To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Bantle, President of heritage brand Filson and the former Patagonia executive who helped transform a $200 million company into a billion-dollar global powerhouse. From his philosophy degree to building some of the outdoor industry's most iconic products like the Nano Puff, Tim shares the unconventional path that led him to the top of two legendary American brands. You'll discover why he doesn't have a resume, how a family crisis became his greatest career opportunity, and the simple advice from his optician father that shaped his entire approach to business. Tim reveals the leadership strategies that actually work—from asking questions for six months before making changes to why authenticity is your ultimate competitive advantage. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own business, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's actually done it. What We Discussed: From Philosophy Student to Outdoor Industry Leader - How Tim's unconventional academic background in philosophy and literature led to a career building billion-dollar outdoor brands, and why his father jokingly told other parents to have their kids "just study philosophy" The Product Innovations That Changed Everything - The inside story of creating Patagonia's breakthrough products like the Down Sweater and Nano Puff, including how a failed fleece project accidentally revolutionized down insulation and became a billion-dollar product line How Family Crisis Became Career Catalyst - Why having a special needs child and his wife leaving her career actually freed Tim to pursue global opportunities, leading to roles across California, Utah, Europe, and Canada Leadership Without a Playbook - Tim's approach to taking over heritage brand Filson, why he spends six months asking questions before making changes, and how he avoids the trap of bringing solutions from previous companies The Network Effect and Authentic Success - Why Tim doesn't have a resume, how every job opportunity came through relationships, and his philosophy that being the best version of yourself is the key to finding the right opportunities

Sara Sugarman is the founder and CEO of Lulu and Georgia, a leading online home décor brand that democratizes access to beautiful, designer-quality furnishings at accessible prices. Coming from a third-generation design family—her grandfather founded a pioneering rug company in Los Angeles in the 1950s—Sara initially worked in magazines at O Magazine under Gayle King before joining her family's decorative carpet business. She launched Lulu and Georgia as a side project in the early 2010s, naming it after her grandfather Lou and father George, with the mission to make high-end design accessible to everyday consumers rather than just interior designers. The company experienced explosive growth, particularly during COVID-19, and has become known for its successful influencer collaborations and empathy-driven customer service. As a working mother of three, Sara leads with an entrepreneurial philosophy focused on trusting employees, avoiding micromanagement, and creating a company culture where people can make meaningful impact. Her journey represents a modern evolution of family legacy, transforming traditional design industry practices for the digital age. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Trust People and Let Them Fail Sara's father taught her that "any decision is better than no decision" and the importance of not micromanaging. She learned that failure isn't actually failure—it leads to success and opportunity. As a leader, giving people autonomy to make decisions (even wrong ones) builds stronger, more capable teams than controlling every outcome. 2. Follow Your Passion, Not a Predetermined Path Sara studied English and Psychology without a clear career plan, worked in magazines, and eventually found her way to entrepreneurship organically. She didn't follow traditional business school routes or entrepreneurial playbooks, proving that authentic success often comes from pursuing what genuinely interests you rather than forcing a prescribed formula. 3. Experience Trumps Formal Education When Sara wanted to attend business school, her father refused to pay for it, telling her "if you want to learn business, you're going to work for me." She acknowledges that while she missed out on some formal skills like accounting, the hands-on experience taught her invaluable lessons that couldn't be learned in a classroom. Real-world application often provides deeper learning than theoretical study. 4. Empathy is Your Competitive Advantage Sara's approach to customer service centers on understanding that home décor purchases are tied to important life moments—parties, new babies, family gatherings. By genuinely empathizing with customers' disappointments and taking authentic action to fix problems, you build lasting relationships that differentiate your business from competitors who treat interactions as transactions. 5. Constraints Can Force Better Decision-Making Having three children while running a company taught Sara the power of intentional time management. Working mothers, she notes, "know how to prioritize" and "spend their time really wisely" because time is limited. Rather than seeing constraints as limitations, they can force you to focus on what truly matters and make more decisive, efficient choices in both life and business.  

Sam Vander Wielen is the founder of a multimillion-dollar legal templates business and author of "When I Start My Business I'll Be Happy: A Practical, No-BS Guide to Successful Online Entrepreneurship." As a former corporate attorney turned entrepreneur, Sam provides legal templates and education to online business owners, helping them protect themselves and their businesses without the anxiety or expense of hiring a lawyer. After pivoting from a brief stint as a health coach, Sam discovered her niche when fellow entrepreneurs kept asking her legal questions at a wellness conference. Today, her signature product, the Ultimate Bundle, has generated over $8 million in revenue, while her weekly newsletter "Sam's Sidebar" reaches more than 47,000 subscribers. In this episode, you'll learn how Sam discovered her multimillion-dollar business idea by listening to her audience at a wellness festival, where people lined up for legal advice instead of health coaching You'll discover why Sam believes starting with a viable business concept is more important than just "following your passion" and how differentiation beats trying to be better than competitors You'll hear about Sam's ingenious "broccoli and mac and cheese strategy" that helped her grow an email list of 47,000 subscribers by balancing necessary legal content with topics people actually want to consume This conversation reveals why Sam intentionally keeps her business streamlined around one core offering (her "Ultimate Bundle") rather than constantly expanding - and how this approach supports both profitability and work-life balance You'll understand the central message behind Sam's book title "When I Start My Business I'll Be Happy" as she challenges the "when-then" mindset and explains why external success doesn't automatically bring happiness

In this enlightening conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company, you'll discover powerful leadership insights that transformed an ordinary product into an extraordinary company. Here's what to expect: How values create freedom - Gary explains his hierarchical value system that empowered employees to make independent decisions anywhere in the world without "quacking up the hierarchy." Embracing "learning moments" rather than failures - Learn how reframing mistakes revolutionized WD-40's culture and encouraged innovation without fear. The ego-empathy balance - Discover why letting "empathy eat your ego" instead of the reverse is crucial for effective leadership. The power of authentic humility - Gary shares his mother's wisdom: "Even the Queen sits down to pee" and how staying grounded shaped his leadership style. Why "coach" should replace "manager" - Understand the fundamental difference between managing and coaching that transformed WD-40's organizational structure. The "Maniac Pledge" for accountability - Learn about Gary's antidote to the "Na-Na-Na Disease" of finger-pointing that builds true responsibility. Not ignoring your "alarm bells" - A personal story illustrates the importance of paying attention to warning signs in both business and life. The interview offers a masterclass in building cultures where people feel they belong, know they matter, and can contribute meaningfully - all proven through 25 years of leadership without a single layoff.

Rich Gannon is a former NFL MVP and quarterback for the Vikings, Chiefs, and Raiders. He's currently a broadcaster and analyst for CBS.  In this interview we discuss:  -How he responded when he was at a crossroads in his career -How his experience in Minnesota and Kansas City may have prepared him for the unique situation in Oakland -What made him believe the Raiders would give him the 'keys to the kingdom' -What he did to change the culture at the Raiders -How to move on from a bad play, his favorite comeback win and more..

Today we're sitting down with Raffi Grinberg, author of "How to Be a Grownup: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn't Know You Needed Until Just Now." After walking away from Wharton's MBA program just two weeks before it started, Raffi challenged conventional wisdom and created a wildly popular college course teaching the life skills most schools never address. His journey from management consultant to educator offers a refreshing perspective on designing a meaningful life in a world that tries to program our decisions. In this enlightening conversation, we explore: Why breaking free from "default programming" is essential for creating a life you won't regret How to identify your unique "superpowers" and leverage them for greater career fulfillment The critical transition from an achievement mindset to a contentment mindset without losing your ambition Why making counterintuitive life choices—like moving next door to your best friends—can lead to deeper happiness than following the traditional script

Ximena Vengoechea has been UX researcher at companies like Twitter and Pinterest. She is the author of several books including the one we discuss today titled Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection.  Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Fast Company, CNBC, The Muse, among others. She writes a regular newsletter on personal growth and human behavior at ximena.substack.com. In this inteview we discuss: How to Listen Beyond Words - Discover techniques to understand the emotions and unspoken needs hiding beneath surface-level conversation. When to Switch Listening Modes - Learn to identify your default listening style and how to adapt it based on what others actually need from you. Turning Any Topic Into an Engaging Conversation - Find out how to remain genuinely curious about subjects that don't naturally interest you by focusing on the person sharing them. Setting Healthy Boundaries While Listening - Master the balance between empathetic listening and protecting yourself from carrying others' emotional burdens. The Power of Being Fully Present - Understand how mindfulness, reduced note-taking, and self-awareness create the foundation for meaningful connections. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Jeff Byers is the co-founder and CEO of Momentous, a leading vitamins and supplements brand. He played college football at USC under legendary caoch, Pete Carrol. He also played in the NFL.  In this episode we discuss: How focusing on the only two things you can truly control—attitude and effort—can transform your approach to challenges in both work and life. Why consistent leadership creates trust, and how showing up the same way every day (like Pete Carroll did) makes it easier for people to follow you. The importance of not letting external achievements define your worth, and how Jeff's career-threatening injuries helped him realize "football doesn't define me, I define me." When to prioritize mission over money, demonstrated by Jeff's decision to pull a profitable product that didn't meet his company's standards. Why embracing personal evolution is essential, and how giving yourself permission to reinvent yourself every 6-12 months creates space for growth..and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me  

In a candid conversation from his Miami office, veteran tech executive Dave shared insights from his journey from IT consultant to running companies with thousands of employees. A former wrestler and Division I athlete, Dave's path has been anything but conventional - from managing a help desk at 24 to leading multiple successful exits and navigating the volatile crypto space. Known for interviewing every single employee when he joins a company (whether it's 20 or 100 people), his philosophy centers on humility and service to others. "If someone isn't humble, doesn't matter what their talent stack looks like," he says about his top hiring criteria. After raising millions in capital, managing over a dozen acquisitions, and developing innovative business models that disrupted established players, Dave's most profound insight might surprise you: success isn't about being the smartest person in the room, but about being the most willing to learn from others. His advice to spend 100 hours a year mastering new skills (just 18 minutes daily) offers a practical roadmap for continuous improvement in an era often characterized by quick fixes and instant gratification. Here's what you'll learn from this interview with Dave: How a veteran tech executive approaches hiring - why humility trumps talent and experience, and his unique strategy of interviewing every single employee when joining a company A practical framework for skill development: the "100-hour rule" that explains how spending just 18 minutes daily on any skill can put you in the top 5% of practitioners Why focusing on individual employees first (rather than company objectives) counter-intuitively leads to better business results, and how to implement this "servant leadership" approach Inside stories about raising capital and scaling companies - including how investors often act like "sheep" and why it's sometimes harder to raise $500K than $5M A contrarian view on career development - why "do what you love" is bad advice, and how to instead build a career by systematically stacking skills and choosing the right mentors -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Jared and Jordan Schmidt are brothers who disrupted the cutlery industry by making high-quality, beautifully designed knives affordable. They share the life and career lessons they learned through their journey that led from a concept to a successful company. You can find Schmidt Bros knives in over 10,000 retail locations across the country.  In this episode we discuss:  How to spot and execute on a market gap: See how they identified the need for affordable premium knives and built a business around it Why opposing skills can create perfect partnerships: Discover how a philosophy major and a business graduate complemented each other to build a national brand How to disrupt a traditional industry: Learn their strategies for challenging established norms and introducing innovative designs that competitors now copy The power of patient networking: Understand how they built retail partnerships over years, not months, expanding from a garage to 10,000+ stores How to scale while staying lean: See how they grew to national distribution with just 30 employees by cultivating the right company culture Why some "old school" wisdom still works: Learn the two simple philosophies from their father that guided their major business decisions and more.. --  email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

This interview explores the journey of Albert Chow, co-founder of Silk & Snow, a Canadian sleep & lifestyle company that started as a mattress-in-a-box business. Chow discusses how his immigrant parents and blue-collar background influenced his business approach, particularly his focus on supply chain transparency and quality manufacturing. Through organic growth and without outside funding, the company evolved from a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 to a successful acquisition by Sleep Country in 2023, maintaining its commitment to sustainable, high-quality products throughout its growth. In this episode we discuss: -Why Albert emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values, even when faced with trends or easier paths -Why he advocates for strategic risk-taking, noting how he first "de-risked" his life (established career, marriage, home) before starting his business -Why operating with a healthy amount of fear can be a powerful motivator -Being passionate about what you do is essential since your career occupies 60-70% of your life  

This is the story of Amir Loloi, the founder of Loloi Rugs, one of the largest rug companies in America. It traces his remarkable journey from arriving in Dallas as a 16-year-old Iranian immigrant in 1976, barely speaking English, to building a 650-person company that has transformed the rug industry. Through early jobs at Burger King and driving an ice cream truck, to spending 25 years learning the rug business before starting his own company, Amir shares how his father's advice to "walk a straight line" shaped his business philosophy of integrity and constant improvement. The interview explores how he built his success through reputation and relationships, eventually bringing his two sons into the business to help create a lasting legacy. It's a quintessential American dream story that illuminates the power of perseverance, the importance of reputation, and the value of staying focused even after achieving success.

Dan Martell is the bestselling author of “Buy Back Your Time” and a growth coach for business leaders. He is also the founder of Martell Ventures, a portfolio of companies that makes over $100M in revenue. After spending time in jail and rehab at the age of 17, Dan turned his life around. He taught himself to code, founded and led 3 tech companies to exit, and has invested in over 60 startups. Dan was named Forbes Top 10 Business People to Follow on Social Media and is a highly sought-after speaker, including events by Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, and other top leaders. His content, keynotes, and coaching programs have helped thousands of clients unlock growth, get fit, and develop the mindset to become the best version of themselves. In this interview we discuss: -How to implement the methodology of Buying Back Your Time -How to structure our time to maximize our energy -The most common pitfalls to watch out for when trying to maximize buying back your time -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Coach Jon Gruden won a Super Bowl as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously led the Oakland Raiders to prominence, and hosted Monday Night Football. He's currently joined Barstool Sports and has a YouTube channel called Gruden Loves Football where he breaks down game previews and interviews NFL players and coaches. In this episode we discuss: -the traits of a Gruden Grinder -why it's important to be a lifelong learner (or to accumulate knowledge) -lessons from Bill Walsh and Al Davis -how to build your adaptability muscle -how to handle pressure better -how to improve your attention to detail -why it's important to be ready when opportunity knocks and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Dwayne Cowan is the President of the Residential HVAC business at Trane Technologies. He earned his degree in biological engineering from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the Arizona State University. For nearly 20 years he's led teams in the HVAC industry both at Thermo King and now Trane -- which is widely known as the leader in the HVAC industry. In this episode we discuss: -the importance of preparation  -why the best leaders are inclusive -why asking for help is a sign of courage -why the best leaders usually don't have all the answers -why you should lead with openness in your life and career and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Mark Matson is a financial expert and investment advisor. As the founder and CEO of Matson Money, his firm has $8.6B in assets under management while serving 35,000 families nationwide. Mark published his book, Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life. During our interview, we discuss: -Why money can't buy happiness -The misconceptions we've been taught about The American Dream -How we can change our relationship with money and (and basic finance tips) -How challenging experiences can build character -Why sometimes your greatest strength can also be your weakness and much more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Richard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, a well established luggage brand that has been in existence for over 30 years. Richard and I discuss the rich history including: -how he onboards new employees to create a better culture at work -why good companies are built on trust -how to prepare in advance of chaos, or as he says "fly the plane" -how his father led by example -what he hopes his team would say about him as a leader -why it's important to view problems as opportunities -how they demonstrate company values like "smart & steady" -why it's important to travel for personal growth

Tessa West is a professor of psychology at NYU. She's the author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. Tessa's TED Talk -- The Problem With Being "Too Nice" at Work has nearly 800,000 views. In Job Therapy she provides a science-backed handbook that will help you better understand your relationship with your job and how to improve it. She also discusses the most common reasons why people are frustrated in their careers and how to address them. In this episode we discuss: -debunking career advice myths -how to balance emotion & logic when making career decisions -the difference between the person who sends hundreds of resumes out with no plan vs the person who takes action -the 5 sources of career frustration and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Kim Scott has worked in leadership roles at companies like Apple and Google. She is also a best-selling author as her book, Radical Candor, is one of the most beloved business books of the last decade. In Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better -- she details how organizations that optimize for collaboration and honor everyone's individuality are often more successful, joyful places to work. In this episode we discuss: -Why it's the leaders' responsibility to call out bias on a team -The significance of fostering a respectful culture at work -What we can all do to aspire to be better teammates (being an upstander) -Book recommendations and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Dan Harris was an award-winning ABC Journalist who anchored Nightline. He's widely known for having a panic attack on national TV. Through a lot of inner work, he published 10% Happier about his traumatic experience and how he was able to rehabilitate himself which included practices like meditation. Dan's TED Talk on self-compassion has eclipsed 3 million views. We discuss his work including: -What he learned about himself through interviewing hundreds of people -The inflection point that led to his 360 assessment to understand what people really think of him -What he learned from his mentor, Peter Jennings -What he recommends to try to strike balance in life -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Brianna Wiest is the best-selling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, and The Pivot Year. Her books have been read by millions of people and she is widely recognized for her wisdom of navigating life's challenges. In this episode we discuss The Mountain Is You including: -the definition of self-sabotage -the ways you can recognize self-sabotage -how we can begin to course correct -the significance of following your intuition or gut -what she's learned about happiness and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Scott Tannen is the founder and CEO of a luxury linen and home goods company called Boll & Branch. They're best known for their luxury organic cotton bed sheets. Scott began his career working for established consumer packaged goods brands like Nabisco and Wrigley where he led digital marketing teams. He went to become the founder of Boll & Branch with the goal of bringing products to market that were sustainable for cotton farmers that eventually disrupted an industry. You'll enjoy this episode if you're curious about: -How mentors can challenge you to level up your game -How our parents can influence our life and career decisions -Why it was important for Scott to invest 2 years figuring out how to make products in a sustainable way that was good for people and the environment -How is $2 million bet with Howard Stern paid off -Why you should never sacrifice things that are important to you that you'll regret for work (and how to do it) and more.. -- email comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me

Jacob Pechenik is the co-founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow, a company that makes hydroponic, self-watering farm stands that help you grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home -- the way nature intended. Jacob has sustained success in multiple industries and brings a unique perspective in terms of what habits and mindset has helped him over the years. In this episode we discuss the mission behind Lettuce Grow including: -How he's been able to sustain excellence in multiple careers -How in hindsight, his past expereince became the stepping stones for his most important work -How to embrace the beginner's mindset, and more.. -- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

The Score That Matters is a book by Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps about personal excellence and narrowing down on what really matters in your life rather than comparing yourself to others. Ryan is the host of The Learning Leader Show, 3-time author and a keynote speaker. Brook is the head basketball coach at Centerville High School in Ohio where they've won a state title and are one of the top teams in the nation. In this episode we discuss: -Core values and how to develop them -The importance of foxhole friends both personally and professionally -The importance of trust and your reputation, and more.. --- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

James Clear is a habit formation expert. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 20 million copies. He ships a weekly newsletter to 3 million subscribers. His new app, Atoms, is the digital extension of his book to help people make their habits stick. In this episode we discuss: -The difference between someone who can lose 180 lbs doing P90X compared to the one who won't make a change -The deepest level of behavior change, identity-based goals, and how to achieve them and stay on track -How to break bad habits, and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Michael Lombardi is one of the leading experts in analyzing the NFL. He currently hosts The GM Shuffle and recently published his second book, Football Done Right, which pays homage to the history of the NFL and former great players and coaches. He's the former General Manager of the Raiders and Patriots, and he learned the game as a scout under the legendary Bill Walsh with the San Francisco 49ers in the mid 1980s. In this episode we discuss: -The impact of Monday Night Football in pop culture -How he got his break at UNLV -The impact of Bill Walsh had on him as a lifelong learner -Draft picks that were successful and ones that he regrets -Advice to his sons on how to be the best coaches and more.. --- consider leaving a review and email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Robert Griffin III is a Heisman Trophy winner, Pro Bowler, and NFL Rookie of the Year. He's currently an ESPN analyst and hosts the podcast, RG3 & The Ones. In this episode we discuss: -Why he wanted to emulate Michael Jordan -The criteria he used to select Baylor University after receiving 25 scholarships -Receiving recognition vs the joy of developing others -Traits of the best bosses and leaders -How he responded in the face of adversity, and more.. --- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

Ali Abdaal makes productivity more fun. He teaches through his YouTube channel, podcast (Deep Dive) and his book titled Feel Good Productivity.  In this episode we discuss: The moment he decided to change careers from medicine to a full time YouTuber The importance of a beginners mindset How asking for help actually strengthens relationships How to get more clarity around your goals, and more.. -- please consider leaving a review, email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Joshua Church and Rob Church are cousins who founed one of the leading cold plunges out of necessity because they needed a better recovery tool for cold water immersion. In this episode we discuss: -The origin story behind the cold plunge tub they developed -The benefits of cold water immersion  -The most important lessons fromt their parents, book recommendations, and more -- please email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Nick Bailey serves as the President and CEO of RE/MAX. A licensed real estate broker for over 26 years, Nick has broad experience across multiple segments of the industry. He has been a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, just prior to rejoining RE/MAX, the President and CEO of Century 21. Originally from Wyoming, Nick bought his first investment property as a teen and earned his real estate license at 21. He's been named one of the top 25 most influential leaders in the industry. In this episode we discuss: -Why he commuted 200 miles to university -Why it's important to be a lifelong learner -How to build trust quickly and authentically -Why 'sparkle' is one of the most important traits he looks for in hiring and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me

Kevin Shen is a video expert and content creator who helps people build their studios for business and professional use. In Dream Studio Course he simplifies the principles and equipment required to level up your video, lighting, and studio setup. He shares quick tips around lighting, sound quality and webcam setups that will help you improve your video meetings immediately, along with other tips that will help you enhance your studio over time. These enhancements will boost your confidence and presence in meetings or as Kevin likes to say "Your Zoom setup is the new suit." --- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family. He's an award-winning actor who is also balancing parenthood with a successful career. In this interview we discuss: -What he learned about parenthood from his Modern Family experience -The real-life sacrifices he's had to make to lead a successful career and the importance of doing so -Why it's ok to be excel at a few things vs having to be good at everything and more..

Rishi Mandal is the co-founder and CEO of Future, a digital fitness platform that provides a virtual trainer who customizes your workouts and helps you accomplish your fitness goals through 1:1 coaching. Initially a trained astrophysicist with a degree from Stanford, Rishi sold his previous company, Sosh, to Postmates. We discuss Future, the aspects of building a solution to help improve human behavior, including: -Why fortune favors the prepared mind -What he learned about himself through successfully selling a company -The five most important inidicators of your health (based on their research) -Why the team you build is the company you build -Why he hires for optimism and more.. -- please send comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me

Chris Hufnagel is the Group President leading Wolverine Worldwide's active brands including Merrell, Saucony, Chaco, Kid's Group, and Global Licensing. Chris has previously worked in executive roles at companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Under Armor. He shares life and career lessons including: -The resilience he learned from working with the founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank -Why he instills preparation in his children as a key life skill -Important feedback from his team that helped him embrace his role as a leader -The importance of non-verbal communication and how people can perceive you -An important lesson about leadership from almost getting fired -How to become more self-aware and more.. --  email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

Coach K is arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all-time. He has the most wins, won 5 national titles, and was named "Coach of the Year" 12x. He harnessed his leadership philosophy early on as as a point guard and coach at West Point. He also served as a captain in the US Army. Coach K has recently delivered a MasterClass on Values-Driven Leadership which we discuss including:  -One of the most important lessons he learned as an assistant coach on The Dream Team -How he used the worst loss of his career as fuel him -His 4-step framework for re-assessing a situation when adversity strikes -The best piece of advice for new leaders trying to make their mark -Sacrifices leaders make and advice from his dear friend, Jimmy V -Why the best leaders are lifelong learners

Saucony is a household brand for athletes who love to run. It's also a 125 year-old brand with a rich heritage (and my favorite running shoe). Anne Cavassa, President of Saucony, shares her vision for the brand including life and career advice to live by including: -Important lessons she learned working with founds from brands like Tommy Bahama -How she learned empathy through her mother -How she led through turbulent times through empathy -The most important traits she looks for in hiring -How she shows up as a leader at work and a present parent and more.. --- email question to omaid@omaid.me

Jim Irsay has been involved with the Indianapolis Colts for nearly his entire life. He took ownership of the franchise in 1997 after his father's passing. He's known as one of the most eccentric and outspoken owners, and notably open about his own life and struggles. Outside of football, he's invested over $100 million in historical artifacts and memorabilia in areas like music, pop culture, and American history. He's taking a portion of his collection on tour throughout the country and displaying them for the public to view, for free. In this special interview we discuss: -His fascination for collecting things like Jerry Garcia's Tiger Guiter ($957K purchase) -The most important lesson he learned from Steve Jobs -What advice he'd give for staying cool under pressure in order to pivot and move forward without panicking and more.. -- Visit www.omaid.me for the latest updates and please consider leaving a review!

Latasha James is a marketing expert, digital creator, and coach. She's built an audience on YouTube with nearly 135K subscribers where she creates videos to help entrepreneurs to scale their business and leverage social media. She also hosts The Freelance Friday Podcast, facilitates a mastermind group (Freelance Friday Club), and has developed several online courses like the Social Media Management Toolbox. Visit her site: https://latashajames.com Things we discuss: -What really prevents people from creating content online -How she's grown and shifted her business from services based to digital -An important question she asks herself before she publishes content -How reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield impacted her creativity -Guardrails she's implemented to show up as the best version of herself at home and work and more.. -- Please consider leaving a review and visit www.omaid.me for updates

Eric Fleet is the founder of the premium and sustainable clothing brand named Threads 4 Thought. He grew up watching his father in the apparel business and after university he launched the sustainable clothing brand that also benefited from a stroke of luck. Their initial t-shirt designs were politically contreversial and struck a chord with celeberities like Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton who were wearing them. Over the years, the clothing line and brand has expanded into many retailers like Nordstrom. They've thrived from making stylish clothing comfortable, sustainable, and accessible.  In this interview we discuss: -How Eric created his own luck getting celeberities to wear their t-shirts  -How he navigated the most difficult business decision -The importance of having perspective during tough times in your career and more.. -- visit www.omaid.me for the latest updates

Ryan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show. He has recorded more than 475 episodes over the past 7 years. Forbes called The Learning Leader Show, “the most dynamic leadership podcast around.” Inc Magazine said, “it's one of the 5 podcasts to make you a smarter leader.” Apple named it an “all-time best seller” in 2020 and 2021. Ryan is the author of Welcome to Management: How To Grow From Top Performer To Excellent Leader. Book Authority named it to its 100 Best Management Audiobooks of all time (#25). Forbes called it, “the best leadership book of 2020.” Ryan's second book is called The Pursuit of Excellence: The Uncommon Behaviors of The World's Most Productive Achievers. When he's not recording podcasts, he focuses on helping leaders to become more effective through his Leadership Circles, his online school (The Learning Leader Academy), and delivering keynote speeches to audiences and organizations around the world. In this episode we discuss: -Why it's important to follow your genuine curiousity -How interviewing 500 leaders made him a better leader and father -The keys to publishing 500 episodes consistently every week without fail -Episode recommendations for new managers -How involuntary hardship can help you develop resilience, and more.. -- Check out www.omaid.me for the latest updates and please consider leaving a review!

Matthew Dixon and Ted McKenna published a great sales book that can help sales and marketing teams address customer indecision. Combined with mining over 2 million recorded sales calls and studying human behavior, they provide prescriptive advice that you can complement whatever sales methodology you use today. Matthew Dixon was also author of popular book, The Challenger Sale. In this episode we discuss: -The JOLT method and how you can apply it -The concept of the omission bias -Common pitfalls of most salespeople -Death by one thousand papercuts (eroding your trust) and more -- visit www.omaid.me to contact me and for the latest updates

Joe Moglia is the former CEO of TD Ameritrade and he spent nearly two decades at Merrill Lynch in leadership positions. He is also the former head football coach of a Division I school, Coastal Carolina. His coaching career spanned on and off from 1968 through 2018 and he earned a head coaching record of 56-22. Some of the topics we discuss: -How having children early in his life impacted his career -What kind of father his children think of him as -How he navigated some of the toughest decisions in his career -How to improve how you show up in high pressure situations -What he did to stay on track as a CEO and head football coach -- visit www.omaid.me for the latest updates

Joey pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet, shares his story about how he grew up on a tobacco farm, landed at job at Ernst & Young in finance, and took a leap of faith to join a startup shoe retailer named Fleet Feet based in Sacramento which has grown to over 250+ stores. In this episode we discuss: -Lessons Joey learned from his parents growing up on a tobacco farm -How he navigated the leap of faith from the consulting firm to Fleet Feet -Innovation and investments they've made into the brand that have led to its growth -What he does to show up as the best version of himself at work and at home, and more.. -- Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates (www.omaid.me)

Carla Harris is a force of nature who has advised and motivated companies around the world. She is a senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley and she earned her economics degree and MBA from Harvard. In 2013, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women's Business Council. In addition to being a popular public speaker and gospel recording artist, Carla has authored several books including Lead to Win -- which is an important guide for the modern leader which we unpack in this conversation.  In this episode we discuss: -Advice for someone thinking about taking the journey of leadership -How to surround yourself with people you trust -Why the best leaders are active listeners -Why it's important to "call a thing a thing" Get the latest updates at www.omaid.me

Guy Raz is the greatest podcaster of our generation. 3.5 million people tune in to every episode of How I Built This where he interviews amazing founders to tell their story. He was widely known as the face of NPR and now is the founder and CEO of Built-It Productions. Guy also hosts Wisdom From the Top and The Great Creators. In this episode we discusss: -Advice he'd give someone early on in their career about how things could change. Guy was a foreign correspondent for years and things completely changed when he had a perceived failure in his career. -Cultivating self-awareness and being a good parent -Preparation and whether or not there's such a thing as over-preparing and more Sign up for my newsletter at www.omaid.me  

Jay Shetty is widely known for his inspiring videos which have been seen by over 7B people on YouTube. Jay shares the wisdom he learned living as a monk to help others find their purpose. He hosts the #1 health podcast called On Purpose and we unpack his best-selling book, Think Like a Monk.  In this episode we discuss: -The importance of appreciating the journey vs the reward -Why humility is the elixir of the ego -How to cultivate more self-awareness, and more.. If you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a review!

Dr. Michael Breus is the leading authority in the field of sleep. He is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in his field. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In 2021, Reader's Digest named him the best sleep specialist in the state of California. He's also published four books on the subject of sleep. In this episode we discuss: -Why catching up on sleep is a myth -The 5 tablestakes to do in order to get good, quality sleep -Why understanding your chronotype can help you get better sleep and more. Take Dr. Breus sleep quiz to understand your chronotype here Please consider leaving a review of the show! Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates here.

Liz Fosslien's illustrations have made a significant impact on how many view emotions at work and in life. Her superpower is being able to illustrate these emotions in what appears to be a simple drawing which affects millions of people. She's the best-selling author of No Hard Feelings which was about emotions at work, and her new book is titled Big Feelings which touches on both work and life. Here is a link to one of my favorite illustrations about measuring success. In this episode we discuss: -myths about uncertainty like 'just be resilient' -what happens when we suppress anger too long -ways to avoid burnout before it's too late and more.. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates at www.omaid.me

In 1990 when NASA launched the $1.5 billion Hubble Telescope into space, they did so with a faulty mirror that took blurry images. They tasked Story Musgrave to lead a team to fix it. What made him the best person to lead the mission? Because Story was a lifelong learner and his range of experience allowed him to view problems through a unique lens. Story was an electrician, mathemetician, computer programmer, mechanic, pilot, trauma surgeon, and an astronaut who helped design space suits and the Hubble Telescope. He earned six academic degrees and became the only astronaut to have flown aboard all five Space Shuttles.  In this episode, we deconstruct his life and career to learn the most important lessons.   -- Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates at www.omaid.me  

An enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan, D.J. was born to impoverished teenage parents. He went from sleeping in a drawer for the first three months of his life to becoming a proud graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a decorated Air Force captain, a renowned member of the tribal community, a bestselling author, and a revered motivational speaker. A true warrior, who is successful in both business and life, he credits these personal triumphs to traditional teachings and ceremony as well as his service as a military officer. D.J. and I discuss his new book, The Warrior Within, and the stories and principals he shares often rooted in Native American culture and wisdom. In this episode we discuss: -The sigificance of your 'medicine bag' in Native American culture and how you can use it -Why sometimes the biggest challenge to seeing our vision come true are because of the people closest to us -The importance of creating your own war cry, how to keep your fire lit, and more.. email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

Andy Dunn co-founded the e-commerce driven menswear brand Bonobos in 2007 and served as CEO through its 2017 acquisition by Walmart. While business was booming, Andy struggled to manage his mental illness until he hit rock bottom which resulted in a night of mayhem. Andy opens up in his riveting memoir, Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, which intersects entrepreneurship and mental health.  One of the major inflection points at Bonobos was the tense relationship with his co-founder, Brian Spaly. In his book and in this interview we discuss what he would have done differently and how their relationship materialized.  We also discuss how people can begin to open up to their friends and loved ones about issues like depression, bi-polar disorder, and other mental illnesses. Also, how we can become better noticing those around us who may need help. This was one of the most important books I've read, I highly recommend the Audible because Andy reads it himself. send comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me