Americans today encounter up to 10,000 advertisements per day. With limitless information and endless options for distractions at our fingertips, many people experience the negative effects of information overload. Especially for entrepreneurs, too much information can lead to procrastination, decision fatigue, analysis paralysis, and burnout. Since the world will only keep expanding, it is important for business owners to learn coping skills that help them focus in a world where everyone is vying for attention. Adam suggests three tools to assist entrepreneurs in this opportunity for growth:Prioritize the things that need your immediate attention. Think about what actions you can take to grow your business. Then remove anything that may distract you from those tasks. Limit your exposure to irrelevant information. It can be helpful to use apps or other tools for managing your time, setting intentions, and choosing the best sources from which to receive your information.Schedule time to unplug from information and technology. The brain needs time to rest, even during waking hours. Spending time in meditation, nature, engaged in a favorite activity, or being with loved ones resets and refreshes the brain.By being proactive in regards to information input, business leaders take daily, necessary steps to avoid burnout. Building a healthy relationship with our exposure to information is one of the best ways to increase productivity and overall quality of life. Main TopicsInformation overload impacts entrepreneurs (02:45)Consequences of too much information (04:15)“Get your ass to market” (06:40)Overcoming information overload (07:17)Limiting exposure to irrelevant information (10:11)Using research time with intention (15:30)Unplug and allow the brain to rest (16:25)Allowing the subconscious mind to solve problems (18:35)  Episode Linkshttps://www.thesocialdilemma.com Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Former All Pro Linebacker for the Denver Broncos Karl Mecklenburg applies the lessons he learned from football to all areas of life. As an inspirational speaker, author, and podcast host, Karl uses his winning mentality to guide leaders and team members to function as an efficient unit. He helps founders identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their team so that everyone is placed in a position that sets them up for optimal performance. Karl uses his 6 Keys to Success to practice clarity and consistency in personal relationships and business. He sets the example of what it means to live life with the courage to evaluate himself honestly. One of the biggest challenges in overcoming obstacles to success is offering forgiveness for ourselves and others. Once we give ourselves permission to move forward despite perceived failures, we can experience explosive growth as individuals and a team. On and off the field, honesty and dedication help us set goals that are both reasonable and attainable on our path to success. Main TopicsConverting sports principles to all areas of life (02:13)Maintaining leadership in the face of criticism (05:03)The power of positive feedback from leadership (07:50)Working with strengths and weaknesses on a team (11:20)Using vulnerability as a tool for problem solving (13:30)6 keys to success (16:25)Clarity and consistency in setting goals and achieving them with deliberate practice (17:30)  Episode Linkshttps://karlmecklenburg.com Connect with Karl:https://www.facebook.com/KarlMecklenburghttps://twitter.com/KarlMecklenburghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karlmecklenburg/https://www.instagram.com/karlmecklenburg/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Want to fix your business? You've got to fix everything else first! Our lives are interconnected—personal, financial, health, relationships—so in order to experience success in business, you must have success in your life. It starts with building micro routines and wins that turn into macro wins! Build the habits that create successes in your life, and watch your business thrive!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Think positive. Seems simple enough. Best-selling author and speaker Jon Gordon champions the power of positive thinking in his numerous books and leadership training programs. But he wants to be clear; he’s not talking about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses and ignoring reality. He’s referring to the power every individual has to choose resilience and faith in the face of challenges in order to create the life they want.Jon considers himself a naturally negative person, so he’s worked diligently throughout his life to choose positivity and see the potential in each day. Living out the truths he’s teaching is what makes his message so powerful. He trains leaders to work from the roots of their organizations upward, enjoying the fruits of their labor later. In this way, strong leaders seek to serve their employees and clients by choosing to be a source of love rather than fear. Change can trigger a fear response, which might lead to making excuses or jumping ship when things get hard. But Jon teaches that the way leaders view change determines their ability to succeed or fail. Embracing the highs and lows of life and business equally leads to deeper levels of integrity that allow a company to flourish when others fail.  Main TopicsJon’s personal journey to becoming an expert in positivity (02:15)Rewiring the brain to choose positivity  (04:51)Love vs. fear to manifest your dreams (09:11)Relationship to change determines success (14:00)Avoiding pitfalls in leadership (17:40)Jon’s upcoming book The One Truth about oneness vs. separateness (20:00)  Episode Linkshttps://jongordon.com Connect with Jon:https://www.facebook.com/jongordonpagehttps://twitter.com/jongordon11https://www.instagram.com/jongordon11/https://www.youtube.com/jongordonselectsConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Former star pitcher, competitive bull rider, and combat veteran Wylie McGraw lives every day in peak performance mode. By intentionally putting himself in situations that pushed him to his limit, he discovered his superpower: exposing negative beliefs and behaviors that prevent people from tapping into their greatest potential. Now he works with powerful CEOs and business leaders to radically accelerate growth and promote optimal performance.Many people are plagued by their own personal demons created by stress, trauma, and setbacks seen as failures. Instead of facing them head-on and learning to pivot, most give up. Wylie’s approach may seem countercultural in that he challenges people to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. Rather than simply touting this theory as the next self-help hot topic, he expects clients to actually put it into practice by doing the things that scare them the most. This is where real growth occurs. Self mastery demands a willingness and tenacity to show up every day ready to push life to the limits. With discipline and accountability, leaders hone themselves into the best version they can be in order to powerfully impact their relationships and communities. Main TopicsHow Wylie discovered his superpower (02:14)Practicing awareness through stressful situations in combat, baseball, and bull riding (05:20)Excuses for quitting vs. learning to pivot (10:11)Maximizing potential by getting uncomfortable (13:44)Accountability is freedom (17:20)Episode Linkshttps://www.wyliemcgraw.com“Wise Words and Whiskey” podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wise-words-whisky-with-wylie-mcgraw/id1649548407 Connect with Wylie:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5eB02vV_S78ryDCra7BnZwhttps://twitter.com/WylieMcGrawhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wyliemcgraw/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Food is energy and power for your brain and focus to get things done. Get some protein-packed snacks and plug them in between meals. This will power your brain to be more focused and more successful in your day! And, don't forget to hydrate!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

This might surprise you, but the priorities of successful leaders in 2023 aren’t simply increasing revenue and productivity. While these are certainly important goals for any business owner, this year leaders are focusing on building relationships and practicing clear communication. Here are the top trends for feeding the momentum of growth and expansion in the new year.Be Present: In order to retain loyal employees, bosses need to be actively involved in the day-to-day environment. When people feel seen and heard, they are more likely to stay with a company and work with higher levels of productivity. (02:40)Use Video: To enhance virtual correspondence and build a more authentic online presence, utilize visual forms of communication rather than simply using text. (04:55)Create Valuable Content: Offer something of value to those you influence and lead. This builds branding and creates a relationship of reciprocity. When you provide what someone needs, they are more likely to do business with you. (09:55)Use Extreme Clarity: Embrace the power of the word “because.” When leaders take the time to explain their reasoning, employees are more likely to acquiesce to requests or expectations. (12:43)Communicate Regularly: Create a routine of checking in with clients and employees on a consistent basis to invest in relationships and address any issues. (16:00)   Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In the age of artificial intelligence, how can entrepreneurs offer products and services that hold value beyond what a machine is capable of providing? Jon LoDuca believes that going back to the basics of authentic human interaction is the new million-dollar idea. Jon is founder and CEO of PlaybookBuilder, an award-winning knowledge management software that helps leaders and teams capture and share best practices, core process, and story to drive performance, scalability, and sustainability. Wisdom is a company’s best asset, and Jon’s software programs help organizations monetize their intellectual property in a world where humans find themselves competing with AI.With conversation software such as ChatGPT and Google’s LaMDA replacing entire industries like customer service, business owners are doing their best to adapt and grow within new technological and cultural parameters. Current AI software passes the “deity test,” meaning it is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and immortal. This reality demands that entrepreneurs address how AI will relate to their business. To prevent being disintermediated, Jon encourages leaders to come back to their core values that motivated them in the early days of their careers. The best way to offer a unique experience is by boldly preserving human interaction, creating  a sense of intimacy in communication, and offering deep empathy. Entrepreneurs can guarantee their success by playing a trump card that’s outside the wheelhouse for AI: human-to-human interaction. In the near future, it may just become the world’s most valuable commodity.Main TopicsJon’s start in the technology industry in San Francisco (02:00)AI passes the “deity test” and what this means for entrepreneurs (08:20)Jon’s 2017 TedTalk predicted trends in AI that have come to fruition (11:33)Future demands for face-to-face interactions to confirm identity (16:00)Changing definitions of intimacy (19:55)Avoid the Metaverse to prevent being disintermediated (24:00)Two types of business models: wide and deep (30:23)How to compete with AI by emphasizing the human component of business (36:00)Return to original values that focused on building relationships with the client (40:10) Episode Linkshttps://playbookbuilder.com/demo/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEURpISHCpA Connect with Jon:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonloduca/https://twitter.com/jonloducahttps://www.instagram.com/therealjonloduca/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!

Do you ever get to the end of your day, feeling like you accomplished nothing? Adam shares an easy way to focus on productivity, using notecards with ideas and to-dos that you can cross off as you get them done. You'll go home feeling fulfilled and accomplished at the end of your day!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

In part 2 with dynamic speaker and business leadership coach Amanda Gore, she offers heart-centered advice for building impactful relationships in business. In a climate where half the workforce is considering moving to a new job, leaders of organizations seek to make meaningful changes to keep team members on board. Amanda takes the approach of doing her inner work first. She is able to create a culture that values each individual for their unique gifts by first uncovering her authentic self. Once she is able to show up as the most genuine version of herself, she can empower those working with her by acknowledging their gifts and placing them in roles that set them up for success. By connecting human to human, heart to heart, leaders invest in the wellness of their employees and thus receive massive margins of return.  Main TopicsKeep employees happy by creating a human-to-human environment (03:00)What leaders can do to be present and create a culture that nurtures joy (06:20)The value of feelings and authenticity in business (10:28)We are not our stories (13:00)Cultivating presence in every moment by slowing down (14:05)Effects of intentional leadership flow from the top down (17:20)  Episode Linkshttps://amandagore.comConnect with Amanda:https://www.facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/https://twitter.com/amandagore_joyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore/https://www.youtube.com/user/amandagoretvConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

What’s the point of achieving your goals if you’re miserable doing so? With decades of experience helping organizations build dynamic teams centered around authentic communication, Amanda’s personal mission is to remind young, over-achieving entrepreneurs to stop and breathe. Building a business can be overwhelming at times. With burnout rates skyrocketing for both C-Suite and entry-level employees, mental health in the workplace has become a priority for sustainability. According to Amanda, pursuing joy is a lost art that has the potential to counteract feelings of fear and insecurity that stifle productivity.Everyone’s perception is built from stories we’ve created around our life experiences, especially those from early childhood. Negative experiences can create narratives that disrupt our capacity for joy without us even realizing it. Amanda refers to these unconscious beliefs as malware because they essentially infect the computer of our minds. She challenges listeners to first become aware of those stories and then be willing to do the work to rewrite them. By choosing a different reality for ourselves, we can navigate triggering situations with more ease. The best tool for reprogramming our minds is pausing to take a breath. Observe beauty in nature. Slow down so that consciousness can catch up. In a culture that has traditionally valued face-paced productivity, Amanda leads the way with a more peaceful approach. Joy is the new high performance fuel. The best part is, it’s free!  Main TopicsJoy is the new high-performance fuel (02:17)Relaxation leads to higher levels of efficiency (06:25)The stories we tell ourselves influence our behavior (08:47)Stressful situations trigger unconscious beliefs and narratives usually unrelated to the current scenario (12:00)Rewriting the stories with a slower pace of life (14:45)  Episode Linkshttps://amandagore.comConnect with Amanda:https://www.facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/https://twitter.com/amandagore_joyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore/https://www.youtube.com/user/amandagoretvConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

F.O.C.U.S. Follow One Course Until Successful. Focus on what you need to get done and put 100% of your effort into the task at hand!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Despite the challenges for entrepreneurs created by the pandemic, many businesses have experienced explosive growth in the past few years. When organizations rapidly expand, it can be easy for leaders and team members to lose cohesive vision. Successful leaders recognize and utilize their own strengths and empower team members to do the same. Another important role for an executive is making meaningful decisions every day that push the company toward clearly communicated goals. Sometimes that means onboarding an executive assistant or chief of staff to share the responsibilities of leadership. An executive assistant maximizes efficiencies by allowing everyone to work within their strengths, including the founder. In this way, the force multiplier aids the executive in offering descriptive and prescriptive points of action so that everyone is operating at maximum potential. One of the best parts about adding an executive assistant to the leadership team is that it creates accountability to prevent burnout. Adam and Hallie work diligently to be proactive against corporate burnout by building mindfulness and wellness into their daily routine. Leading by example, they encourage team leaders to create a schedule that includes regular check-ins and one-on-one time so that they have a pulse on the community. Another way they prevent burnout is through intentional hiring and onboarding processes. As thriving business leaders, their goal is to find team members who are aligned with the organization’s vision. By working in tandem, they are living examples of how partnership at the top level creates a powerhouse organization that produces high-impact products and services.  Main TopicsThree values of a successful founder and how an executive assistant can leverage those values (03:40)A chief of staff delivers the prescriptive vision and translates that vision across the organization (08:05)A breakdown of the roles of virtual assistant, executive assistant, and chief of staff (09:12)Creating a schedule that allows you to be proactive against burnout (16:17)Importance of emotional intelligence in self and others to prevent burnout (20:30)Practical tools from Adam and Hallie’s book about how founders and force multipliers can work together to grow a business exponentially (24:00)  Episode Linkswww.founderandforcemultiplier.com Connect with Adam and Hallie:https://www.facebook.com/founderforcemultiplierhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/halliewarner/https://www.instagram.com/founderandforcemultiplier/https://www.youtube.com/@founderandforcemultiplierConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Business is all about relationships. It requires give and take, especially when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Much like a bank account, we can evaluate the health of our relationships by tracking both deposits and withdrawals. Good leaders constantly deposit in employees’ and customers’ relational bank accounts so that when it comes time to make a withdrawal, there is enough in the account to sustain the cost. Recognition and appreciation are some of the most powerful tools for making deposits. Gratitude and compassion build trust. When mishaps occur, people need to be able to fall back on positive past experiences in order to offer grace in the current situation. When we are honest about our mistakes, then we can make necessary pivots for getting back on track with clear communication and purposeful redirection. Main TopicsMark’s first “own it” of the year (01:11)Accountability is witnessing, not judging (04:16)Relationships are like bank accounts (07:35)Balancing deposits and withdrawals in business and personal relationships (12:06)What does inflation in relationships look like? (13:25)Call to action- what have you done since the first of the year to make relational deposits? (15:57)Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

People are hungry for personal attention and appreciation. So it's important for you as a leader to intentionally take time to tell people THANK YOU for the hard work they do. Schedule it—no really! Put it on your calendar, and go tell five people this week that you appreciate them. It's the one thing they can't give themselves, so it's up to you!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Every successful entrepreneur asks the question, “How do I differentiate my product or services?” In a world where infinite information is available at the click of a button, it can seem daunting to create something new. In Pat Flynn’s experience, customers will pay for quick and easy access to information that will bring value to their lives. One of the best ways to build customer loyalty and increase retention rates is by monetizing the community as the product.After launching a membership-based community within his company, Pat asked members to complete surveys for his market research. He was shocked by the results. Digital training content received the lowest level of interest. He discovered people valued the networking platform the most. The membership revenue ended up being the first recurring income for his business, shifting his whole profit model. Leaning into a community-centered approach takes the emphasis off those running the business and lets the magic take shape organically. Human connection and experiential learning draws lifetime customers, allowing businesses to draw in more passive income. Main TopicsComing from a place of giving rather than taking in business (01:25)Reciprocity as one of the most powerful aspects of successful businesses (05:35)Pat leans in to the power of community (07:55)The money is in the membership (12:15)Make the value clear for the customer through intentional messaging and positioning (16:54)The product is the community (20:47)  Episode Linkshttps://www.smartpassiveincome.com/all-accessConnect with Pat:https://patflynn.comhttps://twitter.com/patflynnhttps://www.facebook.com/patflynnhttps://www.instagram.com/patflynn/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGk1LitxAZVnqQn0_nt5qxwConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

As a trailblazer and respected leader in the entrepreneurial world, Pat Flynn has spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of running his own businesses. Through trial and error, he discovered powerful tools for helping people expand their business reach and monetize their skills. His company, Smart Passive Income, offers training programs and community support from a vibrant network of international entrepreneurs. He speaks with honesty on his podcasts about how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Transparency in business is one of Pat’s core values. His authenticity attracts a wide range of listeners and learners, and his messages about serving others resonates with the shifting trends in business culture. Anyone can start a podcast, and Pat provides tips and tools for getting started. Using audio/visual media, such as podcasts, creates human connection not found in text. The power of voice allows people to speak from their heart, make an emotional connection, and create loyal listeners who relate to the content. This is just one of the ways Pat uses his influence to encourage the success of others. Working from a community mindset creates a culture of abundance where everyone can claim their piece of the pie.  Main TopicsThe origin story of Pat’s business Smart Passive Income (03:15)Effectiveness in business is about empathy (08:33)The importance of creative play and experimentation (10:35)Anyone can start a podcast (12:10)Tips and recommendations for starting your own podcast (16:18)  Episode Linkshttps://www.smartpassiveincome.com Connect with Pat:https://patflynn.comhttps://twitter.com/patflynnhttps://www.facebook.com/patflynnhttps://www.instagram.com/patflynn/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGk1LitxAZVnqQn0_nt5qxwConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Don't just set goals. If you want to actually accomplish your goals, you have to go a step further and also set the steps, accomplishment benchmarks and the dates to check in on your goals. And don't forget an accountability partner!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

As one of seventeen children growing up in Mississippi, Quintavius “Q” Burdette learned at an early age that nothing was going to be handed to him. He achieved his goals of attending college and playing football for a division one team through sheer will power and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. When other kids from his community went to parties, Q was on the field honing his skills. In college, he stood out to coaches and professors because he prioritized his education over football. During this time, he shifted his perspective. Everything he thought he wanted in a football career actually wasn’t the path for him. So his plan B because plan A. After graduating with an accounting degree, the first in his family to ever do so, he set his eyes on his future goals. Quintavius worked at one of the country’s top accounting firms before setting his sights on real estate. His choice to change careers brought out the naysayers who doubted that his dreams of being a top performer in real estate would ever come true. But Q’s mindset and determination sets him apart from others in his field. He chooses a mindset that uses challenges in the market as fuel for revising his strategy. His adaptive approach to anything life throws his way is one reason why he sold a record-breaking number of houses in his first year as an agent. He embodies the message that we can’t always control what happens around us, but we can control our mindset. Now a staple in his community, Q serves as a role model for children who want to build a better life for themselves despite the difficulties of their environment. Main TopicsQuintavius’ family life as a child and how he developed his unwavering work ethic (02:20)Q achieved his dreams of playing college football despite odds stacked against him (05:32)Q’s example of breaking through walls inspires kids who look up to him (07:53)Q shifts his perspective to prioritize education over football (11:10)Transitioning from accounting to real estate (14:16)Q’s inspiration for succeeding in the real estate market and other areas of business (17:45) Connect with Q:https://www.instagram.com/quintaviusburdette/https://www.facebook.com/quintavius.burdette.3https://twitter.com/QMB_4https://www.linkedin.com/in/quintavius-burdette-a82158181/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Having played for one of the greatest coaches in NFL history as a New England Patriot, Heath Evans knows a little something about strong leadership. Witnessing Bill Belichick’s unwavering humility despite monumental success, Heath learned to apply lessons of selflessness and service in all areas of his life, not just football. But when a scandal destroyed everything Heath had built, he turned to his faith to give him the courage to rebuild.Resiliency in the face of suffering is imperative for success in leadership, whether on the field, at the office, or at home. Through these challenging experiences, Heath now uses decades of leadership training and fitness expertise to coach groups of men seeking optimum performance in every facet of their lives. His program Built Ready is a supportive community for men who want to push themselves physically and spiritually. Together they examine how the Bible defines manhood. Embodying integrity is the foundation on which Heath lives his life and builds his programs, helping others achieve peace, power and purpose.  Main TopicsKey leadership lessons from Heath’s time in the NFL (01:00)Heath’s overwhelm before one of his first games as a Patriot and how his team supported him through it (05:15)Lessons implemented from Heath’s career as an NFL analyst (07:00)Building resilience in leadership after a great fall  (11:40)Development of Built Ready, a community focused on faith and fitness for men (16:09)  Episode Linkshttps://www.builtready.com Connect with Heath Evans:https://twitter.com/heathevans44https://www.facebook.com/HeathEvans44/https://www.instagram.com/heathevans44/?hl=enConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Just as it should be for the holiday season, the whole crew is here! Listeners are invited to the office Christmas party where Adam and his team kick back and have some fun. In this episode, test your Christmas knowledge with a rousing game of trivia and enjoy spontaneous bursts of caroling. Not every day is about gains. Slowing down and enjoying the company of the people in our lives is equally important. Adam and producer Mark express their gratitude for a year of growth and for all the listeners walking the winning journey with them. Main Topics:Start With a Win’s team’s favorite Christmas movies (03:00)Christmas trivia game (07:32)Shout out to our listeners! Gratitude for the year (17:40) Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Don't focus on looking for positive or negative—look for results! You will actually discover more positives when you are looking for results.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Even as a child, Heath Evans knew what his future was going to look like—he believed in his dreams of becoming an NFL player and eventually being on TV. Having fulfilled those dreams, Heath now uses the experiences from his decade-long career in the NFL, the lessons taught by his parents, and his faith in God to coach men on mastering their manhood from a Biblical perspective.As the son of a marine, Heath learned early on that believing in his dreams would only take him so far. To make them a reality, he had to work hard every day toward his goals. He learned to continually raise the bar on his own definition of excellence. When NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick told him with brutal honesty that he needed to create his own position with the New England Patriots or be dropped from the team, Heath accepted the challenge. Instead of dissolving into a victim mindset, he prioritized the needs of his team over his own. He worked hard to improve his skill set, thus earning his place alongside some of the greatest athletes in the game. Main TopicsHeath’s journey to his career in the NFL (03:06)Battling fear and self doubt (06:30)How Coach Bill Belichick helped shape Heath’s success as a player (09:30)Advice for those who receive tough feedback (13:45)Facing honest reflection with courage (17:20)Enterprise leadership: putting the business first (20:07) Episode Links:https://www.builtready.comConnect with Heath:https://twitter.com/heathevans44https://www.facebook.com/HeathEvans44/https://www.instagram.com/heathevans44/?hl=enConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Raised by immigrants who came to America to pursue the dream, Daphne received one message at home and a very different message in school. In school, she was told that as a black woman, she would not be successful in business. But at home, her mother taught her the importance of embracing a mindset that broke through limitations imposed on her by other people and broken systems. Daphne chose to reject seeds of misdirection and believed she could do anything she set her mind to. She built her own success story by learning from each experience and honing her skills for optimum performance. Through her own experiences of breaking through type casting and prejudice in the world of technology and business, Daphne now coaches women to serve on executive boards and excel in leadership, despite the challenges of inequality they face daily. She takes a communal approach, teaching that prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion is best for all people and businesses. When one person succeeds, everyone succeeds. In this way, Daphne’s leadership is a powerful reminder that the work being done today leaves an impact for those who come after. Transformation is a result of shifting to a mindset that embraces challenges and uses them as fuel for building a life of influence.Main TopicsDaphne’s humble beginnings as an administrative assistant (02:50)Daphne credits her success to lessons from her mother (05:24)Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset (07:35)The role of giving back in leadership (09:58)Daphne’s experience being a black woman in the technology industry (12:20)Improving equality for people in organizations (16:50)Four steps for changing your life as outlined in Daphne’s book (20:15) Connect with Daphne:https://www.daphneejones.com/https://www.instagram.com/destinysdoor/https://twitter.com/DaphneEJonesConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

What is willpower? Focus + Energy = Willpower! It's focusing on the task at hand without getting distracted and how engaged and excited you are about the task.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Hamza Khan believes the hardest months of the pandemic, March through May of 2020, were a portal into a new world—one that required leaders and managers to reassess old systems and start making foundational changes from the top down. As many businesses failed and others thrived, conscientious leaders began to ask hard questions about the efficacy of a leadership structure that remained disconnected from human needs. What successful leaders like Khan have found is that productivity increases when employees are encouraged to prioritize holistic wellness. In a world of constant change, leaders must learn to accept chaos and work within it. This requires frequent, structured opportunities for employees to provide feedback about their work environment. Leaders have to ask the hard questions to which they may not want the answers and also foster a culture that encourages honesty and vulnerability. A lack of emotional safety in the workplace has led to global burnout and mass resignations. Maintaining calm within a work environment requires conscious management of time, energy, and attention. Encouraging employees to practice wellness at home and at work is an important step in building resiliency and increasing productivity.Main Topics:A brief overview of Hamza’s professional journey from education to entrepreneurship to empowerment coach (02:50)How the pandemic forced reassessment of leadership culture (05:55)Increasing levels of engagement from employees (09:26)Advice to leaders about accepting chaos and creating an emotionally safe work environment (13:55)Creating a culture of peace through intention and attention (19:17)  Episode LinksHamzakhan.caHamza Khan's TedTalk "Stop Managing, Start Leading”Connect with Hamza:https://www.instagram.com/hamzakhttps://twitter.com/hamzakhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khanhamzahttps://www.facebook.com/HamzaKhanAuthorConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

On this episode of the Start With A Win podcast, we are joined by Kelly Contos, which gave Mark the perfect opportunity to practice his game show host skills during a lightning round of the Newlywed Game. You may be surprised to find out who looks better in glasses and who is the better singer!When it comes to supporting Adam as the CEO of such a large and prominent company, Kelly says that her main objective is to be there for whatever he needs. Sometimes that means making sure he stays on schedule and gets from place to place, and sometimes that means noticing when he needs some human interaction and sending him to the office. Kelly knows how important Adam’s work is to him, but most important are the people around him, so she encourages him to lean into his team.Adam and Kelly are both thankful for their health, the people they choose to spend life with, their freedoms, opportunities, and the successes that have resulted from those opportunities and hard work. Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Physical energy comes from three places: nutrition, hydration and movement. If we want to show up and continue to be our best self both in our professional and personal lives, it's important that we prioritize all three!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Business school classrooms and boardrooms alike are stacked with strategies for maximizing business success. But truly effective business models move beyond powerful planning into efficient execution. Franklin Covey—a global company that trains businesses in leadership development and individual effectiveness—teaches four major disciplines that help companies maximize execution. The first discipline is about focusing on what is most important. Narrowing the focus allows people to set achievable goals and delegate specific tasks. The second discipline is utilizing leverage to determine which tasks will produce the most desirable results. The third discipline of engagement is based on the premise that people will work to their maximum potential when they are part of the process of keeping score. Finally, the fourth discipline is focused on accountability. A regular system of vulnerable reflection and feedback builds an environment where all three previous disciplines are made possible. Implementing this intentional methodology to achieve personal and professional goals leads to lasting changes that build cultures of greatness. Main TopicsDiscipline 1: Narrow the focus (03:13)Discipline 2: Use leverage to determine lead measures (06:03)Discipline 3: Individual engagement (09:45)Discipline 4: Create a cadence of accountability (12:26)  Episode LinksAdam’s Fool-Proof Time Management SystemThe Four Disciplines of Execution from Franklin Covey Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

The majority of challenges business owners face can be boiled down to a lack of communication surrounding expectations. One way to troubleshoot issues in business and personal relationships is by setting the stage with clear expectations for time commitments, scenarios, outcomes and goals. By providing clarity through helpful boundaries, business leaders can give their employees and customers more confidence and direction when it comes to production, collaboration, and the overall success of a project. Expectations prevent surprises. They make potentially difficult conversations easier because there are previous, foundational conversations to which people can refer. If people are given clear expectations from the beginning, they are less likely to feel defensive when it comes time to evaluate efficiency and productivity. Setting expectations for customers also gives them a sense of your own expertise, which in turn relays trust through transparency. This communication tool applies not only in business, but also in personal relationships and parenting. It’s important to set clear expectations, communicate often, and revisit those expectations again and again. Practicing this process for success eliminates many miscommunication issues so that time and energy can be spent elsewhere in more productive ways. Main TopicsSetting the expectations to prevent confusion, lack of direction, and miscommunication (02:00)How setting the expectations helps us have potentially hard conversations (06:43)Establishing yourself as the expert (11:15)Appropriate expectations support long term goals (13:00)Kelly’s experience training for a fitness competition with a coach who helped her manage her expectations (15:20)A consistent communication regimen provides accountability (18:20)Apply the strategy to parenting (21:30)Connect with Kelly:https://www.facebook.com/kelly.contos.3https://twitter.com/kellycontoshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycontos/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Want better results? Here's the secret: Get accountable! Accountability causes action with intention, and that creates results.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Many popular self-help books promote the use of affirmations to help people change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Noah St. John has spent the last 25 years teaching a different and more effective approach. Instead of using a disempowering “I am” statement that the brain immediately recognizes as false, he directs people to ask an empowering question that exemplifies who they want to be. By asking a question, the brain becomes engaged in finding the answer, thus creating a plan of action to achieve a specific goal. Noah’s strategy pushes people beyond magical thinking. The first step someone must take in order to live an empowered life is to gain clarity on what they actually want. Once the goal is clear, ask a question that confirms the goal has already been met. It is important to accept the truth of this new reality; in doing so, neural pathways in the brain are rewired towards a different end. Finally, the most important step is to take action based on the new reality created through powerful afformations. When people take responsibility for establishing new patterns of thinking and behaving, nothing can stand in their way on the path to a successful and fulfilling life. Main Topics:The difference between AFFORMATIONS vs. affirmationsWorking with the law of sowing and reapingNoah’s success with a client who lost over 200 poundsLying to ourselves or rewiring neural pathways to create new realities?The Four A’s of Noah’s Afformations strategy  Episode LinksMillionaire Afformations: The Magic Formula That Will Make You Rich by Dr. Noah St. JohnNoah's FREE training program for making more in 12 weeks than you made in the last 12 monthsConnect with Noah:https://www.youtube.com/user/noahstjohnhttps://www.facebook.com/noahstjohnfanhttps://www.instagram.com/noahstjohn/https://twitter.com/noahstjohnConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Everyone is busy, but not everyone is productive. Time is a precious resource that many squander away on social media or mindless entertainment. Rather than being the victim of time, successful people view time as a currency which can be used intentionally to accomplish daily goals.In order to gain clarity on how to most effectively use time, leaders and entrepreneurs must learn the value of saying no. Saying no to some opportunities frees up resources so that people can say yes to the things that matter.  Adam encourages listeners to document their use of time each day to create accountability. Use this data to reflect on how time is currently being used and set goals for increasing production. This is also a helpful tool for tracking an individual’s circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that helps the body carry out its daily functions. Working with the body’s ebb and flow of energy allows people to make informed decisions for scheduling activities throughout the day. Establishing a schedule fuels productivity for those willing to consistently practice focus and willpower. Main TopicsThe difference between busy and productive (02:10)Harnessing the power of saying “No” (03:30)Utilizing a time audit system to evaluate daily time management (8:00)The importance of reflection and gratitude at the end of the day (13:34)Using your circadian rhythm to build an effective daily schedule (15:12)Episode Links:Adam’s Fool-Proof Time Management System Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

How can we get to the results we want? It's simple. Better choices lead to better choices! And the more good choices you make, the better your results will be!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

A lifetime of dedication to greatness has earned Army Veteran and entrepreneur Rick Hogg a multitude of accolades. As owner of War Hogg Tactical, Inc., co-author of The Firearms Training Notebook: 1% Better Everyday, and founder of In Honor of Duco Project, Rick proves himself a superachiever by setting an example of excellence.Instead of being defined by his rank or position, Rick defines himself by his core values and encourages those in leadership positions to do the same. He has achieved his success through a daily commitment to setting goals and establishing a plan to accomplish them. In leadership, Rick teaches the power of repetition and the importance of fully supporting his team. In this way, they achieve greatness together through a common vision. But business isn’t the only area of life to which these principles apply. In order to be successful in one area, achievement must be a motivating factor at all levels, including physical fitness, family, and spirituality. One of the greatest lessons Rick has gleaned from a life of challenging, life-threatening situations is that each day is a gift and should be lived to the fullest. Main TopicsThe mindset of a superachiever (02:40)Using failure as an impetus for growth (05:55)Rick’s transition from soldier to entrepreneur (08:46)Building incremental gains into life and business (11:40)The importance of writing a daily plan of action (14:50)The Wheel of Life and the need for growth in all areas of life (21:38)  Episode LinksFirearms Training Notebook: 1% Better EverydayIn Honor of Duco ProjectConnect with Rick:https://www.warhogg.com/https://www.instagram.com/warhoggtactical/https://www.facebook.com/warhoggtacticalhttps://twitter.com/warhoggtacticalConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

