.com/

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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Here's a little story I heard the other day that really got me thinking. A guy told me he was turning a great day into just a good one. I was like, 'Hold up, what?' But then he hit me with some wisdom: turn your good day into a great one. How? Well, it's all about seizing those opportunities to make your day better, every single day. It could be as simple as sharing a smile or expressing gratitude to someone. Or maybe it's reaching out to a customer just to say thanks. Trust me, turning a good day into a great one works wonders. Give it a try and watch the magic unfold. That's your quick win for today!

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

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

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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

What is accountability and why does it matter to you?  In fact, businesses with specific accountability have higher levels of success.  Check it out!

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

===========================
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

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

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

In this inspiring episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with Dr. Jon Marashi - the renowned cosmetic dentist trusted by Hollywood’s elite - to uncover how he transformed raw ambition into a thriving, world-class practice. From humble beginnings and bold cross-country leaps of faith to mastering a craft most said was impossible, Dr. Marashi shares the mindset and relentless drive behind his journey to the top of one of the most competitive industries. Packed with insights on risk, resilience, mentorship, and the real meaning of success, this conversation challenges you to rethink perfection, passion, and the courage to simply begin.

Dr. Jon Marashi is a renowned leader and innovator in the field of aesthetic dentistry, known for his highly personalized approach to smile restoration. Using microscope-level precision, he hand-sculpts each smile to create natural, artistic results that have earned him widespread recognition and a devoted patient base. A graduate of the prestigious Honors Aesthetic Dentistry program at NYU, he went on to teach in its Aesthetic Advantage program and later served as Clinical Program Director at the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies. He has also consulted for a major dental manufacturer, contributing to the development of new products and materials. Outside the clinic, Dr. Marashi is famously known as the “skateboarding dentist” in Los Angeles, where he finds balance cruising the streets on his board. He also serves as a founding board member of Learning Lab Ventures, a nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of generational poverty through intensive after-school education.

00:00 Intro
02:34 In junior high I had deep love and appreciation!
05:59 Classmates laughed however look where it can take you…
08:10 This is the unfortunate part of human nature… 
11:08 How do you know which five are the right ones?
16:20 Look for someone retiring?  
19:40 This and this is not a bad thing!
21:10 More levels of success in life, it is a morally and ethically responsibility to do this!
23:45 Most proud moment in business… 
26:05 I have this mantra and I repeat it…

The Skatepark Project
https://drmarashi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjonmarashi/#
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jon-marashi-14a0a0167/

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Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Implement effective performance metrics! Establishing performance indicators, commonly known as KPIs or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), is a pivotal step in defining the benchmarks for success. 📈 Without a clear understanding of where we should be performing, the bar we set for ourselves, progress can seem elusive.

So, what are your performance metrics? 🤔 Dive into the world of KPIs and OKRs, defining the objectives that align with your overarching goals and the key results that signify achievement. 🎯 This strategic approach helps shape a roadmap to success, providing a clear path to navigate challenges and reach new heights.

Regularly monitoring these metrics is not just a routine; it's a powerful tool for growth. 🚀 By consistently tracking your performance indicators, you gain valuable insights into areas for improvement and opportunities to recognize and celebrate achievements. 🎉
Here's your quick win for the day: set your key performance indicators. 🏆 Whether it's revenue targets, customer satisfaction scores, or project completion timelines, identifying and tracking these metrics is a game-changer. Share your thoughts and let's inspire each other on this journey to success! 💬 #PerformanceMetrics #KPIs #OKRs #SuccessJourney

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

===========================
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

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Enhance your team's productivity through strategic resource management! Assess and allocate time, budget, and personnel effectively to maximize results. Beware of resource creep, which can lead to unnecessary spending and wasted time. Combat business waste by continually evaluating resource utilization, ensuring optimum efficiency, and identifying areas for cost savings. Achieve more by managing resources efficiently. That's your quick win for the day! #ResourceManagement #Efficiency #Productivity

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

===========================
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:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

What if everything we thought we knew about loyalty, leadership, and the future of work is about to be rewritten? In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Steve Cadigan - LinkedIn’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer and one of the most respected minds in global talent strategy - to explore the shifting realities of today’s workforce. From the rise of a restless generation to the untapped power of learning and mobility inside organizations, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond old models of retention and success. It’s a provocative look at how businesses can thrive amid constant change - and why the key to keeping your best people might be the very thing that sets them free.

Steve Cadigan is a globally recognized talent advisor and founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley firm that has worked with top organizations like Google, Intel, and the BBC. As LinkedIn’s first CHRO, he guided the company through its IPO and shaped its culture, which later became the foundation for a Stanford University course. With over 25 years of HR leadership, he has advised leading VC and consulting firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, McKinsey, and Deloitte. A sought-after speaker and media expert, he frequently appears on Bloomberg, CBS, and CNBC and teaches at major universities. His book, Workquake, debuted as a #1 Amazon Hot New Release in 2021. Recognized annually since 2021 as a top 100 thought leader in talent, he serves on multiple boards and advisory panels, helping leaders craft innovative talent strategies. Having lived and worked in Singapore, Canada, and the U.S., he brings a global perspective to the future of work. Based in California, he enjoys coaching basketball and playing tennis.

00:00 Intro
02:15 This is my moment…have you found yours? 
03:40 This is the last thing companies think about!
05:05 Ways of winning without a team that has been together for a long time
08:25 The need for this has accelerated! 
11:01 A person is loyal to this
13:30 CEOs need to do a better job in removing the silo thinking
18:30 Would you rather…?
20:50 Advice, listen up!
23:30 I do this for my twins

https://stevecadigan.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/  
[email protected] 
https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan?lang=en

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Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Making smart business decisions is the cornerstone of your company's longevity and prosperity. It's about seeing the bigger picture, analyzing options, and choosing the path that aligns with your goals. So, remember, every decision counts – make them wisely! 🌟💼 

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

===========================
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

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Revolutionize your decision-making processes! Streamline efficiency and eliminate delays by implementing clear procedures within your organization. Try the 3-2-1 rule: bring 3 thoughts, 2 options, and 1 suggestion to the table for each decision. Empower your team members to make informed choices within their scope, fostering growth and reducing bottlenecks. Encourage learning about situations through exploring options, ultimately benefiting your business. #DecisionMaking #EfficiencyBoost #LeadershipTips

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱?  ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

===========================
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

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Get ready to challenge everything you think you know about leadership and coaching. In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Adrian Koehler, a fearless executive coach who has worked with everyone from Navy SEALs to global innovators. Together, they dig into the raw, unfiltered realities of leadership - where broken commitments, uncomfortable truths, and radical authenticity collide. This conversation isn’t about clichés or motivational platitudes - it’s about the real work of transformation, the conversations most leaders avoid, and the hidden dynamics shaping success. Buckle up; this one will make you rethink how you lead, relate, and show up in every part of your life.

Adrian Koehler is a no-nonsense leadership expert and Senior Partner at Take New Ground, known for helping fast-moving leaders cut through the noise and drive real transformation. He coaches executives around the world - ranging from Fortune 500 giants to startups and healthcare innovators - fostering authentic leadership and courageous change. As co-host of Raising The Bar and The Naked Leadership Podcast, Adrian brings bold insights from his diverse background in philanthropy, ministry, activism, and medicine. Based in Hollywood with his kids, Scout and Charli, he’s on a mission to challenge leaders to live and lead with purpose.

00:00 Intro
02:03 The bowl is never empty…
05:44 No ice breakers here… 
08:02 Locust of Control Conversation!
11:01 Hold up the mirror…  
14:45 They double down on vision however need to double down on this!   
19:30 Why do leaders sit on knowledge and not take action?
24:13 Not only is this a leadership gap, it a human gap!
33:10 Key tip to open the door…
36:48 A moment of pause… 
  
https://adriankoehler.com/
https://www.instagram.com/adrian.k/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriankoehler/
https://takenewground.com/

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Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 
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Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT

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Connect with Adam:
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#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory