The Growth Project

For the first part of a three part series, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss Google's Project Aristotle - an internal investigation into what separates the highest performing teams at Google. This research has produced insights into a concept known as psychological safety, which Drew and Cory expand on throughout their discussion, including what it's like to be on a psychologically safe team and the role of coaches and team leaders in developing a psychologically safe environment within their teams and organizations.

Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer for a thought provoking episode as they dive into the often overlooked but essential piece of the high performance equation: recovery. The conversation examines how recovery is an essential component of creating lasting growth, how to identify when you need recovery, what recovery is and is not, and why recovery is vital for everyone, regardless of your occupation. Tune in to learn more about how to improve your recovery to achieve more consistent peak performance.

On July 2, 2018, Belgium defeated Japan in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup. Despite the heartbreak of a last-minute loss, a photo soon surfaced that captured global attention — a spotless Japanese locker room, carefully cleaned by the players before they left. It was a powerful reminder that character shows up most clearly in moments of adversity.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Cory Shaffer reflect on this moment and explore what it means to live and lead with integrity. They discuss how individuals, teams, and organizations can pursue excellence by being guided by standards and values rather than emotions or circumstances. Topics include being a principle-driven person, staying present in challenging moments, living out your core values, and taking ownership of your actions.

Whether you're leading a team, developing your mindset, or striving for growth in your own life, this conversation offers a compelling framework for building accountability, discipline, and lasting character.

In this exciting episode of the Growth Project, Dr. Cory Shaffer speaks with author and strategist Ryan Holiday. Their conversation explores Ryan's path to success, from dropping out of college to becoming the director of marketing at American Apparel, to writing best selling books, including The Obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy. Holiday highlights the impact of being mentored by Robert Greene, the significance of process and routine, and the key principles of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that has greatly influenced his personal and professional life.

Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer as they reflect on their experiences at The Masters. The conversation dives into their lessons learned as mental coaches with golfers at the PGA's most prestigious tournament. Topics discussed include how to be fully present, what goes into quality preparation, how to set proper goals, and how to manage energy and distractions. Tune in for a behind the scenes look into the preparation and mindset of high performers at one of the most anticipated sporting events of each year.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss the importance of reflection and living in the moment. They discuss how self-evaluation is an important part of the process to create growth in the workplace, field, or at home. Drew personally reflects on the highlights of his recent 75 mile relay race from Asheville to Greenville and the key lessons he learned during and beyond the race.

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer discuss the hallmark characteristics and differences between a growth and a fixed mindset and how these principles have shaped their outlooks and perspectives on learning and development. The touch on how these mindsets are reinforced and developed over time, how failure can be a catalyst for change, and how those with a growth mindset tend to experience more joy along the journey to "success."

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Cory Shaffer discuss goal setting. Each new year, many people look to set New Year's Resolutions. Unfortunately, many resolutions will be forgotten or abandoned by February due to a variety of reasons: a lack of awareness as to why they are striving for a particular resolution, not taking the right kind of action for effective growth, or a lack of accountability or support system. Listen in as Milt and Cory discuss various topics on goal setting, including: the process of creating growth that lasts, S.M.A.R.T. goals, taking a process-oriented approach, and the difference between goals and expectations. We hope you enjoy and Happy New Year!

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Monte Lee, Head Baseball Coach at Clemson University, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and purpose. Coach Lee shares how his passion for coaching began in childhood, how he defines success through helping others grow from failure, and how his South Carolina roots and trusted mentors have shaped his approach. Packed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to lead, teach, or grow—on or off the field.

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Scott Wigginton, President of Greyrock Accounting, for a candid conversation on leadership, service, and the true meaning of success. Scott shares how he defines success beyond the bottom line, how he cultivates a thriving culture at Greyrock, and why putting people first is key to lasting impact.