In this special solocast of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor takes us on a personal and powerful journey through the life, lessons, and lasting legacy of legendary coach George Raveling.

This isn't about hearing what you want to hear; it's about hearing what you need to hear. Ed shares how Coach Raveling's words and philosophies shaped him as a young boy, carried him through dark times, and continue to guide his leadership and parenting today.

Through stories of cassette tapes in a hot car, life-changing camp speeches, and powerful lessons on accountability and resilience, Ed paints a vivid picture of a man who impacted thousands, from athletes to leaders to everyday people, striving to be better.

In Loving Memory of George Raveling - Extract from letter by The Daily Coach

On September 1st, the world lost a remarkable person: George Henry Raveling, our mentor, co-founder, and beloved "Coach." He passed away peacefully at 88, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Coach Raveling was born in 1937 in a world that didn't recognize his humanity. Despite the challenges of segregation, he overcame adversity with determination and made a significant impact on countless lives. His legacy is more than just his success in sports and leadership; it's about the people he touched and the transformations he inspired.

Coach was a gentle, compassionate, and humble soul. He believed in the importance of relationships over victories. His life was about guiding others, offering wisdom, and caring for people, no matter their background. His approach to leadership was uncommon, challenging the status quo and always staying true to his values.

He was a friend, mentor, confidant, and source of inspiration to many. His wisdom and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Although we are deeply saddened by his loss, we celebrate his 88 years of life—years full of purpose and meaning. Coach's story reminds us that it's never too late to pursue what lights up our soul and make a difference in the world. His mantra, "If it is to be, it's up to me," embodies his relentless spirit.

Coach Raveling's impact transcends accolades. He was simply a good person who lived fully, helping others along the way. He will be remembered for his resilience, curiosity, love for life, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.

Our condolences and love go to the Raveling family and all who were touched by Coach's life. We will continue to honor his legacy through how we live, love, lead, and treat others. Rest in peace, Coach. You will always be adored and missed.

Ed is a coach down to the very smallest molecule of his DNA. Whether he's a husband and father at home or working with a client in the business world, he is an energized, passionate, and near-obsessive coach who is fully invested in showing up with all he's got to help you show up with all you've got. His approach insists on presence. He knows no other way to catalyze change except by getting on the court with you, playing side-by-side, and encouraging you to keep pushing, especially when the going gets tough. In the last 30 years, Ed has developed his leadership skills in both athletics and business.

From working as an NCAA Basketball coach at Texas A&M, DePaul NIU, and Lewis University to becoming the Vice President of a national recruiting firm, Ed Molitor has experienced the potential and pitfalls of leadership at every level. As the founder and CEO of The Molitor Group, today Ed guides emerging and established leaders across biopharma and biotech to apply the proven lessons of coaching in their pursuit of inspiring and driving their team's performance. Through personalized training, workshops, keynote speeches, his writing, and as a podcast host, Ed seeks to empower individuals and their organizations to achieve victory through a focus on transformation, fundamentals, compassion, mental toughness, and vision.

Ed graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Economics where he was a member of the Men's Basketball team serving as the co-captain his Senior year. Before St. Ambrose, he studied business at Creighton University where he played on the Men's Basketball teams which included a 1989 MVC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, NCAA Tournament, and a 1990 NIT Tournament.

• "If it is to be, it's up to me." How Coach Raveling's famous mantra instilled ownership, responsibility, and resilience.

• The importance of telling people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.

• How leadership is less about wins and losses and more about relationships, impact, and transformation.

• Personal reflections on parenting, leadership, and carrying forward Coach Raveling's legacy.

• Why his influence extended beyond basketball shaping culture, mentorship, and even history (including his role in the March on Washington and the creation of Air Jordan).

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness

• (00:00) Introduction to Coach George Raveling

• (01:13) The lasting impact of Coach Raveling's lessons

• (03:34) "If it is to be, it is up to me": The power of personal ownership

• (05:42) How Coach's teachings shaped Ed's life and leadership

• (07:53) The role of mentors in personal growth and leadership

• (10:45) Coach Raveling's influence on basketball and beyond

• (12:18) Stories from Ed's childhood and the influence of Coach Raveling

• (14:56) The importance of relationships over wins and losses

• (16:35) Reflections on mentorship and legacy

• (18:42) Coach Raveling's role in shaping Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike

• (21:00) The power of community in leadership

• (23:06) The importance of mentorship for emerging leaders

• (25:01) Final reflections on living a life of impact and leadership

In this powerful solo episode, host Ed Molitor reflects on lessons from legendary coaches and his own leadership journey to share a core truth: you can't give away what you don't have.

Whether you want your team to believe, grow, or stay inspired, you have to model it first. Drawing on the wisdom of John Wooden, Tony Dungy, Greg Popovich, and Marcus Freeman, Ed unpacks five principles every high-impact coaching leader must embrace: fueling yourself, shaping perspective, building habits, avoiding comparison, and focusing on what you have.

With stories that connect athletics, business, and life, this episode challenges leaders to look inward, sharpen their daily practices, and multiply their impact.

Ed is a coach down to the very smallest molecule of his DNA. Whether he's a husband and father at home or working with a client in the business world, he is an energized, passionate, and near-obsessive coach who is fully invested in showing up with all he's got to help you show up with all you've got. His approach insists on presence. He knows no other way to catalyze change except by getting on the court with you, playing side-by-side, and encouraging you to keep pushing, especially when the going gets tough. In the last 30 years, Ed has developed his leadership skills in both athletics and business.

From working as an NCAA Basketball coach at Texas A&M, DePaul NIU, and Lewis University to becoming the Vice President of a national recruiting firm, Ed Molitor has experienced the potential and pitfalls of leadership at every level. As the founder and CEO of The Molitor Group, today Ed guides emerging and established leaders across biopharma and biotech to apply the proven lessons of coaching in their pursuit of inspiring and driving their team's performance. Through personalized training, workshops, keynote speeches, his writing, and as a podcast host, Ed seeks to empower individuals and their organizations to achieve victory through a focus on transformation, fundamentals, compassion, mental toughness, and vision.

Ed graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Economics where he was a member of the Men's Basketball team serving as the co-captain his Senior year. Before St. Ambrose, he studied business at Creighton University where he played on the Men's Basketball teams which included a 1989 MVC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, NCAA Tournament, and a 1990 NIT Tournament.

• How legendary coaches like John Wooden, Greg Popovich, and Tony Dungy modeled habits, connection, and composure

• Why perspective shapes performance—and how to help your team "see what you see"

• The power of habits in creating culture and consistency

• How comparison undermines leadership and why authenticity builds trust

• Why resourcefulness always beats resources—and how Popovich built a dynasty with fundamentals and culture

• A simple but powerful weekly challenge to grow yourself and ripple growth to your team

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness

• [00:00:01] Introduction – "You can't give away what you don't have"
• [00:02:40] John Wooden and the power of discipline in details
• [00:03:24] Greg Popovich and investing in humanity before performance
• [00:05:08] Tony Dungy's composure on the sidelines
• [00:07:40] Habits as culture and Wooden's lesson on socks
• [00:08:34] Marcus Freeman and authentic leadership at Notre Dame
• [00:11:54] Popovich on resourcefulness, fundamentals, and culture
• [00:13:59] Five principles recap + weekly leadership challenge

What would you do if your greatest challenge became your greatest calling? For brothers Kyle and Brent Pease, the answer is racing—together. But what they've built goes far beyond the finish line.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kyle and Brent Pease, co-founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation and Ironman finishers many times over, to talk about what it means to redefine possibility. What began as one race turned into a mission: to make endurance sports more inclusive, and to empower people with disabilities to find their own version of greatness.

We dive into the early moments that sparked their journey, how they've now completed 150+ races together, and how their work through the foundation is transforming lives—not just through sport, but through employment, leadership, and connection. Kyle opens up about the physical toll of racing 16-hour days from a wheelchair, while Brent shares the emotional impact of being pushed—literally and figuratively—by his brother's unwavering drive.

We talk about their unforgettable races at Kona and Boston, the birth of their inclusive employment program, and the moving story of how "five more feet" kept them going when everything inside told them to stop. At the heart of their message is a simple but transformative belief: endurance creates resilience, and everyone deserves to feel the power of crossing their own finish line.

Meet Our Guests: Kyle & Brent Pease

Brent and Kyle Pease are brothers, elite endurance athletes, and co-founders of The Kyle Pease Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities in both sports and the workforce. Their story gained global recognition when they became the first push-assist brother team to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Since then, they've competed in over 150 races together, becoming a symbol of what's possible when determination and brotherhood collide.

Kyle, born with cerebral palsy, has shattered limitations and expectations. With a degree in Sports Management from Kennesaw State University, he not only races with Brent but also works part-time at Publix and Atlanta Braves games, spreading his message of resilience and inclusion. Through the Foundation, Kyle plays a key role in initiatives like adaptive sports equipment, inclusive employment, and scholarships, empowering others with disabilities to chase their goals.

Brent, a Florida State University graduate and seasoned endurance coach, serves as the Foundation's Executive Director. His leadership has fueled programs like the Inclusive Employment Program, which helps individuals with disabilities secure meaningful work. Brent's athletic achievements, combined with his passion for advocacy, have helped raise over $10 million for the cause. Together, the Pease brothers continue to inspire through their racing, public speaking, and book, Beyond the Finish, which tells the story of their journey, their mission, and the power of relentless determination.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How a single question sparked a life-changing partnership

• What it takes to complete an Ironman as a team when a wheelchair is involved, why inclusion in sport must go beyond labels and accommodations

• The moment Kyle realized his story could empower others

• How the Kyle Pease Foundation is creating jobs, purpose, and possibility

• The surprising power of "just five more feet"

• Why your struggles are not in the way—they are the way

• How real leadership is about showing up—for yourself and for others

• What Kona and Boston taught them about grace, grit, and growth

Resources & Links

Kyle & Brent Pease

• Book: Beyond the Finish: A Story of Passion, Brotherhood and Relentless Determination

• Get a signed copy: Order through their site to receive Kyle's signature!

• Website: https://kylepeasefoundation.org/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekylepeasefoundation/

• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheKylePeaseFoundation

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyle-pease-foundation

• Join the community, donate, or sign up to race: kylepeasefoundation.org

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

Let's face it: AI is changing the game in ways we couldn't have imagined just a few years ago. As leaders, we're at a crossroads—do we learn how to use this new technology to our advantage, or do we risk falling behind?

In this episode, I sit down with Geoff Woods, #1 bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader and founder of AI Leadership, to explore how leaders can harness AI not just to automate tasks, but to think bigger, make smarter decisions, and unlock the full potential of their organizations.

Geoff shares the journey that took him from asking the right questions in boardrooms to co-founding an executive network, The Collective, where 100+ leaders from around the world collaborate to use AI as a competitive advantage. He pulls back the curtain on his "CRIT" framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) for prompting AI to be more than a tool—it becomes a thought partner that sharpens your vision and reveals the path to 10x growth.

We dig into how Geoff overcame massive imposter syndrome when first stepping into AI leadership, the power of reverse engineering your future, and why he believes trying to "know everything about AI" is the surest way to lose. Plus, he shares a powerful story of how an AI-generated interview turned a real estate flipper's 10K-per-deal hustle into a million-dollar multifamily investment in a single month.

At the heart of this conversation is a message every leader needs to hear: real transformation isn't about learning AI for the sake of it—it's about using it to build the business (and life) that will stand the test of time.

Meet Our Guest: Geoff Woods

Geoff Woods is a visionary business leader, bestselling author, and founder of AI Leadership. He's the host of The AI-Driven Leader podcast and creator of The Collective, a vetted community of executives who are using AI to create future-ready businesses.

Geoff previously served as Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel and Power, where he helped grow the company's market cap from $750 million to $12 billion in just four years. Earlier, he co-founded the consulting company behind The One Thing, advising businesses from $10 million to $60 billion in revenue.

His book, The AI-Driven Leader, offers a practical guide for leaders who want to harness AI strategically—not to do more busy work, but to think bigger, move faster, and lead in ways that truly matter.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• Why "knowing everything about AI" isn't the goal—mastery of your strengths is

• Geoff's "CRIT" framework for using AI as a strategic thought partner

• How The Collective helps leaders turn insights into action and real revenue

• The danger of operational overwhelm vs. strategic clarity

• Why every leader needs to rethink the business that could put them out of business

• The surprising link between "The One Thing" mindset and AI leadership

• How Geoff overcame impostor syndrome to become a global AI thought leader

• Real-world stories of leaders using AI to 10x their businesses

• How to tap into collective knowledge and stay ahead of rapid change

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and setting the stage for AI-powered leadership

• [00:01:02] Geoff's journey from asking questions to driving billion-dollar growth

• [00:03:18] How asking better questions changed Geoff's approach to AI

• [00:08:45] Building The Collective: a global network of AI-driven leaders

• [00:15:00] Using AI to pressure-test your business plan and rethink your North Star

• [00:21:17] Why AI isn't about replacing expertise—it's about amplifying it

• [00:26:23] The connection between The One Thing and Geoff's AI philosophy

• [00:32:31] How Geoff's team uses AI to turn human strengths into superpowers

• [00:37:48] Rethinking the business you're in—and the one that could put you out of business

• [00:40:39] The future of AI-driven insights and continuous strategic updates

• [00:43:51] Where to find Geoff's work and apply to join The Collective

• [00:44:33] Final reflections on growth, leadership, and staying curious

Resources & Links

Geoff Woods

• Book: The AI Driven Leader

• Get Geoff's prompt library: Send your book receipt to [email protected]

• Join The Collective: Apply at aileadership.com

• LinkedIn: Geoff Woods

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

In this energizing episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor welcomes Molly Painter, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Accounts at Takeda. Molly leads Takeda's U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies business unit and is renowned for her rare blend of strategic clarity and deeply human-centered leadership.

Together, they explore what it takes to lead authentically in high-stakes environments, build trust through vulnerability, and drive results without losing sight of people. Molly shares personal stories from her career, her family, and her life-long belief that leadership should be rooted in purpose, agility, and heart.

Our Guest

Molly Painter is a seasoned executive across both biotech and biopharma, known for her ability to lead with clarity, conviction, and a calm, commanding presence. With deep expertise in rare disease and neuroscience, she has a proven track record of building, launching, and scaling organizations—from early-stage biotech startups to global pharmaceutical business units.

Currently Vice President of Sales & Strategic Accounts at Takeda, Molly leads the U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, driving growth, alignment, and performance across one of the company's most strategic portfolios. She previously served as President of U.S. Orphazyme, where she built a scalable commercial organization from the ground up in just nine months, and as President of Vifor Pharma Group, where she drove topline U.S. sales growth and positioned the company as a leader in the nephrology and cardio-renal therapy space.

Molly brings a rare combination of strategic precision and human-centered leadership. She thrives in complex, high-stakes environments and is deeply skilled in interpreting trends, aligning cross-functional teams, and creating cultures of accountability and ambition. She has led all facets of drug company development—from pipeline strategy to in-line commercialization—and is known for her ability to articulate value, influence stakeholders, and accelerate market uptake both domestically and globally.

A strong advocate for agile leadership and inclusive growth, Molly holds an MBA from Northwestern University in Management & Organization with an emphasis on Health Enterprise Management. She also serves on several executive boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago, the Joffrey Women's Board, and the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA).

• Why the combination of strategy and heart is so rare and so powerful
• The art of having crucial conversations while building psychological safety
• How to lead with agility in the face of constant change and ambiguity
• Why vulnerability is a superpower in leadership, not a liability
• How Molly's mom, mentors, and real-world reps shaped her coaching style
• What "air cover" means and why it's critical for team decision-making
• How to balance elite performance with empathy, trust, and authenticity
• The importance of mentoring both inside and outside your company
• Why being "real" is the key to building loyalty and driving results
• How to juggle leadership, parenting, volunteer work, and still show up 100 percent

Molly Painter

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn
• Website

How does someone rise from stacking pallets in a Pepsi warehouse to leading a billion-dollar brand?

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Miller, former Essentia Water CEO and author of Summit Mindset, to unpack the philosophy that turns relentless ambition into meaningful success.

Scott brings his book's principles to life as he shares the four pillars that ground him Faith, Family, Business, and Others, proving that sustainable achievement begins when people come before profit.

He walks us through his Failure → Reflection → Persistence cycle, the daily rituals that fuel high performance, and the game-changing question he asks his team every week: "What did we suck at this time?" because real growth starts with honest reflection.

The conversation turns deeply personal as Scott revisits a heart-to-heart with his father on his deathbed, a moment that still shapes his leadership today. At the core of it all? The idea of a North Star, a guiding light that cuts through the noise when data and pressure cloud judgment. Scott challenges us to define ours, lean on our own pillars, and keep climbing, especially when the summit feels out of reach.

We wrap up with practical ways to build cultures where vulnerability fuels strength, ambition goes hand in hand with kindness, and true leadership starts within.

If you're ready to rise without leaving your values behind press play and let Summit Mindset show you the way.

Scott Miller is a seasoned executive and author renowned for his transformative leadership in the global beverage industry. Now the Co-founder & CEO of YESLY Water, Scott began his career on the warehouse floor at Pepsi, gaining firsthand experience that propelled him through the ranks to executive leadership roles.

Miller's people-first approach to business has been a hallmark of his career, emphasizing innovation, corporate social responsibility, and community involvement. Notably, he led the growth and acquisition of Essentia, a national bottled water brand, culminating in its sale to global food and beverage leader Nestlé.

In his debut book, The Summit Mindset: Winning the Battle of You Versus You, co-authored with James C. Moore, Miller shares insights drawn from his personal and professional journey.

The book serves as a guide for individuals seeking to overcome internal obstacles and achieve personal and professional growth. Miller introduces concepts like identifying one's "North Star" and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, consistency, and embracing change to reach one's full potential.

Miller's philosophy centers on the belief that by confronting our internal challenges and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement, we can attain both personal fulfillment and professional success.

• The story behind The Summit Mindset and the four pillars that guide Scott's life
• Why adversity is the greatest teacher—and how to build consistency through it
• The power of asking, "What did we suck at?" in high-performance cultures
• How vulnerability and humility foster stronger, more accountable teams
• Why protecting your "sense of self" is the most important leadership asset
• The difference between success that lasts and success that fades
• How habits create confidence, and confidence creates transformation
• What it means to serve others while fiercely competing at the highest level
• How Scott's health challenges and personal losses shaped his leadership style

• Book: The Summit Mindset on Amazon
• Instagram: @ScottMillerYouVsYou
• LinkedIn: Scott Miller

• LinkedIn: Ed Molitor
• Website: www.themolitorgroup.com
• YouTube Channel: The Athletics of Business
• Join us at the 2025 Coaching Effect Summit in Kansas City, June 11–12. Email the word "summit" to [email protected] Click here to learn more!

Dr. Jerry Lynch first learned about extraordinary performance and excellence as a nationally ranked competitive athlete sponsored by Nike, running world-class times from 5,000 meters to the marathon, setting an American record in the half-marathon, winning a National Championship, and many other races against athletes half his age.

He took what he learned about himself and life from his competitive days and parlayed it into a dynamic, successful career helping athletes and coaches in all sports use his performance and leadership strategies to up their game and discover the best version of themselves.

Dr. Lynch has been recognized as one of the top five in his profession nationwide. He has worked with teams, coaches, and athletes in the NBA, Pro Lacrosse, Major League Soccer, and with men's and women's basketball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, golf, and other sports at the universities of North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, California, Syracuse, Stanford, Harvard, and Middlebury. He is the author of 18 books in over 10 languages and the founder and director of WAY OF CHAMPIONS, a human potential and performance consulting group helping others master the deeper inner game for sports, business, and life. Jerry is a dynamic, entertaining, inspirational, provocative, and humorous teacher and speaker with topics on leadership, coaching, team culture building, winning the relationship game, and core value development.

His profound insights into the inner workings of the human mind and the dynamics of excellence have propelled countless individuals to overcome obstacles, harness their strengths, and achieve unparalleled success.

With a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and compassion, Dr. Jerry Lynch has become a trusted mentor and guide, empowering individuals to cultivate resilience, embrace authenticity, and tap into their innate capabilities. His work continues to inspire and elevate the lives of those who seek to reach new heights of achievement and fulfillment.

• Insights of Dr. Lynch's new book "Lead with Love" and Ed Molitor's opening story in chapter one
• Why self-love is foundational in leading others
• Why love is the missing piece in most leadership playbooks
• How to navigate resistance to emotional leadership in competitive cultures
• How love sustains performance in high-pressure, high-volatility environments
• The story of Dr. Lynch's fire-chief father and the 90-minute lesson that shaped his life
• How legendary coaches like John Wooden, Phil Jackson, and Steve Kerr used love-driven leadership to build dynasties

• Website: www.wayofchampions.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jerry-lynch-www-wayofchampions-com-13aa149/
• Dr. Lynch's Books: https://www.wayofchampions.com/products
• Listen to more of Dr. Lynch on The Athletics of Business Podcast:
  • Episode 195: The Champion Sports Parent, with Dr. Jerry Lynch & John O'Sullivan
  • Episode 179: The Mindful Coach, with Dr. Jerry Lynch
  • Episode 176: The Champion Teammate, with John O'Sullivan & Dr. Jerry Lynch

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/
• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor sits down with Liz Wiseman, celebrated leadership researcher, bestselling author of Multipliers, Rookie Smarts, and Impact Players, and CEO of The Wiseman Group. Liz shares transformative insights from her research on leadership effectiveness, accidental diminishing, and how to unlock the full intelligence and potential of teams.

She opens up about her early career at Oracle, her rookie mindset, and how feeling like an underdog led to a lifelong pursuit of discovering what truly makes great leaders. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead by amplifying others.

Our Guest

Liz is the author of New York Times bestseller Multipliers and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Rookie Smarts and Impact Players. She is a researcher and executive advisor, who teaches leadership to executives around the world, and the CEO of The Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, California.

Liz is a former executive at Oracle Corporation, where she worked as the Vice President of Oracle University and as the Global Leader for Human Resource Development. She is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University and Stanford University. Liz has received the top achievement award for leadership from Thinkers50 and has consistently been named one of the world's top 50 management thinkers.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between Multipliers and Diminishers and how both show up in everyday leadership

• Why accidental diminishing is more common (and dangerous) than you think

• Why sharing your own diminishing tendencies with your team builds trust

• The five disciplines of Multipliers and how to practice each one with intention

• The link between psychological safety and high expectations (safety + stretch)

• How to create debate-driven decision-making that builds buy-in and clarity

• What leaders get wrong about "helping" and how to avoid over-functioning

• How Liz sees empathy, evidence, and honesty as vital to coaching and culture

• The surprising lesson Liz learned leading a third-grade book discussion

• How Liz's early career at Oracle shaped her view on vulnerability, rookie smarts, and reaching out

Liz Wiseman

• Website: https://thewisemangroup.com/who-we-are/our-team/liz-wiseman/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwiseman

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bylizwiseman/?hl=en

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/LizWiseman

• Amazon (Books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00369WNUW

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Liz Wiseman

• [00:02:55] Liz's unexpected path into leadership and why "being just smart enough" mattered

• [00:05:04] From Oracle's hiring model to discovering how smart leaders can shut down talent

• [00:08:49] Building Oracle University, sweatshirts, Latin mantras, and global rollout

• [00:13:08] Why vulnerability wasn't a buzzword, but honesty was everything

• [00:16:34] Learning to let others take the big shots

• [00:17:21] The 5 disciplines of Multipliers and why they're simple but powerful

• [00:20:11] Creating intensity, not tension as a Liberator

• [00:24:07] The accidental diminisher: over-helping, over-optimism, and over-energy

• [00:28:56] The safety + stretch equation: why people thrive when both are present

• [00:31:22] Leading powerful debates on how to ask for evidence and invite everyone in

• [00:38:33] What Liz learned from teaching 3rd graders to defend Jack and the Beanstalk

• [00:42:20] Why micromanaging limits performance and how Investors flip the script

• [00:47:16] What it means to give someone "51% of the vote and 100% of the accountability"

• [00:50:22] Being a diminisher to one person and a multiplier to another how it happens

• [00:54:46] The fastest way to change your leadership? Stop doing it in secret

In this milestone episode, former NFL player, acclaimed playwright, and high-performance coach Bo Eason returns to The Athletics of Business podcast to share his insights on the power of personal storytelling and how it can shape leadership, influence, and success. Bo takes us on a journey through his transition from professional sports to Broadway and beyond, discussing how vulnerability, preparation, and relentless commitment define the best in any field.

Bo and host Ed Molitor break down why storytelling is the ultimate tool for building trust, inspiring action, and creating meaningful connections in business, sports, and life. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or an athlete, this episode provides actionable strategies to harness your own story and unlock your potential.

Our Guest

Bo Eason started his career in the NFL as a top pick for the Houston Oilers. Continuing on with the San Francisco 49ers, during his 5-year career Bo competed beside and against some of the greatest players of his generation.

In 2001, Bo wrote and starred in his one-man play, Runt of the Litter, which he performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it, "One of the most powerful plays in the last decade." Bo toured with the play in over 50 cities and it is now being adapted as a major motion picture.

Now in his third act, he speaks to and trains some of the most successful people in the world—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, C-suite execs—on how to communicate for maximum impact and success. He has consulted for clients like Advisors Excel, Morgan Stanley, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Mass Mutual, Guardian, and Merrill Lynch.

His book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, hit the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today bestseller lists.

Bo's training programs on leveraging the power of personal story have transformed the way experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate.

• How personal storytelling builds trust, influence, and meaningful connections

• The role of resilience and endurance in achieving long-term success

• Insights into transitioning from professional sports to business and leadership

• Strategies for using vulnerability to foster authenticity and engagement

• The importance of preparation, practice, and repetition in mastering any skill

• How to push yourself beyond comfort zones to develop a winning mindset

• The parallels between leadership in sports, business, and personal growth

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

Bo Eason

TAKE ACTION:

1. Start capturing your personal story by downloading Bo's FREE Story Guide. Text GUIDE to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/guide

1. For those of you who want to jump right in and train with Bo in-person, register for his signature three-day Personal Story Power Event. Text EVENT to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/powerevent

Connect with Bo and learn more:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boeasonofficial/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeason21/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrboeason

• Website: http://BoEason.com

• Book: https://boeasonbook.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boeasonofficial

• [00:00:01] Introduction to Episode 200 & Guest Bo Eason

• [00:01:03] Bo's Journey: From the NFL to Broadway to Business Coaching

• [00:04:24] The Impact of Storytelling on Leadership & Influence

• [00:10:15] Why the Best Leaders and Athletes Have a History of Rejection

• [00:17:00] Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower

• [00:23:33] The Role of Preparation & Rehearsal in Mastery

• [00:30:45] The Connection Between Athletics, Business, and Personal Growth

• [00:38:10] Building Resilience: How to Endure, Adapt, and Thrive

• [00:44:25] How to Tell Your Story for Maximum Impact

• [00:50:14] Final Takeaways & How to Connect with Bo

Drew Storen is a former Major League Baseball veteran of 8 seasons. Storen was drafted out of Stanford University by the Washington Nationals in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2010 and quickly became a key figure in their bullpen, serving as their closer for several seasons.

Storen played for several teams during his career, including the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. Storen retired from professional baseball after the 2020 season.

After his baseball career, Drew Storen founded the Field of Dreams Whiskey Company, a brand that distills the actual corn from the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. The company focuses on connecting whiskey and baseball lovers alike through nostalgia and premium bourbon.

• How Drew's bullpen mindset helped him thrive as an entrepreneur
• The story behind Field of Dreams Whiskey and how it came to life
• Why asking questions and learning from others is a competitive advantage
• How delayed gratification shows up in business vs. baseball
• The role of design, storytelling, and nostalgia in building a premium brand
• Why being coachable and resilient translates across industries
• How to trust your gut and make decisions under pressure
• The power of authenticity, humor, and creativity in leadership

• Website: https://drinkfieldofdreams.com/
• LinkedIn: Drew Storen
• Instagram: @drinkfieldofdreams

Check out this PLAYER SERIES BOTTLE LOOKUP and look for your player!

• LinkedIn: Ed Molitor
• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

Click here to learn More about the 2025 Coaching Effect Summit