Start With A Win

In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with empathy strategist and bestselling author Maria Ross for a conversation that challenges outdated leadership myths and reframes what it truly means to lead in today’s world. With sharp insight, real-world perspective, and an energizing presence, Maria invites listeners into a deeper exploration of how modern leaders earn loyalty, navigate tension, and build organizations people actually want to follow. This episode doesn’t preach - it provokes, stretches assumptions, and leaves you leaning in for what comes next.

Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, helping organizations drive growth through empathy-driven leadership, branding, and culture. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with startups, nonprofits, and enterprise brands - including Splunk, GSK, Salesforce, and LogicGate - to sharpen messaging, elevate brands, and build strong cultures, leading clients to acquisitions and IPOs.
A sought-after speaker and the author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, Maria also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. Her insights have appeared on MSNBC, NPR, Forbes, and Newsweek. She lives in Northern California with her family and a lively mix of pets - and a deep love for British crime dramas and Jeopardy!

00:00 Intro
02:25 A two-year old gave her the idea!
05:03 What is the definition – for business?
08:05 What are the five pillars?
11:31 Last pillar is not what you think, keep listening….
14:55 Powerful, powerful quote, you may need to rewind and really listen!
22:01 This is your competitive edge. 
27:37 This is the misunderstanding… 
28:20 And here it is!
32:20 I don’t check emails until I complete this.

https://www.red-slice.com/
https://red-slice.com/podcast/
Book:  https://red-slice.com/the-empathy-dilemma-book/
https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/
https://www.facebook.com/redslice
https://www.youtube.com/user/mariajross

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

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

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Foster a results-driven team culture! Create an environment where achievements are acknowledged and celebrated, much like the thrill of scoring points and making plays in sports. Shift the focus from busywork to getting things done, setting clear expectations and offering regular feedback to guide your team toward key objectives.

In the pursuit of success, remember that nothing happens until something happens. So, take the initiative to make things happen. That's your pathway to success! #ResultsDrivenCulture #TeamAchievements #SuccessMindset

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

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

This episode of Start With a Win is a no-nonsense wake-up call for leaders who refuse to drift into the future unprepared. Adam frames a bold close to 2025 and a decisive launch into 2026, he blends hard data, lived experience, and unfiltered conviction to challenge how leadership is actually practiced when the pressure is real. It’s not motivational fluff or distant theory - it’s a sharp, energizing look at what separates those who gain momentum from those who get left behind. If you’re ready for a candid, high-octane perspective that will make you reassess how you lead, work, and show up when it counts, this is an episode you’ll want to hear all the way through and even need to re-watch!

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

00:00 Intro
00:28 Principle 1 - Treat AI Like a Weapon
02:29 Principle 2 - Extreme Ownership
04:33 Principle 3 -  Relentless Standards
06:31 Principle 4 - Authentic Connection
08:05 Principle 5 - The Grind Came Back
09:02 This is not punishment it is preparation!
10:30 Rewatch, write down and take action!

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

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

Success is built on small, consistent wins—one yard at a time. Start with what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and soon you’ll be achieving the impossible!

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

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

Want your team to excel? Keep feedback short, frequent, and focused on strengths to drive growth. Meaningful conversations make all the difference! 💬✨ #TeamGrowth #Leadership #Feedback

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

Dive into this compelling episode of Start With a Win with host Adam Contos as he sits down with the dynamic leader, Jason Yarusi. You’ll be drawn in by his powerful stories of transformation, strategic insight, and raw authenticity - all woven together with a sense of urgency that invites you to reflect and act. If you’re ready to shift perspectives, unlock new levels of influence, and ignite momentum in your leadership journey, this conversation is a must-listen.

Jason Yarusi is a charismatic communicator who electrifies every stage he graces. His magnetic presence, coupled with his captivating storytelling prowess, leaves audiences spellbound and hungry for knowledge. With an ability to seamlessly blend his personal experiences with actionable insights, he transforms complex concepts into practical takeaways, equipping his listeners with the tools they need to conquer their own journeys to success.  Jason is a Private fund manager of over $300 million dollars in commercial real estate. Since 2017 his company Yarusi Holdings has amassed over 3000 apartment and commercial real estate units. Jason has built and exited multiple companies: construction, restaurants, a brewery and multiple large apartment communities.

He is an avid ultra runner and workout enthusiast. Jason is the host of LIVE100 and The Multifamily Live Podcast, runs 7 Figure Multifamily Mastermind and coaches’ clients on the Live 100 Principles.  And most importantly a husband and a father to three amazing kids, a bulldog named Jill and fifteen chickens.

00:00 Intro
02:10 Tragedy turns into an aha moment…
05:40 How to get to your moment without getting hit by a car? 
08:35 Five second problem, five-year problem!
12:20 What can be done today?
14:01 First Phase of Break Free
17:50 Second to Last Phase
21:35 How to build this into building success?
25:01 Favorite things to make the difference!    
27:40 And how I do it…  

https://www.jasonyarusi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonyarusi/
https://www.youtube.com/@liveonehundred/videos
https://www.facebook.com/JYarusi
https://www.instagram.com/jasonyarusi/

===========================
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 the fast-paced world of business, one thing stands out as the primary catalyst for conflicts – the lack of effective communication. 🚫🤝

Time and time again, we've seen misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and friction arise simply because information wasn't shared, questions weren't asked, or voices weren't heard. 📢🤷

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

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

In the dynamic world of business, it's essential to pause and recognize our accomplishments. When we take the time to applaud our wins, we do more than just acknowledge hard work; we nurture a positive atmosphere that fuels our collective spirit. Celebrate your wins!

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

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

In the bustling landscape of work, the ability to prioritize tasks isn't just a time-management strategy; it's a superpower that propels productivity and ensures meaningful progress. When you prioritize effectively, you're not just managing your to-do list; you're strategically channeling your energy towards the most impactful activities.

Prioritization brings clarity to chaos. It helps you discern between what's urgent and what's important, preventing the trap of busyness without true accomplishment. By focusing on high-priority tasks first, you ensure that your efforts align with overarching goals, contributing to tangible and meaningful results.

Moreover, prioritization enhances efficiency. It's not about doing more; it's about doing the right things at the right time. This targeted approach minimizes procrastination and decision fatigue, allowing you to navigate your day with purpose and precision.

Prioritizing tasks is also a stress-reduction tool. When you have a clear roadmap, the overwhelming nature of a heavy workload diminishes. It transforms an intimidating list of tasks into a manageable sequence, making the work ahead feel more achievable and less daunting.

In the grand scheme of personal and professional development, effective prioritization is a skill that pays dividends. It cultivates a proactive mindset, empowering you to seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and stay ahead of deadlines. In a world where time is a precious commodity, prioritizing tasks isn't just about getting things done; it's about getting the right things done, and that distinction is the key to sustained success.

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

#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory