Every day you have a choice. You can wake up and choose to give in to mediocrity and complacency, you can choose bad habits and poor choices, and you can do the bare minimum to get by and fly under the radar. Or you can choose to make today the day that sets you apart from the crowd, you can choose…
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The Start With A Win podcast is one of my all-time favorites to listen to. It never fails to motivate and inspire me, and the light-hearted nature of the show always puts a smile on my face. One of the great things about this podcast is that the episodes vary in length, so there's something for everyone, whether you have a few minutes or a longer commute.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is host Adam Contos. He's a down-to-earth guy filled with a wealth of knowledge and advice for both business and life. His selection of guests is also impressive, offering unique perspectives and insights that are valuable to any listener. I've been listening to this podcast for over two years now, and I can confidently say that the content is consistently excellent.
Another standout aspect of Start With A Win is the energy between Adam and his producer Mark Labriola. Their dynamic sets a positive tone for the show, and it's clear that they enjoy working together. The guests on the show are also incredibly insightful, providing practical tips and deep insights into various topics. Personally, I was particularly inspired by an episode featuring Michael Hern, who emphasized the importance of discipline and having a system in place for physical and mental well-being.
In conclusion, if you're looking for inspiration and motivation from impactful leaders, then you should definitely check out Start With A Win. The conversations led by Adam are engaging, empowering, and actionable. Whether you have just a minute or more time to spare, there's something here for everyone. Don't settle for average - listen to Start With A Win and start leveling up your life!
Stress is a signal, not a stop sign.Great leaders don't ignore tension — they notice it, name it, and guide through it.Try this: when pressure rises, pause and use the “one-two-three” rule.One deep breath. Two clarifying questions. Three focused steps forward.You can't eliminate stress, but you can lead through it.How do you help your team navigate stress when it hits?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
In this mastermind episode of Start With a Win, bestselling author and trailblazing entrepreneur Candy Valentino joins Adam Contos in sharing a raw and riveting journey - from humble beginnings in a trailer to building and selling multiple thriving businesses. With hard-earned wisdom and unapologetic honesty, Candy breaks down the myths of modern entrepreneurship, challenges the glamorized “four-hour workweek” mindset, and reveals the truth about discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. If you're ready to confront the real road to success - and unlock practical insights to elevate your financial future - this episode will shake your perspective and spark your ambition.Candy Valentino is a highly sought-after expert in business leadership, finance and investing. Candy was born in a trailer on government assistance, but went on to build, scale and exit companies in service, retail, manufacturing and real estate investing. Her 26 years of business and finance experience, coupled with the way she breaks down and teaches complex business and finance topics, has earned her notable speaking engagements, viral video content, national media placement, and international recognition. She is the author of Wealth Habits, an instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller, and The 9% Edge.00:00 Intro02:30 This is here for you too… 04:20 We have the ability to be hungry because we are this…08:50 What should you look for as an entrepreneur? 12:06 Key factor that will make a business fail!16:35 This habit you weren't taught is keeping you stuck! 21:02 Make friends with this.23:40 Shocking statement, need to relisten a few times to this! 26:15 If I can control this…it will set up my day, week and even month.https://www.candyvalentino.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigB0JiMAnkyrN5auGcsVVAhttps://www.facebook.com/candyvalentinoofficial/https://www.instagram.com/candyvalentino/https://www.linkedin.com/in/candyvalentino/Book: https://9percentedge.com/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:
People don't just want a paycheck — they want purpose.A paycheck gets compliance. But purpose? That gets commitment.Mission-driven workers are 54% more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty like that doesn't come from perks — it comes from meaning.Connect the task to the impact. Show your team who benefits from their work.How are you helping your team see the purpose behind what they do?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Your team isn't overworked — they're overwhelmed.44% of employees say they feel stressed. But here's the fix: stress drops fast when expectations are clear and communication is strong.Ask your team one simple question this week: “What's your number one priority?”Then support them in it. Clarity creates capacity.How are you making sure every person on your team knows what matters most this week?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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A single 15-minute conversation can be the reason someone stays — or the reason they leave.Weekly, meaningful check-ins aren't a “nice to have.” They're the leadership game changer.Gallup found that frequent, intentional conversations drive the highest levels of engagement.Block time this week. Ask. Appreciate. Align.How do you create space for meaningful connection with your team each week?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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Your most important customer isn't external — it's your team.If your employees don't feel valued, supported, or seen, it's only a matter of time before that shows up in your customer experience.Engaged employees are 21% more productive and 22% more profitable.Map their journey just like you would for your clients — from onboarding to ongoing development.How are you designing your employee experience with the same care as your customer experience?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Middle managers are often the most underdeveloped layer in your business — and it's costing you.42% of employee exits could've been prevented with better management.We train the front line. We invest in executives. But we leave managers to figure it out alone.Spend 30 minutes this week mentoring a manager — not to fix them, but to equip them.How are you intentionally developing your managers right now?===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:
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Remote work didn't break your culture — silence did.Only 28% of fully remote employees feel connected to their company's mission. That's not just a gap. That's a fracture.Start every virtual meeting by connecting the agenda to a greater purpose.Remind your team who they're serving — not just what they're doing.People don't need more tasks. They need more meaning.⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Recognition isn't optional — it's essential.The most powerful leadership tool you have costs nothing, but most leaders were never taught how to use it.Organizations that prioritize recognition save millions in turnover. And it starts with one sentence.Tell someone what they did that made a difference — and why it mattered.⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Disengagement isn't just a culture problem — it's an $8.8 trillion leak.That's the global cost of people mentally checking out while still on the clock.Engagement isn't just about morale. It's your competitive edge.Start small: ask your team what's working for them this week — and what's not.That clarity creates energy. That energy drives results.When's the last time you checked in with intention?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Managers are under more pressure than ever — not just leading teams, but picking up the slack.That weight is burning people out. And burnout spreads fast.Take 15 minutes this week with no meetings, no noise — just space to reset.You can't pour into your team if your own cup is empty.What would it look like to protect that space this week?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Most people aren't disengaged because they're lazy — they're disengaged because they feel pushed, not led.Only 23% of employees worldwide are truly engaged at work. That means most are just going through the motions… or worse, quietly quitting.Leadership isn't about control — it's about lifting people up.Ask one person on your team today: What would make your work more meaningful this week?That one question might be the unlock.What's stopping you from asking it?⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Choose one action today that demonstrates the behavior you want your team to emulate. Ready to lead by example? Start now.⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Clarity is king in communication. Make sure your team understands the what and the why behind every action. Pick one key message today, make it crystal clear, and confirm understanding. Ready to lead with clarity? Start now. #Leadership #ClearCommunication #TeamSuccess⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
You can't lead others if you're running on empty. Leadership demands energy, focus, and resilience, but you can't give your best if you're burned out. Invest in self-care—it's a necessity, not a luxuryTake 10 minutes today for yourself to recharge. What will you do to reset? #Leadership #SelfCare #MentalWellness⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them? Leadership isn't just about strategy—it's about the energy you bring to it. Positive energy fuels motivation and morale. Show up with purpose, speak with positivity, and lead with confidence. #Leadership #TeamMotivation #PositiveEnergy⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Without trust, you're not leading—you're micromanaging. Trust is built through integrity, transparency, and consistency. It drives innovation, collaboration, and high-performing teams.Today's action step: Do one thing to build trust. Admit a mistake, keep a promise, or ask for input. Trust grows one action at a time. What step will you take today? #Leadership #Trust #Teamwork⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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Are you afraid of feedback or do you see it as a tool for growth? Great leaders embrace constructive criticism and foster a culture where feedback is normal. According to Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are three times more engaged.This week, ask someone for honest feedback on an area you want to improve. Reflect on it and take action. Feedback is a gift. How will you use it to grow? #Leadership #Feedback #GrowthMindset⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Being busy isn't the same as being productive. Leaders drive results by focusing on impactful work, not endless tasks. The 80/20 rule reminds us that 20% of our actions create 80% of our results.Today's action step: Prioritize your to-do list. Highlight 1–3 tasks with the biggest impact and tackle those first. Work smarter, not harder. What's your top priority today? #Leadership #Productivity #Focus⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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Great leaders don't expect their team to serve them—they serve their team. Ask your team today: What can I do to help you succeed? Then, take action. Empowerment builds trust and loyalty. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
Big goals are achieved one step at a time. Celebrate the small wins—they build momentum, confidence, and creativity. Today, identify one small win and celebrate it. Success is in the details.⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
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Leadership isn't about titles or assigning blame—it's about ownership. When things go wrong, resist the urge to point fingers. Instead, ask, How can I take ownership and fix this? True leaders own the problem and the solution.⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the depths of leadership with Jan Rutherford, a former Green Beret turned executive coach and entrepreneur. Together, they explore the profound parallels between leading in the wilderness and leading in the boardroom, uncovering the traits that define exceptional leaders. With vivid stories from battlefields and boardrooms alike, Jan shares insights on resilience, decision-making under pressure, and the delicate balance between self-reliance and team accountability. If you've ever faced overwhelm or wondered how to lead with clarity and purpose in the face of adversity, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss the chance to discover the secrets to building unshakable teams and unlocking your full leadership potential.Jan Rutherford is an executive coach, keynote speaker and a former Green Beret. He is the founder of Self-Reliant Leadership® where he leads Crucible® wilderness expeditions with executives and veterans. He's the co-host of The Leadership Podcast, has online courses on LinkedIn, Skillsoft, and Udemy, and is the author of “The Littlest Green Beret: On Self-Reliant Leadership.” His next book, “Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams,” will be out in the Summer of 2024. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
This episode of Start With a Win dives into the top leadership lessons of 2024, host Adam Contos welcomes wife, Kelly Contos, they blend humor, personal anecdotes, and professional observations to explore what makes leaders, leaders. Packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, this holiday-themed discussion delivers an engaging and thought-provoking take on leadership that will leave you eager for more.00:00 Intro – Five Leadership topics of 202401:59 Almost half of employees say Leaders are not this!04:45 As a Leader there is nothing worse than this…09:14 Topic two: everyone wants/needs this!11:50 If you don't have this, how can you do this…number three… 21:05 Topic four: This helps all things and solves all things!26:15 Number five!32:45 Wrapping up, if anything listen to the last two minutes!⚡️FREE RESOURCE:
In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the journey of building confidence, navigating systemic challenges, and redefining leadership from a personal and professional perspective with guest Kelli Thompson. Kelli an award-winning executive coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, explores the tools and mindset shifts necessary for women—and everyone else—to lead with clarity and self-assurance. Kelli shares her inspiring story of resilience and transformation, from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and how her groundbreaking programs empower leaders to thrive in challenging environments. Tune in for an insightful discussion about finding purpose, advocating for yourself, and creating impactful change in leadership spaces.Kelli Thompson is an executive coach and speaker who is on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained thousands of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Kelli holds an MBA, has served as an adjunct management professor, and has more than ten years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology organizations. Her thought leadership has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, MarketWatch, Quartz @ Work, HuffPost, and FastCompany. Kelli is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her favorite roles are wife to Jason and mom to Hailey.00:00 Intro01:35 An aha moment, really think about what you want to be when you grow up!05:20 The moment when it hit, anyone can overcome08:20 The program every (woman) leadership person needs11:16 The three Ps12:54 If you don't know what you this, then you don't know what you will this!16:01 What are the blockers? 20:17 To be a good leader you need to do this first!22:59 In order to develop your team you need to do this…27:13 Always move this…===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:
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