Today’s guest is Donna Barton Brothers, the COO of Starlight Racing. She also just happens to be one of the most decorated female jockeys in the horse industry and the leading on-track television broadcaster for NBC. If you watch the Kentucky Derby, she’s the reporter at the winner’s circle, riding her horse backward as she talks to the winning jockey in the moments after the race. Now that takes some talent! But that’s not the only thing that makes Donna remarkable. She is full of insight into what it takes to win. And as you’ll hear in this conversation, there are so many parallels between how jockeys get the most out of their horses and how we as leaders can get the most out of our teams.  You’ll also learn: The importance of understanding your own unique gifts and niche skills Why you can be an influential leader even if you don’t have a large team What elite race horses can teach us about leading teams to victory An indispensable piece of advice for anyone who speaks to the media

Here is part two of my conversation with Fred Ridley, Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to part one yet, stop and do that first. It’s not easy to preserve the incredible tradition of a place like Augusta National while also making sure you’re moving into the future with new ideas. That tension between tradition and new ideas is something we can probably all relate to. But Fred is surrounded by an incredible team that he genuinely loves being around and learning from. And that’s at the heart of how he leads: he puts people before processes.  His team members come first, because they’re the ones who are going to make the experience for patrons and players and guests the legendary experience Augusta is known for. They also have the ideas that are going to pave the way forward. Fred shares a lot of strategies for how we, too, can put people before processes. You’ll also learn: The key mentality you need to preserve an organization’s tradition while also blazing new trails Practical tips to speak to the press (or anyone who asks you tough questions) A surprising way to develop your organization’s core values – and why it’s so much more effective than the traditional method  One small thing you can do at the start of every meeting that will boost team morale

Today’s guest is Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, and the man behind the Masters. Fred has so much love and respect for the game of golf, and he’s quite a player himself – he won the 1975 US Amateur and competed in a few Masters tournaments. But after a successful career as a commercial lawyer and overseeing the Masters Championship Committee for ten years, Fred took over as Chairman in 2017. It’s never easy to step into a high-profile role, especially when it comes with the responsibility of a legendary brand and event like the Masters. But he’s up for the challenge, leading with a smart eye for detail and a big heart for people. And he’s shaping an incredible vision for the future of Augusta National while upholding the history and tradition that makes it so special. You’re going to learn so much about how he balances those two things – and how every decision he makes is really all about the people around him, not just the processes of the organization.  In part one of this two-part conversation, you’ll learn:  The mentality that helped Fred become the surprise champion of the 1975 US Amateur What Fred learned about leadership after a controversial ruling involving Tiger Woods The inspiring story behind launching the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (and how it can inspire you to launch a new initiative) One key trait of any worthwhile community involvement effort

Today’s guest is Kara Goldin, the CEO and Founder of Hint Water, which is the leading brand for unsweetened flavored water.  It may surprise you to learn that Kara founded this company having no experience at all in the beverage industry.  It all started when she wanted to swap her diet soda for water, but she found drinking plain water too boring. So she created a whole new product category that’s disrupted the beverage industry and helped a lot of people live healthier lives. For Kara, her lack of experience in the industry was just an obstacle she needed to tackle, nothing more. If there’s something she’s afraid of or unfamiliar with, she just takes it head on.  She sees fears and obstacles as opportunities to grow – and sure enough, that’s just what they become. It’s the kind of perspective all leaders need, and you are going to get a ton out of this conversation – including the inside scoop on how Kara got a KILLER deal on SuperBowl airtime!  You’ll also learn: What to do if you have a great idea – but not much experience in a certain space One important thing to keep in mind if you want to motivate your team around a mission What to remember the next time a door slams in your face How to get a bargain on a SuperBowl ad (and whether or not the ad worked!)

Today’s guest is Jesse Cole, the Founder of Fans First Entertainment & Owner of Savannah Bananas. He’s the one-of-a-kind innovator behind the incredible (and unlikely) popularity of this small Coastal Plain League baseball team. That’s because the sell-out crowds at a Savannah Bananas game aren’t really there for the baseball. They’re there for the dancing grandmas and conga lines and – get this – the underwear salute! Now, there’s a phrase you never saw coming on a leadership podcast!   But this is all a part of Jesse’s plan. He knows how to stand out and get attention – and even better, he does it all because he truly loves fans and customers. If you want your business to stand out, this conversation is going to be an absolute game changer for you.  You’ll also learn: One simple exercise to help you disrupt a category A question you can ask to get more attention for your product or service How to get inside the head of your customer so you can serve them better Two ways you can bring your core values to life for your staff and customers

Today’s guest is Joey Zwillinger, Co-Founder of Allbirds, the world’s most comfortable shoe according to Time Magazine. His company is growing by leaps and bounds, and they’ve pioneered a truly sustainable shoe that people really love. But all of it almost never happened. Fortunately, a few years ago, Joey had the courage to ask himself one really powerful question. And when he did, he got a healthy sense of urgency that NOW was the time to start a company that could make a significant impact on the problems surrounding climate change. That healthy sense of urgency is something we can all use, even in our day-to-day lives, to help us figure out what we really want to focus on. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Joey tapped into it for himself, his team, and his company. Plus, you’ll get great insights on making business more sustainable, marketing your products’ differentiators, and lots more. You’ll also learn: How to leverage the power of mentorship, both for corporate leaders and entrepreneurs Tips for navigating business decisions while still upholding your most important values A practical strategy you can use the next time you face a sticky problem A dangerous mindset you have to weed out, especially in successful companies

Today’s guest is Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera. Have you ever been absolutely overwhelmed by a challenge? Maybe it was a crisis … or a huge turnaround effort … or just a really complex problem you had to fix? Those are the moments that define us as leaders. And Niren Chaudhary can teach us so much about how to turn those challenging moments into defining wins. When he took over at Panera in 2019, Niren had an uphill challenge to revitalize a fading brand. He made some big shifts and got the company back on track … And then – wham – the COVID crisis hit and they lost 50% of their business in a week.  Talk about big challenges! In those moments, Niren says, we have “begin with the end in mind.” What does reality look once we get through that challenge? That big vision gives our teams the hope, optimism, and clarity they need to move through it.  When it comes to tough situations, few people have more wisdom than Niren. This episode will inspire you to tackle your next big challenge. You’ll also learn: A priceless blueprint for any leader tasked with a big revamp Four key insights for building a business in a post-COVID world The game-changing mindset you can use when you feel overwhelmed How to communicate a big idea so people actually remember it

Today, you’ll see that business wisdom and leadership insight can come from ANY age – because our guest for this episode is 15-year-old Mikaila Ulmer, the Founder and CEO of Me and the Bees Lemonade. Mikaila turned the lemonade stand she started as a four-year-old into a nationally distributed brand that has sold 2 million bottles of honey lemonade and is backed by Shark Tank investor Daymond John. She is a fearless leader with a big heart who is wise beyond her years. And you are going to see your big ideas and dreams in a whole new way after you listen to this conversation. You’ll also learn: One incredible idea you can use to inspire your team at the start of each meeting Why telling the story of your product or service is so vital Two big takeaways from Shark Tank investor Daymond John The #1 ingredient (no pun intended) to succeeding in sales Advice for parents whose kids have an entrepreneurial idea

Today’s guest is Marvin Ellison, CEO of Lowe’s. Have you ever taken over in a position after the previous person left under bad circumstances?  If you have, then you know – those are some of the toughest situations to walk into. Marvin is amazing for a lot of reasons … but check this out: in EVERY new role during his 25-year career, he has taken over for someone who’s been fired or forced out. Now, that is a man who is not afraid of a tough assignment!  Marvin was born as the son of sharecroppers and got his start as an hourly retail worker. He has risen through the ranks over the years with a ton of courage, taking the jobs other people didn’t want because he knew it was how he could prove his abilities. Marvin is also one of the few Black Fortune 500 CEOs in our country, and it’s an honor to have him here to teach us that incredible things can happen when we are brave enough to tackle the tough assignments. You’ll also learn: A valuable point of view if you ever find yourself working for a competitor One practical way you can avoid the leadership bubble and ensure you actually hear directly from your front line team members A priceless piece of wisdom for what to do when you don’t feel like you fit into your work culture One surprising element of work-life balance that doesn’t get talked about a lot

Today’s guest is Lauren Hobart, President & CEO of Dick's Sporting Goods. If you look at any job description for a leadership role, the one thing that’s ALWAYS going to be listed there is … drumroll, please … excellent communication skills. In fact, we talk about communication skills in leadership so often that it’s easy to forget what it actually means to communicate well. Today’s conversation with Lauren is the perfect reminder of what great communicators do.  It’s not just about being well spoken – although Lauren certainly is. It’s more than that.  Lauren sees communication as a way to connect with people. It’s a huge reason she has been tapped to take the reins at Dick’s Sporting Goods, making her one of only 41 women CEOs leading a Fortune 500 Company. This conversation is a masterclass in great communication – how you can relate better to your direct reports, address conflict, get your vision across, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to learn how to communicate by making a connection. You’ll also learn: One super practical strategy to use with your direct reports if you don’t already  Tips for navigating disagreements with a colleague you really respect What to do (and not do) when you’ve got a toxic person on the team Why giving your team clear objectives isn’t enough (plus what you need to add)

Today’s guest is General Ray Odierno, the former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army – which is the top job in the Army. He retired in 2015 as a four-star general and now works in the private sector, consulting on minor little subjects like country risk and cybersecurity Now it’s one thing to talk about trusting a leader in a workplace setting. But trusting a leader in the military goes up a whole other level, where the stakes can literally be life and death.  After 39 years of military service, through three tours in Iraq, Ray is absolutely a leader people trust – and he knows how to help others become trustworthy leaders, too.  He believes there are three key qualities, and we dig into each one in this incredible conversation. You’ll also learn: One practical tip to become a better speaker, especially if public speaking doesn’t come naturally to you What one Army study said made a leader “toxic” (and it probably isn’t what you think) How to spot a team who is thriving under their current leadership What leaders can do to balance immediate needs with long-term strategies

Today’s guest is Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks. Do you ever feel like your organization is incredibly complex? Like it takes forever to get anything done? It’s a pretty common issue, especially if you lead in a big or fast-growing organization. Now, obviously, Starbucks is a massive company. They operate in 82 countries with 383,000 employees. But they’re still able to innovate and adapt quickly. In fact, they embrace the mantra that they can go from idea to action in 100 days.  This works because Kevin uses something called distributed leadership – where employees are empowered to make decisions themselves but also given common values and strategies to guide them. Kevin tells us how we can use the same principles to stop getting bogged down and instead unleash some really great energy and innovation in our own organizations.  You’ll also learn: The unforgettable image that influences every decision Kevin makes Two key components of building trust in relationships – and how to incorporate them at work How to transition a business from founder-led to founder-inspired Why empowering your employees isn’t enough (and what you need to add to it) The 3 things you cannot afford NOT to do in a crisis

Today’s guest is Madeline Bell, President & CEO of the world-renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Now you’ve probably heard how important it is for leaders to “walk the talk” – for our actions to sync up with our words. After all, our people are only listening to us some of the time. But they are watching us all the time. What’s our tone? Our body language? Do we listen? Do we take time off?  That kind of visibility can be a lot of pressure. But it’s also a huge opportunity to model the behaviors we want to see more of from our team. And a lot of us miss that opportunity. But Madeline doesn’t! She knows how powerful her own behavior is for setting the tone at her hospital. She recognizes people watch her – and that visibility is an opportunity for her to shape a stronger culture. And it has helped guide her team through a global pandemic – despite staff exhaustion, financial strain, and rapidly shifting information. And she’s still been a champion for the incredible medical innovation the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is known for. So let’s dive in and see how she does it – and how we can also build stronger teams simply by modeling the right behaviors for them. You’ll also learn: How to get comfortable saying “I don’t know” – while still offering reassurance The key to finding the silver linings in a crisis or tough situation An incredibly practical strategy to help your team bounce back after a big disappointment Advice for anyone who struggles with the dreaded “imposter syndrome”

Today’s guest is Lindsey Johnson, Cofounder and CEO of Weezie Towels. She and her co-founder Liz Eicholz are long-time friends who joined forces to build something really special. At Weezie, they have made a unique product people love. They’ve created differentiators no one else has. They’ve wrapped it all up in fun, thoughtful branding. They’re making a splash everywhere from Forbes to Southern Living. And it all started because Lindsey and her cofounder were really passionate about this problem of bad towels that were either not absorbent enough or not soft enough. But they took that passion and added substance. Lindsey got a little obsessed with it – in a good way. She dove deep into the technical details of her category. As a result they have developed incredible product innovations that nobody else can rival.  It’s amazing what can happen when a leader has big-picture passion about a problem, and then jumps into the tiny specific details of that problem. And hearing from Lindsey is a great way to learn for yourself how to pair passion with substance. You’ll also learn: An encouraging consumer insight for anyone who works in ecommerce Practical wisdom for working with a friend A unique way to look at balancing growth and profitability Why you shouldn’t overlook your press strategy  How to adapt your management style to draw out the best from different people

Today’s guest is John Calipari, head basketball coach at the University of Kentucky. Yes, the legendary Coach Cal!  I gotta tell you, if you’re listening to this podcast first thing in the morning, you can just skip the coffee. Coach Cal will get you fired up with just his passion and energy alone.  But you know, there’s something even more powerful behind that enthusiasm – and that’s how much Coach Cal cares for his players.  He is always pushing his guys to improve. He knows how to relate to each guy to draw out their best. He is a master at framing up a big goal, and you can see, in every decision, he is putting his players and their families first.  It’s the foundation of every season, and it comes before the tactics and strategies. It’s a huge reason his teams continually do well, and it’s placed Coach Cal in the pantheon of college coaching legends. When we truly care about our people – and they know that we truly care – good things happen.  You’ll also learn: How to take risks to improve even when things are working (fun note: it involves the story of the dribble-drive offense) Secrets of his legendary recruiting skills His process for helping tap into each player’s individual strengths The power of setting one big single goal (and why other good results tend to follow when you do) The one defining trait of leadership he strives to teach his players

Today’s guest is Jack Nicklaus, who is widely regarded as the best golfer to ever play the game. He hardly needs an introduction! He won 117 professional tournaments over his 44 year career, including six Masters, five PGA championships, four U.S. Open titles, and three British Open titles.  But his legendary status doesn’t stop with his playing career. He’s gone on to design world renowned courses and build a fantastic brand. He and his wife Barbara have done a tremendous amount of philanthropic work for children’s health. And he’s kept a humble attitude through it all. There are about a zillion things Jack can teach us about leadership.  But one big takeaway for us is how he is just as eager to learn from his wins as he is from his losses. Now, we all know – failure is a great teacher! But success can be, too. When we have a winning moment, we don’t want to just high five each other and move on. It’s important to understand why it worked so we can do more of it! And you’re about to learn how. You’ll also learn: What you need to understand about yourself in order to come through adversity The “secret ingredient” to being more consistently excellent How visualization can give you a competitive edge at work (not just on the course) Practical advice for working with your family

Today’s guest is Dave Cote, former CEO of Honeywell. Dave led an incredible turnaround at Honeywell. When he took charge in 2002, the company was in dire straits. Dave was in charge for 16 years, and in that time, Honeywell's market cap grew from $20 billion to a whopping $120 billion.  And at every point along the way, Dave fought the misconception that leaders have to choose between two seemingly conflicting things. For example: you can either have short-term results or long-term growth, but not both.  For Dave, you can have both, but it takes a lot of creative thinking. And you’ve got to be able to think for yourself. You can’t fall into the trap of agreeing with the prevailing opinion or what you “should” do. When you listen to Dave, it comes through loud and clear: great leaders know how to think for themselves. And when they do, they get beyond surface-level answers and uncover truly creative win/win solutions.  You’ll also learn: The important mindset you need to lead during tough times (hint: you won’t like it)  A genius way to approach your next meeting if you’re trying to reach a good decision  What the “Any Ninny” theory of leadership is and how to rise above it How to build trust when you’re in an adversarial environment

Today’s guest is Frank Blake, former CEO of The Home Depot. He actually calls himself the “accidental CEO” – and it was a bit of a surprise when he was appointed back in 2007. It’s not every day that a former lawyer for GE finds his way to the top role at a home improvement store. However, his success at The Home Depot has been anything BUT accidental. He made big calls that turned the company around. And one of his biggest strategic moves was to stop relying on opening new stores for growth and instead focus on generating more sales at existing stores. It worked. Sometimes growth, for its own sake, isn’t the right goal. Instead, we want to strive for excellence – getting back to basics and being brilliant at what we do. When we do, growth will follow. In Frank’s words, it’s a “compelling, fascinating, never-ending journey” when we aim for excellence, not just growth. You’ll also learn: What to do if you find yourself unexpectedly in a leadership role The single most important insight you can have about how to communicate to an organization One savvy little trick to get some honest feedback from people who report to you (instead of always just hearing what people think you want to hear) Why “listening to your team” is a lot harder than you think

Today’s guest is Steve Burke, Chairman of NBCUniversal. Since taking over NBCUniversal in 2011, he's almost tripled the profits from around $3 billion to over $8 billion and is leading the fastest growing media company in the world. Before that, Steve was the #2 guy at Comcast alongside Brian Roberts as they acquired NBCUniversal. He’s also led hugely successful efforts at Disney and ABC. He has accomplished SO much. But in every role, Steve just knows how to get the most out of the people around him. It’s how he was able to lead the turnaround at DisneyWorld Paris and how the whole idea of Disney Stores even came to exist! Steve shows us that sometimes, truly breakthrough ideas are already there within your team – and it’s your job as a leader to draw them out.  You’ll also learn: What to look for in great talent, especially if you work in a rapidly changing field The #1 mentality you need to establish in your team members Two things you absolutely must do if you need to make a bold decision How to balance a legacy product with an emerging one

In any organization, there’s always some kind of chaos. It’s just the way of the world. But leaders don’t just face chaos. They’re defined by how they handle it.  And that’s why we’re thrilled to have today’s guest, Mory Fontanez. She's the founder of 822 Group, a consultancy which is helping companies and leaders reconnect with their higher purpose to grow their businesses. Now, if you’re the type who hears that and thinks it sounds a little woo-woo … well … just hang on. Mory actually shares a lot of hard evidence showing that companies and leaders without a higher sense of purpose experience lower productivity, higher turnover, and burnout. But here’s the good news: leaders and companies who actually dig in and connect with a bigger set of values and purpose have a huge advantage. They’re more confident, more clear, and more satisfied at work. And no matter what kind of chaos or crisis they face, they’re ready. So listen in and discover for yourself how you can tame the chaos with a higher purpose.  You’ll also learn: Two incredible benefits to creating a clear company purpose (one is pretty surprising) The #1 mistake companies make when they try to create a list of values How to let go of your need for self-validation, and why it’s crucial for leaders Two practical steps you can use this week to handle conflict at work

Today’s guest is Tim Ryan, US Chair and Senior Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the top accounting and consulting firms in the world.  You don’t get elected to this kind of position if you’re not absolutely at the top of your game. And Tim sure is. He is one of the smartest guys around.  But that does not mean he has all the answers. In fact, in his words, he “drives himself crazy with listening.” He’s always seeking out more data points and drawing out differing perspectives. It’s really at the heart of how they serve their clients and formulate strategy. And that willingness to listen has also empowered him to make some really bold decisions.  Right after he was elected to his role in 2016, there was a tragic, racially charged shooting in Dallas. Tim listened to his employees’ rousing response. And it motivated him to drastically shift his entire leadership strategy to focus on racial injustice.  That’s the big leadership lesson waiting for you today. When you know how to listen to different perspectives, you can make even the toughest decisions from a place that’s informed and empathetic. And that’s definitely the mark of a great leader. You’ll also learn: A practical blueprint for making diversity a real priority at your company The #1 thing to focus on when things feel scary or chaotic at work The 3 big trends every business needs to be dialed into right now What to do when you make a mistake (yes, this is the hard-won wisdom after the infamous Oscars blunder)

Today’s guest is Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. If you haven’t already heard part one of this conversation, check the feed and start there instead. It’s a masterclass in dealing with problems by preparing for them ahead of time. But some problems aren’t possibilities waaaaaay off in the future. They’re right here, right now! And in part two, we get into how Jamie deals with those day-to-day issues. And there’s a real humility in how he does it. He’s always listening and learning. He genuinely wants to know the issues on the ground in his organization. But he doesn’t stop there. He actually follows through so the problems he uncovers get solved. It’s rare to find a leader who is willing to listen to issues. But a leader who follows up and actually fixes those issues? That’s the stuff of legend.  But it doesn’t have to be! You just need a plan. And that’s the big takeaway in this conversation with Jamie: always have a plan to deal with problems. You’ll also learn: Specifics idea for recognizing your team members’ accomplishments Four things young leaders can do if they want to make their mark Why listening to your front lines is half the job – and what you have to do in addition in order to earn your team’s respect One brilliant idea to help you tackle tough conflicts we often tend to avoid Jamie’s unique approach to strategic planning – and why he’s careful about how his company uses it

Today’s guest is Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. He took this job back in 2006 – and it has not been an easy road. He faced the global financial crisis in ‘08, the COVID-19 pandemic, and all its aftermath. It’s just been one thing after another.  But I love the no-nonsense way Jamie approaches leadership in these tough moments. He isn’t surprised by problems. He’s prepared for them. As he puts it, “you don’t have a war and then decide to have an army. You better have the army first.” As leaders, we have to be real and say that problems are going to come up. They might be big or small, short-term or long-term. But one thing’s for sure: they’re going to be there. And we’ve got to be prepared. There’s just so much we can learn from Jamie so we always have a plan to deal with problems. You’ll also learn: Jamie’s source of motivation in tough times – and why it’s critical for team-building  How to listen to both the data and your gut when you’re making big decisions How Jamie’s readjusted his life and work after a major health scare  Specific ways corporations can be more socially responsible The surprising trait you need more of the higher up you get in an organization

Today’s guest is NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier. The man hardly needs an introduction! He’s won the Stanley Cup a whopping six times and is one of the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorers.  He’s a legend of the game. But he’s also widely regarded as one of the best leaders in the game – not just in hockey, but in all of sport.  In this conversation, you’ll get a glimpse into his leadership style and the incredible awareness he has of the people around him.  You don’t have to be a hockey coach to know: you can’t win all those Stanley Cups alone. And Mark’s teams succeeded so often because he was always tuned into his teammates. He knew how they were feeling. What would motivate them. What they needed to hear in a big moment.  He calls it a spidey sense. But it’s the kind of superpower we can actually get better at. And this conversation with Mark is the best way to learn that great leaders stay attuned to their people. You’ll also learn: How to navigate the loss of a top talent (from someone who went through Wayne Gretzy getting traded away from his team) Three specific elements that comprise a winning team The #1 reason teams fail – and how you can prevent it What to say (and what not to say) when you step into a new leadership role

Today’s guest is Larry Merlo, CEO of CVS Health. When Larry took the helm at CVS in 2011, they were doing about 100 billion dollars in revenue. That’s a lot of money. But guess what? Now they’re doing almost 250 billion in revenue. It’s a remarkable amount of growth. But it’s not the most remarkable thing Larry has done. He also made the bold decision to remove tobacco products from CVS stores – even though they accounted for two billion dollars of revenue. The story is incredible. But what’s even more incredible is why Larry and his team made that decision in the first place. It came from a very simple statement of their purpose as a company. Literally eight words. And it changed everything for them. As leaders, we all need to remember that the best vision in the world isn’t worth a thing if it doesn’t stick with people. This conversation with Larry shows us how to communicate our big ideas in simple, compelling terms. That way, our team members can actually connect with it and apply it when they’re making their decisions each day. You’ll also learn: One thing Larry did early in his career that prepared him for the C-suite later on How to know when it’s time to re-evaluate your organization’s vision Why you may want to make it easy for your team members to fail – no, really What to look for in customer feedback to help you identify consumer needs (and it’s probably not what you think)

Listen to the second part of our conversation with Tom Brady, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you haven’t heard the first part yet, find it on the podcast feed – you’re going to want to start there.  In the second half of our conversation, we talk about Tom’s upbringing, which is where his incredible discipline really starts.  Tom also talks in depth about the specific mentality shifts that helped him break through the ranks in college – and this was despite being a pretty dispensable sixth round pick in the draft.  Oh, and apologies to Atlanta fans, but yes, he talks about what was going through his head in that epic Super Bowl game against the Falcons when he and the Patriots were down 28-3 and came back to win it all.  In every story, in every answer, Tom is teaching us a huge leadership lesson: if we want to lead well, we have to back up our goals with disciplined action. It’s not enough to just set a goal or want to succeed. We’ve got to show up and make the choices that will actually result in hitting those goals.  That’s the kind of walk-the-walk leadership that people actually follow.  You’ll also learn: Tom’s advice to parents for how to talk to their kids The inspiring question Tom asks when things don’t go right The key advice Tom got that helped him move up the ranks even when opportunities were scarce  The #1 ingredient your team needs to navigate day-to-day conflicts as they arise The mentality you need to muster up when you’re down (and what Tom used in the epic Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons) The time Tom got locked in the stadium at Notre Dame and what he had to do to escape

Today’s guest is Tom Brady, the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And if you know anything about Tom Brady, you know he’s incredibly disciplined. His nutrition, his fitness, his training, his prep, his mindset – the guy has an elite level of dedication to being his best. And that hard work is a huge reason why he is the greatest of all time, the GOAT! But here’s what a lot of people miss. And I want to make sure you don’t miss it. What we’re really seeing when we see Tom Brady’s hard work is someone who has said: I am willing to back up my goals with disciplined actions. In the NFL and in business, everybody wants to win. But not everybody is willing to work hard in order to win. Tom is. His actions prove just how committed he is. He walks the walk, day in and day out, both off the field and on it. It sets him apart as a leader.  And it’s the big takeaway for you today: as a leader, do you back up your goals with disciplined action?  You’ll also learn: What you can do to change or capitalize on momentum How you establish yourself as a leader in a new environment Why Tom performs at a high level in tough situations (you may not like the answer, but it’s so good!) Tom’s #1 piece of advice for when you don’t feel 100% confident in a situation All the details of Tiger Wood’s mind-blowing warm-up shots before their charity golf match

Today’s guest is Indra Nooyi, the former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Indra is an incredibly accomplished leader. In her twelve years in charge at PepsiCo, she navigated all kinds of challenges – a global recession, major restructuring, sweeping changes in consumer habits. And yet, in those same twelve years, PepsiCo sales had risen by 80%. That kind of leadership is impressive. But what’s even more impressive is how Indra does it – by looking for ways to elevate others and build them up. She intentionally carves out opportunities for the people she serves.  And this isn’t just pie in the sky stuff. It’s practical. In this episode, Indra goes into detail about PepsiCo’s leadership development and retention strategies. She talks about increasing diversity and calling out bias. And she shares her own story as a woman of color and immigrant from India.  Great leaders intentionally elevate the people they serve. And that’s the big leadership lesson waiting for you in this episode today.  You’ll also learn: Creative ways to celebrate your team (including one you HAVE to try) Specific strategies to boost diversity and inclusion How to stick to a vision, even when the naysayers are (very!) loud The one mistake you should never make when communicating during a crisis How to call out workplace bias The single biggest thing consultants can do to add value The six paragraphs Indra reads every week to stay inspired What it’s like working with Jeff Bezos as a board member for Amazon

Today’s guest is Bobbi Brown, Founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics & CEO of Beauty Evolution.  She is an absolute creative genius. Not just in makeup. In her whole life! When Bobbi comes up against a problem, she approaches it in the most wonderful and nontraditional ways.  And it works! She basically reinvented makeup in the 80s. She built a billion dollar brand. Today, she’s leading a successful wellness brand called Beauty Evolution. And she’s doing it all by the beat of her own drum. But she’s not doing it alone. Along the way, she has found some incredible partners – people whose skill sets go hand in hand with her creativity. And they’re accomplishing these big goals together. As leaders, we all have unique gifts. But we need the right people alongside us to counterbalance those gifts. To fill in the gaps. To see into our blind spots. And help us do more than we ever could alone. Thanks to Bobbi, you’re about to learn that wonderful things happen when we surround ourselves with the right partners. You’ll also learn: The two biggest qualities you need to have as an entrepreneur  Practical advice for connecting with creative people on your team What traits you need to tap into in order to become a more impactful teacher How to lean into being yourself and knowing yourself – and why it’s crucial for leaders

Today’s guest is Ajay Banga, CEO of Mastercard. Ajay is one of the most respected leaders in the world, and he’s a classic example of that old adage, “When you do the right thing, the right things happen.” In fact, that idea of doing the right thing is so core to his leadership style that he coined a term for it – he calls it the “decency quotient.” As a leader it’s not enough to have a good IQ and EQ. We’ve got to be decent, too – to treat others with fairness, and support, and respect. In Ajay’s words, it’s “having your hand on people’s backs, not in their faces.”  And it’s not just a fluffy feel good thing. This idea of decency really drives growth.  It’s empowering his employees with trust and accountability. It’s ensuring that there is diversity around the decision table in order to guard against blind spots. And it’s helping his team find ways to make the economy more inclusive while still delivering on business goals.  At every turn, Ajay shows us that great leaders are guided by decency. You’ll also learn: How to uncover ideas that benefit both your business and society at large  The #1 thing you need to get right as a leader  The critical mindset you need about your competition, whether you’re ahead or behind What you need to foster innovation (hint: it’s probably not what you expect) Why empowerment and accountability go hand in hand Hard-won advice for other diverse leaders who face discrimination

