The Charismatic Leader

Today, we sit down with Amy Lacey, speaker, and best-selling author, and Founder of Living Be me, to dive deep into her remarkable journey of resilience and grit. From overcoming a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Amy shares powerful insights into mindset shifts, personal growth, and the importance of mentorship, while opening up about her innovative approach to business. We'll also touch on how resilience is often shaped by childhood experiences and how perseverance, mentorship, and time management have played a key role in her success.

Takeaways

• Resilience is often rooted in childhood experiences.
• Mentorship can come from unexpected places.

• Win stacking helps maintain motivation and positivity.

• Treating employees like family fosters loyalty and hard work.
• Personal health challenges can inspire innovative business solutions.
• How testimonials from customers can fuel entrepreneurial passion.

• Forgiveness is a choice you get to make.

• I use AI to maintain authenticity in my emails.

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott to break down 10 game-changing productivity strategies for 2025.

This episode is your WAKE-UP CALL if you start the day with good intentions but end up putting out fires, cringe at your screen time report, find yourself constantly busy but never moving forward, or know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to break through.

There’s a reason some people get more done in less time while others stay stuck in the cycle of overwhelm.

If you’re serious about making 2025 your most productive year yet, this is where it starts.

Takeaways

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott as he takes us on a deep dive into 10 small, deceptively simple actions designed to help you build mental toughness and tackle life’s bigger challenges. From icy cold showers to apologizing for that time you were absolutely not wrong, Brett explores how these discomforts can become the stepping stones to grit and resilience.

And just how leaning into discomfort doesn’t just improve your discipline—it rewires your mindset for personal growth and fulfillment. But don’t worry; this isn’t a “just grind harder” lecture. It’s the wake-up call you’ve probably been avoiding.

So if you’re curious about how sticking to a schedule will change your life or what happens when you finally put your phone down for five minutes, this episode will leave you with answers to the question,

“What’s the key to building grit?”

Today we sit down with Darryll Stinson, former Division One athlete turned keynote speaker and author, to explore the transformative power of vulnerability and self-awareness. 

Darryll shares his journey through mental health struggles, life transitions, and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of emotional clarity, resilience, and authentic storytelling. He dives into why self-care systems are essential for sustainable growth and how leaning into resistance can lead to greatness.

 This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate your own path toward personal and professional transformation.

Takeaways

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott as he dives into the art of quarterly goal setting. Brett breaks down why quarterly goals are a game-changer for creating focus, urgency, and accountability, while helping you adapt and track progress more effectively.

In this episode, you’ll discover actionable strategies like using the SMART framework, prioritizing key goals, and aligning them with your core values. Brett offers a fresh perspective to help you approach your goals with clarity and confidence—making this the perfect episode for anyone looking to reset and refocus.

Takeaways

Today, we sit down with Dr. Emilio Justo, a renowned surgeon, international speaker, and two-time TEDx presenter, to uncover his extraordinary journey from Cuban refugee to a leading medical professional and global thought leader.

Dr. Justo shares how resilience, delayed gratification, and a relentless drive helped him overcome immense challenges, offering insights into how anyone can cultivate these traits to navigate life’s ups and downs. Together, we discuss the power of goal setting, the importance of celebrating small wins, and the necessity of enjoying the journey while pursuing ambitious dreams.

This thought-provoking conversation also explores the hidden costs of instant gratification, the transformative potential of a healthy obsession, and why failures should be embraced as critical steps toward growth. Dr. Justo’s wisdom will inspire you to find balance between ambition and gratitude while building a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Emilio Justo's Inspiring Journey

06:49 The Nature of Resilience and Grit

12:53 Mastering Delayed Gratification

20:05 The Importance of Planning for Success

27:13 The Journey Over the Destination

30:00 The Importance of Planning and Celebrating Small Wins

37:05 The Power of Reflection and Gratitude

39:14 Dopamine and Instant Gratification

47:19 Harnessing Obsession for Success

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