The Growth Project

In Part 2 of The Strength of Gratitude, Drs. Drew Brannon and Katie Nichols dig deeper into how we can actively cultivate a grateful heart and why doing so benefits not just our mindset, but also our most meaningful relationships. With practical insights and relatable examples, they show how practicing gratitude consistently can help us navigate life with greater presence, connection, and purpose.

In Part 1 of our three-part series on gratitude, Drs. Cory Shaffer and Katie Nichols explore the power of gratitude in shaping mindset, resilience, and performance. Dr. Nichols shares the story of Brenda Martinez, an elite American track and field athlete whose Olympic dream was nearly lost after a heartbreaking fall in the 800-meter qualifier. Just days later, Martinez secured a spot on Team USA in the 1500-meter, an achievement fueled by her ability to reframe adversity through gratitude. This episode reveals how gratitude can be a powerful reset in the face of disappointment.

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the timeless concept of servant leadership. Drawing from the work of Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the modern servant leadership movement, they unpack what it truly means to lead through service. The conversation highlights the lasting impact of this leadership style, the personal and organizational benefits it creates, and the common barriers that prevent leaders from putting others first. Whether you're leading a team, a company, or a family, this episode challenges you to rethink how you lead.

In Part 2 of this series on humility, Drs. Drew Brannon and Katie Nichols explore three common obstacles that hinder the development of true humility and why overcoming them is essential for effective leadership and a healthy team culture. They also share practical action steps leaders can take to cultivate humility in themselves and their teams, creating an environment grounded in trust, growth, and mutual respect.

Humility and confidence are often seen as opposites, but what if the two can actually fuel one another? In Part 1 of this series on humility, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer challenge the misconception that being humble means lacking belief in oneself. Using a recent example from the U.S. Open Men's Tennis Final, they explore how humility and confidence not only coexist but also create a powerful foundation for sustained performance and leadership. This episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to compete, and lead, with both strength and grace.

In Part 2 of this series on the habits that set high performers apart, Drs. Katie Nichols and Cory Shaffer dive into the science of habit formation. They break down the key stages of building new habits and explore common reasons why those habits often fail to stick. With practical strategies and real-world examples, they offer guidance on how to create lasting change and build habits that truly make a difference.

In the first part of a two-part series, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the critical role habits play in achieving and sustaining peak performance. They discuss how small, consistent actions, often overlooked, can lead to marginal gains that separate high performers from the rest, especially when raw talent alone is no longer enough. The conversation also includes practical, actionable strategies for building better habits and integrating them into your daily life.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Major League pitcher Michael Roth dive deeper into the concept of mastery—exploring how Michael defined it during his baseball career and how that definition has evolved since stepping away from the game. This episode offers a rare look inside the mindset of a professional athlete, with powerful insights on what it takes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.

In part one of this two-part series, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with former University of South Carolina baseball legend and Major League pitcher Michael Roth. Together, they explore the early roots of Michael's baseball journey, the deeper purpose that fueled his drive, and how he navigated the challenges and transitions on his path to the big leagues. Roth's story offers a compelling look into the mindset and motivation behind a standout career.

In this episode, Drs. Cory Shaffer and Katie Nichols take a deep dive into the concept of mastery—what it is, how to pursue it, and why it matters. They begin by exploring the importance of discovering a sense of calling or purpose, and the risks of pursuing success without deeper meaning. From there, they unpack the critical role of mentorship and the three key phases along the path to mastery: deep observation, skill acquisition, and experimentation. Drawing on powerful quotes and relatable examples, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone striving to grow in their craft, career, or calling.