Today’s guest is Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat. You hear a lot of leaders say they want to change the world. But that is literally Ethan’s mission at Beyond Meat. Their company is devoted to getting the same protein as animal meat straight from plants – so they can reduce climate change, improve human health, and help animal welfare. Now that’s an epic mission!  And when you listen to Ethan, you realize just how powerful his sense of purpose is. It’s the driving force behind the incredible product development at Beyond Meat. It’s what influences their marketing and competitive strategy. It’s also a huge piece of their team culture.  That sense of purpose is like the ultimate source of renewable energy!  Now of course, your sense of purpose is going to vary. But great leaders know how to use purpose as motivation when the going gets tough or when they need to reach a big goal.  Nobody does that better than Ethan – and with so much intelligence and humility to boot. So let’s dig in and see how great leaders tap into the power of purpose. You’ll also learn: One common tactic that can actually hold your company back, especially in product development and marketing The surprising mindset that helps you stay relevant in a rapidly shifting world How to encourage the “fail fast” culture on your team Why self-awareness is crucial to your growth as a leader

Today’s guest is Tony Xu, Cofounder and CEO of Doordash.  Getting a nice tasty burrito delivered to your door may seem pretty straightforward.  But when you think about all the moving parts – vendors, drivers, logistics, traffic, weather, technology – there are a lot of places where problems can pop up! Tony and his team love to solve those problems. And they do it by breaking them down to their smallest details, so they really get clear on what’s happening.  At Doordash, Tony is creating a culture of action and ownership – where his people have both the skills AND the attitude they need to really dig into details. To be honest, we leaders sometimes overlook those nitty gritty details. And that can be costly, because we never get the full understanding and clarity we really need to solve the problem. Great leaders have to deal in reality. And sometimes, reality is really detailed. Tony is a great leader who has the curiosity and hard work it takes to break problems down into detailed pieces – and there’s a lot we can learn from him!  You’ll also learn: The #1 strategy you need to solve problems – even the really tough ones Two practical ways you can foster more innovation in your company Three standout behaviors to look for as you hire A golden piece of advice for balancing work with the rest of your life The surprising thing Tony teaches everyone at Doordash (and why)

Today’s guest is Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America. Seth Waugh’s background is actually in finance – most recently, as the CEO of Deutsche Bank. That’s obviously impressive, but what really sets him apart is his unique ability to relate to people at every level of an organization.  And that’s exactly what he did when took over as CEO of the PGA of America. He listened, he learned, and he gave his team members a chance to show their character.  Along the way, he uncovered some tough issues. But he also was able to see for himself how to address them. Now he and his team are really digging into their big mission, which is to grow the game of golf and make it more inclusive and accessible.  Great leaders “get their uniform dirty,” as Seth says, by spending time with all levels of their organization. Seth is a master at this, and you’re gonna be so inspired by this conversation. You’ll also learn: Specific things you need to do in the first six months of any new leadership role What you can do to rebuild trust and communication in an organization  How Seth sees the game of golf evolving for the future  The tough-but-fair policy that Seth uses to hire and develop team members A key caution leaders need to be mindful of as work becomes increasingly virtual

Today’s guest is Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap.  The tech world is driven by innovation. And Snapchat has set the gold standard for getting new ideas to take off, ever since 2011 when Evan Spiegel co-founded the company while he was a student at Stanford.  But there’s a lot more to Snapchat’s success than just having these good ideas. They have created a culture where those ideas can actually develop. They have communicated those ideas to teams and stakeholders. Oh, and most importantly, they have actually turned those ideas into reality. But it hasn’t always been easy – especially back in 2018 when some of those new ideas triggered an 80% drop in stock price and a very public outcry. Now, of course, you may not be out to build Silicon’s Valley’s next big thing. But every leader needs to know how to create a culture where big ideas thrive and become reality. So if you want to understand the secrets of fostering innovation, then you don’t want to miss this episode. You’ll also learn: A fundamental insight about human nature that will change how you think about product development The one thing Evan wished he’d fully understood about going public The #1 piece of advice Evan got early on – and probably what you need to hear today What mistakes to avoid when you’re growing quickly His surprising response to competitors ripping off his company’s products Practical ways Evan grew – and keeps growing – in his leadership role  The one common denominator in all Evan’s biggest past mistakes (and how it helps him now)