As CEO of a 4th generation family business, elite triathlete and author Adam Hill has led his century-old family company through economic, cultural, and leadership changes on the path to long term sustainability. After overcoming more than a decade of alcoholism and unhealthy life habits, Adam transformed his inner fear and anxiety disorder into a superpower. Today he is a highly sought after international speaker and Amazon bestselling author of Shifting Gears: From Anxiety and Addiction to a Triathlon World Championship.How can a crippling anxiety disorder actually be a superpower? Adam Hill has proven that his greatest weakness isn’t actually a weakness. Instead, he sees it as a launching pad into a life of inner healing and dynamic leadership. After years of using alcohol to cope with debilitating fear and anxiety, Adam bravely pursued recovery by asking himself how he could turn his inner enemy into his friend. By shifting his mindset, he now recognizes the value in using fear as an encouragement to lean into challenges. Constantly pushing himself out of his comfort zone, Adam is able to have hard conversations with compassion and has built a team that transcends fear of the unknown into clarity in business. He encourages leaders and entrepreneurs to accept personal struggles as gifts. This shift from judgment to acceptance leads to growth and big wins, allowing people to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible. Main TopicsCoping with the cultural norms of anxiety and overstimulation (03:38)Using anxiety as a superpower and learning to “party with the beast” (05:40)How facing fears in leadership positively impacts business (09:26)Having difficult conversations with care increases confidence in leadership. (13:30)In his book, Adam uses his story to encourage others to courageously step into their power. (17:48)  Episode Linkshttps://adamhilltri.com/Shifting Gears: From Anxiety and Addiction to a Triathlon World Championship by Adam Hill Connect with Adam Hill:https://www.youtube.com/user/TriFundracinghttps://www.facebook.com/adam.hill.39982https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Never miss an opportunity to celebrate wins with your teams! Studies show the top thing employees want from their employers is to feel appreciated. So be sure to give a few shoutouts during your next team meeting!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

The journey of life is made up of highs and lows, pain and joy, challenges and triumphs. Even at a young age, Steven Izen came to understand this truth that connects all humans. The key to success is figuring out how to find balance in all of life’s extremes. Out of this concept, Steven created his brand Lokai. Lokai bracelets serve as a reminder to stay humble on the mountain peaks of life and hopeful in the valleys. More than simply offering consumers an excellent product, Lokai’s mission extends beyond retail into mindfulness and active participation in the global community. Izen attributes much of his success to staying focused on his values— fitness, family, and business. As a young leader in a quickly changing world of business, Izen builds relationships with his team with intentionality and isn’t afraid to have the hard conversations. Company values are woven into the fabric of every day operations, primarily open communication, work/life balance, and giving back to the community. This is how businesses maintain integrity and support a growth mindset within a company’s culture. Main TopicsHow Izen developed the concept, values, and brand for Lokai and the meaning behind the name (02:16)Izen’s personal exploration of mindfulness in leadership (06:30)Current shifts in employer/employee relationships and the importance of balance in the workplace (10:36)How entrepreneurs can be growth-oriented by giving back to community (14:40)Special offer for listeners! (16:54)  Episode Linkshttps://lokai.com/Use code PODCAST15 to get 15% off on any purchases made on elementsdrinks.io or lokai.comConnect with Steven:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-izen-5620323b/https://www.instagram.com/stevenizen/https://www.facebook.com/steven.izenhttps://twitter.com/StevenIzenConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

The world is changing at lightning speed. The media seems to only offer discouraging news about the current economic situation. While it is natural for some businesses to suffer during these times, many will actually thrive. Adam discusses strategies for achieving health and happiness in the midst of challenging shifts in the economic cycle. First and foremost, people need to take care of their own wellbeing before they can engage in positive relationships with others. When personal health is top priority, only then can someone create meaningful friendships and strong familial bonds. The ego must take a back seat. When people’s relationships to themselves and others are in order, they can bring positivity and problem-solving skills to their business. Fostering a thriving business in the midst of an economic recession means making yourself as valuable as possible to your clients, employees, shareholders, and your community. Personally connecting with a targeted audience on a human level is now more important than ever. And never underestimate the power of hope. So instead of believing the news and assuming the worst about the future, expect good things to come out of tough situations.Main Topics:In a recession, people tend to hide, suffer, or thrive. Tips for being one who thrives (03:17)Becoming the most valuable version of yourself (05:57)How physical health can literally save your life (10:25)Applying strategies for health and happiness in business (14:30)Big picture overview for direction of the economy and what to do with your cash (18:40)  Episode LinksI Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Next play.Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Why are up to 70% of the world’s CEOs considering quitting their jobs? According to Caren Kenney, CEO and Founder of Evolve Leadership  and co-author of the book Leading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy, most of the world’s C-Suite executives are not trained in sustainable practices for overall wellness. Observing this need, Caren combined her passion for leadership and mental health to create developmental programs that support all aspects of the individual’s needs. Her holistic approach addresses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, and asks leaders to get clear on their purpose. By prioritizing character development within a company’s culture, leaders build a strong foundation for purpose-driven lives.Main TopicsThe “why” behind Caren’s personal and professional journey developing wellness in executive leadership (02:38)Trends emerging as a result of recent global events that have impacted mental health in the executive realm (05:14)Holistic approaches to creating sustainable work environments (06:10)Predominant challenges for executives in the evolving world (09:57)How to train the next generation of CEOs and what it will take for them to thrive (13:21)Leadership qualities that build thriving workplace cultures (15:52)Action points for creating resilient leaders who invest in human relationships and overall well-being (18:30)   Episode LinksLeading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant LegacyThe C-Suite's Role in Well-Being  Connect with Caren:https://evolveleadership.comhttps://www.instagram.com/carenkenneyhttps://twitter.com/carenkenneyhttps://www.facebook.com/caren.kenneyConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Kurt Wilkin is a trusted advisor for high-growth, middle-market companies as founder and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital and Co-Founder of HireBetter. With a passion for growth and a hard-earned, proven set of tools in his toolbox, Wilkin works with other entrepreneurs and CEOs to help them escape the start-up mindset and achieve next-level success. His debut book, Who’s Your Mike? A No-Bullshit Guide to the People You’ll Meet on Your Entrepreneurial Journey, Kurt reveals how entrepreneurs can transform their companies by minimizing hiring mistakes, investing in high potentials and making the difficult decisions to drop dead weight from their team.Main TopicsKurt’s professional journey, from becoming a CPA to launching his own firm to buying the company HireBetter (2:13)Why Kurt believes The Great Resignation is a myth and how to find employees who are dedicated to making an impact rather than just a paycheck (5:25)Are employees looking for more money or more fulfillment? (9:07)How to hire people beyond just what you can see on a resume and how to hire “A-players” (11:00)Kurt’s book Who’s Your Mike? and how to know when it’s time to move on from an employee (15:10)Episode LinksLeadership Tactics with Sergeant Major Kyle LambEpisode 203: Part 1Episode 204: Part 2https://whosyourmike.comhttps://whosyourmike.com/quiz/Connect with Kurt:https://www.kurtwilkin.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-wilkin-7345255/https://twitter.com/kurtwilkinConnect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts

Be a sponge!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Patrick Thean is an international speaker, CEO coach and serial entrepreneur—and a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. With his book Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth, Thean shares a simple system for encouraging teams to execute better and faster.Main TopicsPatrick’s journey as a young entrepreneur, leading his first company to #151 on the Inc. 5000 list and how to avoid failing as a CEO (2:25)Patrick’s system for measuring KPIs and the frameworks to put in place to build your business (5:27)Training the next generation of leaders to not just look for short-term, overnight success and instead committing to consistency and rhythms to build long-term success (11:15) Defining your goals and committing to them (15:25)The importance of employees taking ownership in their own growth (21:08)Patrick’s book Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth (22:30) Episode LinksEpisode 201: Building a Life of Consistency with Mike O’HearnPatrick’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GazellessystemsHow to Communicate with Extreme Clarity with Debra Jasper The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate GrowthConnect with Patrick:https://www.patrickthean.com/https://twitter.com/ptheanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts

Brendan P. Keegan is CEO of Merchants, a company that provides customized fleet management and fleet leasing solutions to a wide range of businesses. He is an award-winning six-time president and chief executive officer, leading companies ranging from 500 to 10,000 employees. Brendan is currently leading Merchants to be an industry disruptor in the transportation industry, making a string of bold commitments toward sustainabilityMain TopicsThe everyday life and role of a CEO and focusing on the vision, values, people, culture and goals of the company (2:20)How to keep company values top of mind for your employees (6:25) Turning goals into habits and how to create goals in an organization (10:55)How goals lead to results and evaluating leading and lagging indicators in your business (15:15)How to inspire as the leader of the company through helping people recognizing success in themselves (18:39)Establishing a disciplined morning routine (22:00) Connect with Brendan:https://www.merchantsfleet.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanpkeegan/https://www.instagram.com/bpkfearless/Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts

As a leader, what are you doing to build yourself—meaning your health, happiness, sleep, hydration, etc.? You are the one who fuels your leadership, so you have to be sure to take care of you!Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/

Leaders are not born, they are built through ongoing leadership development and learning the soft skills of leadership. Adam explores how this looks both in the corporate world as well as entrepreneur leaders. Main TopicsThe evolution of the Mark and Adam’s facial hair (0:30)How the economy boom of 2015-2020 impacted leadership development and how money flow hides the need for leadership (3:39) The definition of a leader and how to develop yourself as a leader (9:55)The three perspectives of leadership—leading yourself, leading others, leading your business—and how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs influences each of these perspectives (17:00)  Episode Links"3 Key Leadership Secrets to Leading Your Business Like the CEO of a Multimillion-Dollar Corporation”: https://adamcontos.com/leadership Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts

Sergeant Major Kyle Lamb spent over 21 years in the United States Army, with 15 years of that time with Delta Force. He has participated in many conflicts, including Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq, as well as in the battle made famous by the movie Black Hawk Down in Somalia. Sergeant Major Lamb is the Founder and President of Viking Tactics, a tactical training and tactical gear business. He has also written a number of books, including his latest Leadership in the Shadows.Main TopicsWhy COVID was the best thing to happen to Kyle’s family, his business and his leadership (1:12)Our country was founded by business leaders and entrepreneurs. (7:12)How Viking Tactics began with shooting classes and grew into into tactical gear sales and leadership resources (9:06)Leadership and entrepreneurship tactics needed in seasons of change (11:32)How to live every day with a mission (16:30)Episode LinksLeadership in the Shadows: https://www.vikingtactics.com/product-p/vtac-lits.htmSig Sauer Academy: https://www.sigsaueracademy.com/instructors/kyle-lambConnect with Kyle:https://www.vikingtactics.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Viking-Tactics-Inc-170871879632771Connect with Adam:https://www.startwithawin.com/https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOhttps://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts