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Ep. 264: Playing high school golf in Michigan and winning the Upper Peninsula State Championship shaped this CEO who led Wendy's through a decade of global growth before stepping into the CEO role at Papa John's after a very brief retirement. Today, Todd Penegor brings that same team-first mentality to every leadership table he sits at — and in this conversation, he shares exactly how. In this conversation, Todd shares how he thinks about developing next-generation leaders, why he believes a CEO's job looks more like an offensive lineman than a quarterback, and what it really takes to earn both the heads and hearts of a franchise community. — Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started:https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abigail Brandt and Danielle Cadena for making this episode possible.
Ep. 263: With a resume that includes StubHub President and Google President of Asia Pacific and Latin America, this technology exec joins the show talk about how tennis shaped her, and the way she now is involved in ownership of the Toronto Tempo! In this episode, you will learn: Why pre-morteming failure shrinks fear and drives real action Why the who you work for will always matter more than the what How modeling imperfection — not perfection — creates psychological safety on your team How to find passion in your work, not just find work you're passionate about Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Amelia Prieto and Johnathan Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 262: What conditions do you actually need to perform at your best? Emmy award-winning chef Giada De Laurentiis shares that knowing your non-negotiables is the key ingredient. Don't miss these amazing stories on this episode: Food is connection. When Giada moved to the US from Italy, she struggled with the language barrier. But food became the great translator. "Food was the thing that could connect me to other people and maybe start to forget some kind of community," she said. Keep your recipes. As an Italian-born chef living in the US, Giada wonders how to balance being herself with preserving culture. "How do I gain my independence but still hold onto what I feel like is my identity and my grounding?" she said. Ultimately, she tries to put it all in the food. A kitchen is like a ballet. The best teams feel as if everyone is on a string, like each person is moving in unison together. Giada likens that to a dance. "The kitchen is like a dance, right? It's like a ballet—it really takes precision," she said. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. https://gr8links.co/bookdon
Ep. 261: Just months after winning his first IndyCar race, Sam Schmidt hit a wall at nearly 200 miles per hour during preseason testing. He was paralyzed from the neck down at 35 years old. Doctors told his wife he wouldn't make it through the night. Twenty five years later, Sam has co-founded championship racing teams, driven a car at 107 miles per hour using only his head, stood in an exoskeleton to dance with his daughter on her wedding day, and built a foundation helping thousands of others get the rehabilitation they would never otherwise receive. In No Finish Line, his new memoir—which I had the honor of co-authoring with him—Sam shows what resilience looks like when life refuses to follow the script. ——— Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Ep. 260: The Harvard water polo co-captain, who had never played the sport before joining the team,now leads one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the countrywith the same philosophy that earned her that captaincy: it's not about being the most valuable player. It's about creating the most valuable team. In this episode, you will learn: • Why the "zone of discomfort" is where real leadership growth happens • How to set goals just beyond what seems possible—and why trust makes them achievable • Why the jobs we don't like are often the ones with the most to teach us Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Ep. 259: After a decade at Microsoft where he was responsible for more than $17 billion in revenue, Eric used lessons from the baseball field—failure, resilience, and belief—to build award-winning cultures at Nextiva, Accordo, and Calero. You will learn: • Why people commit to stories—not spreadsheets • How to build belief in your team after failure • Why clarity—not control—is the foundation of great leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Learn how to use thought leadership to separate yourself from the competition Thought leadership is the new currency for CEOs who want to stay ahead, and in this episode, I sit down with Beth LaGuardia Cooper to talk about why a book is still one of the most powerful tools you can use to build trust, establish authority, and convert readers into high-value clients. We get into why AI-generated books miss the mark, how I used my own book to go from breakout speaker to keynote, and what it really takes to craft a book that doesn't just impress people but actually moves them to work with you. Beth LaGuardia Cooper is the President of Advantage Media Group, overseeing publishing and authority-building services across some of the most recognized brands in the space, including Forbes Books, Entrepreneur Books, and SXSW Books. With a background that includes scaling American Public Education from $20M to $600M in annual revenue, Beth brings a rare combination of marketing mastery and publishing expertise that makes her one of the most qualified people in the world to help CEOs turn their knowledge into a lasting authority asset. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Thought leadership is a core competitive advantage because the market will always reward those who can deliver outcomes over those who simply produce output. A book positions you in a category of one, separating you from every competitor who relies solely on commoditized deliverables. AI-generated books lack the humanity, trust, and authentic voice that cause readers to connect with you and ultimately want to work with you. The most successful books for business owners are strategically designed to move readers to a specific action, not just impress them with knowledge. Giving your book away is one of the highest-leverage moves you can make because consumption drives conversion more than any other marketing activity. Writing a book builds your expert profile across search engines, media, and speaking platforms in ways that no other single asset can replicate. Working with a publisher who specializes in business owners ensures your book is crafted to generate leads, not just praise. Knowing your purpose and what unique value you bring to the world is the essential first step before putting your message into a book. Connect with Beth LaGuardia Cooper: Website: theauthoritycompany.com LinkedIn: Beth LaGuardia Cooper Growing your business is hard, but it doesn't have to be. In this podcast, we will be discussing top level strategies for both growing and expanding your business beyond seven figures. The show will feature a mix of pure content and expert interviews to present key concepts and fundamental topics in a variety of different formats. We believe that this format will enable our listeners to learn the most from the show, implement more in their businesses, and get real value out of the podcast. Enjoy the show. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any future episodes. Your support and reviews are important and help us to grow and improve the show. Follow Charles Gaudet and Predictable Profits on Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/PredictableProfits Instagram: instagram.com/predictableprofits Twitter: twitter.com/charlesgaudet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlesgaudet Visit Charles Gaudet's Wesbites: www.PredictableProfits.com www.predictableprofits.com/community https://start.predictableprofits.com/community
Most leaders think they need more marketing. Adam Witty says you need more authority.In this episode, Adam Witty, founder of Advantage Media Group and Forbes Books, breaks down how entrepreneurs and CEOs build credibility, stand out online, and turn their expertise into real business growth.He shares how he started his company from a spare bedroom, why most people never write a book, and the exact systems his team built to remove friction and help leaders become trusted voices in their industry.You will learn:• Why authority matters more than ever in an AI-driven world• The real reason people want to write a book• How “Talk Your Book” changed publishing forever• The strategy behind the Forbes Books partnership• Why books still outperform podcasts, TikTok, and video for credibility• How to become the person people trust before they buyIf people Google your name today, what shows up? That answer is your authority.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Why nobody grows up wanting to be a publisher02:30 The internship that changed everything05:00 The mentor who sparked the idea08:00 The biggest problem with writing a book10:30 “Talk Your Book” and solving friction12:30 Authority vs authorship14:30 The Forbes Books partnership story18:30 Why brand association matters20:30 What authority really means today23:00 Why Google is your first impression26:30 Why books still matter in a digital world30:30 The real ROI of writing a book36:00 Why your goal should be to “die empty”
Ep. 258: Former Wendy's U.S. President and now CEO of the nation's largest lawn care company, Kurt Kane, shares a powerful truth: "We are the leaders we've been waiting for." In this episode, you will learn: • Why protecting your position can hold back your growth • How great leaders use questions to focus an entire organization • The power of simplifying complexity to drive results Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started:https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
What if your biggest leadership problem isn't results—but process? In this new mini series, we break down lessons from leaders at Ritz-Carlton, Aflac, and more who transformed performance by refining the details. In this episode you will learn how to identify friction, improve systems, and build repeatable excellence. To listen to each guest's FULL episode click below: Lumen's Kate Johnson Ritz-Carlton's Horst Schulze Perspire Sauna Studios' Caroline Linton T-Mobile's Cameron Janes Aflac's Virgil Miller Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 256: What if culture isn't built by slogans, but by what you reward? In this episode, you will learn: How Kevin makes values account for 50% of performance on his team When walking away from a deal is the smartest move a leader can make Why calm leadership matters Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Johnathan Levin and Vincent McClellan for making this episode possible.
Ep. 255: The original "No-Stat All-Star" won Teammate of The Year playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Here he teaches you why being selfless and studying your opponent are the two secrets to success. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started:https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Johnny Levin and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 254: A black eye in her first Cornell rugby match taught Shannon she could do hard things—and that lesson still shapes her leadership today. A four-time New York City Marathon finisher, she believes leadership isn't about forcing people into the same mold. Like rugby, every role matters, every player brings strengths, and every stride counts. Don't miss: The two questions she asks every mentee Why joy and laughter belong in leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights.
Don Ha: From Baker to $1B+ RE/MAX Leader—Work Ethic, Mindset, Referrals & Exponential Growth In this episode of Leading and Growing Your Real Estate Business, host James Short interviews Don Ha—RE/MAX New Zealand regional owner/director, Forbes Books author, keynote speaker, transformational wealth coach, and founder of Exponential Coaching—about his journey from working 72-hour weeks as a baker to selling 86 properties in his first year in real estate and scaling to record-breaking results, including surpassing $1B in annual sales. Don shares why his biggest regret is not thinking big enough early on, how relentless productive hours and face-to-face relationship building still beat technology alone, and how referrals and trust drive long-term success. He also unpacks leadership values (loyalty, trust, respect, hard work), delegation to “create another you,” perspectives on younger agents and mindset, and his ambition to sell globally via online presentations. Subscribe to Coach James Short's channel for more insights! 00:00 Thinking Bigger Regret 00:22 Show Introduction 01:05 Meet Don Ha 03:39 From Baker to Agent 06:13 Work Ethic Wins 07:50 Tech Versus Face Time 09:42 Scaling to Billions 11:46 Mindset and Ambition 13:51 Leadership and Values 15:44 Future Agents and Referrals 19:05 Self Belief and Resilience 19:49 Rapid Fire Quiz 23:36 Regrets and Big Goals 24:39 Advice and Closing
Ep. 253: Baseball shaped this researcher who led the largest growth mindset experiment in history. His work spans from sports teams to global corporations like McDonald's and Walmart, where mindset shifts are boosting performance and reducing turnover. In this episode, you will learn: Strategies for building teams where curiosity, not fear, drives improvement. A two-part mindset shift that can turn performance anxiety into peak performance. How to turn comparison into a catalyst for personal and team growth. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
What if losing everything was actually the beginning of your greatest chapter? In this episode, Jeff Martinovich shares an extraordinary story of building and losing a billion-dollar wealth management firm and then fighting his way back from federal prison. Jeff is the founder and former CEO of MICG Investment Management, which grew to over $1 billion in assets and 100 associates in Newport News, Virginia. After the 2008 financial crisis triggered regulatory scrutiny, Jeff refused three federal plea offers, went to trial against the U.S. government, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. But that wasn't the end. Representing himself with a number-two pencil and a manual typewriter from the prison law library, Jeff filed over 500 motions, had trial court decisions reversed five times, and got two federal judges removed, walking free nearly seven years early. Today he advises 19 companies, speaks to CEO groups worldwide, and is the author of When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, published by Forbes Books in January 2024. Jeff lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife Ashley and their young children. The relationship that transformed Jeff's life: his wife Ashley. She had worked in his mortgage company years before his conviction, and about a year and a half into his prison sentence, she sent him a love letter out of the blue, saying she had always loved him and would stand by him until they won. She then drove seven hours each way to visit him once a month for seven years in what Jeff describes as a horrific prison visiting room. On the day he was released, she was waiting at the front gates to bring him home. They are now married with a young daughter, Carly, a miracle Jeff says he never deserved and considers his greatest motivation. [00:03:40] Kurt and Kristen LudHart: The Introduction That Started It All Kevin credits Kurt and Kristen LudHart for connecting him with Jeff Jeff agrees on the power of trust-based introductions cutting through surface-level noise Demonstrates how the right relationships open doors quickly and authentically [00:04:43] What Jeff Does Today: Rebuilding After Ruin Now works with a portfolio of 19 companies, helping CEOs and management teams grow Has a team of experienced advisors; also runs a law firm and investment funds Focused on helping owners create secure jobs, community impact, and charity support Describes the last five years as a full business resurrection [00:08:02] The Backstory: Air Force Academy to Billion-Dollar Firm Attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, served at Langley Air Force Base during the First Gulf War Got his MBA at night while at Langley, then entered finance as a rookie cold-calling stockbroker Built MICG Investment Management in Newport News, VA to over $1 billion in assets and 100 associates Grew to include three hedge funds, a mortgage company, insurance company, and real estate firm [00:08:48] The 2008 Crisis and the Government Comes Knocking The 2008 financial crisis triggered regulatory crackdowns on approximately 2,000 second-tier firms MICG was too large to avoid the radar and too small to write a $200 million check to make regulators move on Jeff was offered three federal plea deals and refused all three Sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after a five-week trial [00:11:20] The Prison Law Library and 500 Motions Sent to a violent prison in New Jersey, not the minimum-security facility typical for white-collar cases Began helping other inmates with their cases, filing over 300 motions for others Through this service, taught himself federal criminal law entirely by doing Filed over 500 motions in his own case using a number-two pencil and a manual typewriter [00:12:50] The Three Pillars That Got Him Through Physical: committed to 1% improvement every day, weights and running the track, not just for protection but for endorphins and the energy to stay proactive Intellectual: read 26 classics from the prison library and discovered a love of literature he never would have found otherwise Spiritual: read the Bible front to back multiple times; got into yoga and meditation to channel his anger into something productive Key mindset: treat adversity like a marathon, not a sprint, because it will take way longer than you think [00:18:26] The Academy Roommate: From Prison to $8 Million Exit Air Force Academy roommate flew out on Jeff's second day home from prison Had several struggling companies and needed someone he could trust completely Jeff and a team of Academy basketball and rugby teammates merged four losing companies Sold to California private equity two years later for $8 million Jeff's deep pride: these men had visited him in prison when he had nothing, and this was his way of giving back [00:20:32] Ashley's Love Letter: The Relationship That Changed Everything About a year and a half into his sentence, Jeff received a love letter from Ashley, a former employee She wrote that she had always loved him and would stand by him no matter what Drove seven hours each way to visit him once a month for seven years Was waiting at the front gates the day he was released and brought him home [00:24:20] The 12-Man Room: Jumping on Tony's Back Describes a late-night prison confrontation: a large inmate named Tony began brutally beating a smaller Guatemalan man over commissary pricing Jeff had spent months helping Tony with legal paperwork to get him transferred to a minimum-security camp In the middle of the night, Jeff ran across the room and jumped on Tony's back, screaming that he was about to ruin his transfer Tony came to his senses, went back to bed, everyone survived [00:27:11] The Book and the Mission: When Not If Forbes Books published When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity in January 2024 Amazon #1 bestseller; available on Amazon and at jeffmartinovich.com Two halves: 20 lessons on how to prepare before a black swan event, and 20 lessons on what to do differently once it arrives Jeff's goal: help business leaders avoid the mistakes he made on the way up and survive the ones they can't prevent [00:30:06] Final Message: You Can Get Through Anything Life doesn't throw curve balls, it throws bazookas, and Jeff lost everything down to zero Message to anyone going through something terrible: you can get through anything, you just have to get through it Believes God gives incredible rewards on the other side of the tunnel for those who endure Humbled by how many people share their own terrible stories after his speeches, proving everyone carries something [00:32:57] Own Your Story: Turning Disadvantages Into Advantages 99% of people run and hide after catastrophic public failures; Jeff chose the opposite At the start of every meeting, he tells his story directly before anyone can Google it This transparency consistently attracts trust, admiration, and deeper connection Malcolm Gladwell's principle in action: turn disadvantages into advantages KEY QUOTES "Don't run away. Own your story. Be as transparent and strong as you can. And when you own your story, it becomes the thing that attracts incredible people to you." - Jeff Martinovich "I literally lost a billion-dollar firm and everything down to 0.00. But what I want to give other people is hope and inspiration. You can go through anything as long as you get through it. You just gotta get through it." - Jeff Martinovich "The more people I help, the more the universe takes care of us. I learned that even in prison. The day I got home, I just started helping as many people as possible, mostly at 5 AM for free, and it has just exploded into all these blessings." - Jeff Martinovich CONNECT WITH JEFF MARTINOVICH
Ep. 252: What do black diamond ski slopes and working with Shaquille O'Neal have in common? For Amy Jo Martin, both became defining lessons in bravery, brand, and leadership. In this episode, you will learn: How to practice "calendar integrity" so your time matches your values. Why deleting, delegating, and divesting are the keys to capacity. A simple strategy for manufacturing bravery in high-stakes moments. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights.
Ep. 251: As longtime Executive Director of the TB12 Foundation, Lisa helped carry forward Tom Brady's mission to redefine health and longevity. Before that, she spent 18 years leading the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, guiding families through some of life's hardest challenges and helping turn advocacy into action. In this episode, you'll learn: How genuine curiosity builds trust and unlocks performance Why elite leaders redirect quickly instead of dwelling on setbacks How mental fitness becomes the foundation for sustainable leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Andrew Levin and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 250: As captain of his HS baseball and basketball teams, Mark McClain began building a leadership playbook that would one day guide him as founder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies—recently named to Glassdoor's Best Places to Work list. In this episode, you'll learn: How to balance executing in your role with building your career with his 90/10 rule. How to recalibrate goals before you drift too far off course. The three traits Mark looks for in every hire. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Chase Nagel for making this episode possible.
Six years ago, Kate Morgan walked away from the sale of her business just days before closing. Since then, she's endured some rough stretches, fighting through the pandemic and a slump in the software sector where many of her clients live. She's managed to stay profitable, and she sees lots of opportunity ahead, but the grind has worn her down. After years of pushing, adapting, and holding on, she says she's had enough. She believes a strategic sale makes the most sense, and she's working her network to find the right buyer. This week, she talks through her plan with David C. Barnett and Ted Wolf, two owners who—unlike most—have actually sold businesses and lived with the consequences. They push Kate to think carefully about her options and the pitfalls that trip up so many owners.Plus: One reason Kate is ready to sell is that she's recently published a book, and she'd like to devote more time and energy to accepting speaking opportunities. As it happens, Ted has written two books that he's trying to figure out how to get published. Kate and David compare notes on the very different paths they've taken—David self-publishing through Amazon, Kate paying a big fee to work with Forbes Books. Both are quite happy with the choices they made.
Ep. 249: Before food trucks were cool, Mike Rypka had a used trailer, a red Vespa for deliveries, and a bold dream of building a taco joint. In this raw and inspiring conversation, he shares how overcoming addiction—and earning respect by leading from the line—shaped the culture behind one of America's most beloved taco brands, now with more than 100 locations. Read our book The Devil Is In the Details: Mike Rypka and the Torchy's Tacos Story: https://a.co/d/96JXGWu Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 248: "Sports teams are run better than most businesses," Jack Daly shares. "They practice more than they play—and they never play without a playbook." With 100+ marathons across all 50 states and 7 continents, multiple Ironman finishes, and a business career that scaled companies into the hundreds of millions, Jack brings an unmatched resume—and a powerful message. This episode will challenge you to be intentional about every hour of your week. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Lilly Mae Stewart for making this episode possible.
Ep. 247: Swimming and diving instilled a discipline in Sara that she carried into marathon running—qualifying for Boston the year of the bombing, then digging deep to requalify under even tougher standards. That same grit now fuels her approach to business, helping her navigate setbacks and drive purpose-driven growth. Sara is offering a 10% discount to all of our listeners when you visit her website through this link: Hughandgrace.com/ccp Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Joey Morris for making this episode possible.
Ep. 246: Tennis champion and Adidas shoe icon is joined by the President of Stan Smith Events, to share how leaders can Win Trust. With clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to Olympic legends and Michelin-starred chefs, they reveal how thoughtfully crafted moments create lasting impact. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
About Web Golinkin:Web Golinkin is a seasoned healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and author with more than 35 years of leadership experience, including six CEO roles and three companies he co-founded. Over the last two decades, he has focused on expanding access to affordable, basic healthcare, establishing himself as a pioneer in both retail-based clinics and urgent care. His insights into the evolution of consumer-focused healthcare have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Today Show, Fox Business, and numerous industry conferences. Web is also the author of Here Be Dragons, published by Forbes Books in 2024. His career spans leadership positions across healthcare delivery, population health management, medical communications, and consumer health media, including his current role as president of Babson Diagnostics and previous leadership at FastMed Urgent Care, Health Dialog, RediClinic, America's Health Network, and American Medical Communications. A graduate of Harvard University, Web continues to shape the future of healthcare through innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered design.Things You'll Learn:Better Way can deliver 67 clinically equivalent tests from a fingertip blood sample, covering more than 80% of common primary care needs. This allows patients to avoid the traditional needle-based blood draw.Nearly a decade of validation, including thousands of study participants and hundreds of thousands of tests, demonstrates the scientific rigor behind the technology. This long research runway enabled FDA clearance and strong clinical confidence.About one-third of patients avoid blood testing due to needle phobia or inconvenience, contributing to major gaps in preventive care. A more straightforward, painless collection method directly addresses this barrier.Health systems can increase patient adherence and reduce reliance on phlebotomists by cross-training staff to use the system within 2.5 hours. This unlocks staffing flexibility and operational efficiency.Better Way focuses on reducing friction across the entire testing journey, including simplified, graphic-rich patient result reports. This empowers patients to understand their health without having to decipher complex medical language.Resources:Connect with and follow Web Golinkin on LinkedIn.Follow Babson Diagnostics on LinkedIn and visit their website.
What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything and teaches you more than success ever could? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jeff Martinovich, Author of When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, who shares his astonishing journey from the boardroom to federal prison and back. Wrongly targeted during the 2008 financial crisis, Jeff refused three plea deals on principle and paid a heavy price. His story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention reveals hard-won lessons about leadership, integrity, and rebuilding after unimaginable loss. Key Takeaways: → The cultural principles and “A-player” mindset that fueled his firm's explosive growth. → What really happened when regulators came for smaller financial firms after 2008. → The meaning behind When Not If—why every leader must prepare for crisis before it strikes. → How a childhood fascination with investing led to a billion-dollar wealth-management empire. → How helping others in the prison law library became his unlikely path to freedom. Jeff Martinovich earned his B.S. in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and his MBA in Finance from The College of William and Mary. He had the honor of serving his country during The First Gulf War at Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Langley, Virginia. Pursuing a second career in financial services, Jeff was Founder and CEO of MICG Investment Management, a billion-dollar wealth management firm nationally recognized for its rapid growth, WoW service and A-Player culture. Following the 2008 Financial Crisis, MICG's proprietary hedge funds experienced regulatory scrutiny and allegations. As CEO, Jeff vigorously defended his firm, refusing three separate plea offers and instead choosing to defend his employees and himself in federal court. In a bizarre narrative, Jeff was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Yet, then representing himself, the court decisions were reversed twice by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, two separate U.S. District Court Judges were removed, and his successful federal suit liberated him from a higher-security, violent prison. After nearly 7 years, Jeff was finally released to begin his journey of rebuilding, restoring, and turning disadvantages into advantages. His life has been a continuous string of business and family miracles ever since. His perilous journey and miraculous restoration are the topics of national publications, to include When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, Forbes Books, January 2024. He spends his days helping CEO's, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders not make the mistakes he made on the way up, as well as teaching trench warfare tactics necessary to achieve victory when the black swan shows up at your office. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife, son, and new little girl. Connect With Jeff : Website: https://www.jeffmartinovich.com/ X: https://x.com/JeffMartinovich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.martinovich.2023/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-martinovich/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything and teaches you more than success ever could? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jeff Martinovich, Author of When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, who shares his astonishing journey from the boardroom to federal prison and back. Wrongly targeted during the 2008 financial crisis, Jeff refused three plea deals on principle and paid a heavy price. His story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention reveals hard-won lessons about leadership, integrity, and rebuilding after unimaginable loss. Key Takeaways: → The cultural principles and “A-player” mindset that fueled his firm's explosive growth. → What really happened when regulators came for smaller financial firms after 2008. → The meaning behind When Not If—why every leader must prepare for crisis before it strikes. → How a childhood fascination with investing led to a billion-dollar wealth-management empire. → How helping others in the prison law library became his unlikely path to freedom. Jeff Martinovich earned his B.S. in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and his MBA in Finance from The College of William and Mary. He had the honor of serving his country during The First Gulf War at Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Langley, Virginia. Pursuing a second career in financial services, Jeff was Founder and CEO of MICG Investment Management, a billion-dollar wealth management firm nationally recognized for its rapid growth, WoW service and A-Player culture. Following the 2008 Financial Crisis, MICG's proprietary hedge funds experienced regulatory scrutiny and allegations. As CEO, Jeff vigorously defended his firm, refusing three separate plea offers and instead choosing to defend his employees and himself in federal court. In a bizarre narrative, Jeff was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Yet, then representing himself, the court decisions were reversed twice by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, two separate U.S. District Court Judges were removed, and his successful federal suit liberated him from a higher-security, violent prison. After nearly 7 years, Jeff was finally released to begin his journey of rebuilding, restoring, and turning disadvantages into advantages. His life has been a continuous string of business and family miracles ever since. His perilous journey and miraculous restoration are the topics of national publications, to include When Not If: A CEO's Guide to Overcoming Adversity, Forbes Books, January 2024. He spends his days helping CEO's, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders not make the mistakes he made on the way up, as well as teaching trench warfare tactics necessary to achieve victory when the black swan shows up at your office. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia with his wife, son, and new little girl. Connect With Jeff : Website: https://www.jeffmartinovich.com/ X: https://x.com/JeffMartinovich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.martinovich.2023/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-martinovich/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep. 245: From Jacksonville State Basketball to leading teams at AT&T, Oracle, and NVIDIA, he shares how a coach, a friend-turned-mentor, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang helped shape his leadership mindset, including: Why mentorship that starts with friendship builds trust and momentum How to create a leadership culture where curiosity and vulnerability are rewarded How mission quietly shapes behavior—long before it shows up in performance Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started:https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to T.J. Percell and Arianna Aly for making this episode possible.
Ep. 244: From UNC soccer's "Competitive Cauldron" to Cisco's global sales floors, Sophie Stevens has learned that high performers thrive on feedback, not comfort. In this episode, she and Don Yaeger explore how measurable accountability builds great teams, why vulnerability and openness drive innovation, and how gratitude sustains momentum. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abigail Brandt, Andrew Levin, and Sharon Pooley for making this episode possible.
Ep. 243: This executive who oversees OpenTable, Booking.com, and KAYAK was shaped by tennis courts and ski slopes. Glenn explains why "deliberate practice" beats "time on task" every time. Don't miss: • How Glenn used this mindset to recover from a stroke • The right way to coach for continuous improvement • How AI is changing the rules of feedback in real time Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.
Clint Padgett is the President and CEO of Project Success Inc., a global leader in project management consulting that for over 30 years has empowered Fortune 500 companies to plan, execute, and deliver complex initiatives across industries. A dynamic thought leader, Clint is also a ForbesBooks author and the host of the popular podcast The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett, where he explores the intersection of people, leadership, and project success with C-suite executives and renowned authors.Early in Clint's career he served as an electrician's mate aboard an aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. This formative experience forged the discipline, resilience, and mission-focused mindset that would come to define his leadership philosophy. Following his military service, he transitioned into technical roles, including serving as a sales equipment engineer at The Coca-Cola Company. Clint holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business—credentials that reflect his rare blend of technical acumen and strategic insight. His people-first, process-driven approach is further shaped by decades of experience leading complex projects around the globe, and by his continued commitment to learning, teaching, and mentoring.Clint is best known for championing the human side of project management. He believes that successful projects are not driven by charts or software—but by empowered people and real conversations. His methodology emphasizes commitment, clarity, and collaboration in matrixed organizations, helping clients create plans their teams can believe in and deliver on. This philosophy is codified in his two books: The Project Success Method and How Teams Triumph: Managing by Commitment.Through Project Success Inc., Clint has helped global teams with executing high-stakes, high-visibility projects—including multiple Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups for brands like Coca-Cola—ensuring every objective is met with precision and alignment.Clint's insights have been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and numerous industry podcasts and panels. Whether training project managers, consulting senior leadership, or speaking on global stages, Clint brings three decades of experience, candid wisdom, and a relentless drive to help organizations thrive through project excellence.
The New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark by Don Yaeger, Bernie Banks, Karen Cyphers https://www.amazon.com/New-Science-Momentum-Coaches-Leaders/dp/1400247136 “This book will help you win in the game of life!” – Dick Vitale, ESPN analyst Learn how to capture—and keep—the awesome power of momentum! Most leaders believe in momentum—a phenomenon that's easy to perceive but difficult to define. Which is why so few have been able to explain how to spark it, sustain it, or steer it to unbridled success. Until now. In this groundbreaking book, bestselling author Don Yaeger and leadership expert Bernie Banks uncover what it takes to turn a single moment into unstoppable momentum. Drawing from eight years of research, over 250 interviews, and thousands of survey responses, they reveal a proven model for building momentum across sports, business, politics, and the military. You'll learn how to: Recognize the early spark of momentum and act on it. Build a culture that sustains momentum over time. Apply a research-backed model used by top leaders. Reignite momentum when it begins to fade. Whether you're leading a team or an entire organization, this book will help you harness momentum in every aspect of an enterprise—from team building to recruitment to communications—and make it last.About the author Don Yaeger is a National Speakers Hall of Fame inductee, 12-time New York Times bestselling author, and host of the top-rated Corporate Competitor Podcast. He is Publisher of Forbes Books, Storyteller in Residence for National Geographic, and a former Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated. Don is known for his work with elite sports and business leaders, coaching organizations on building cultures of Greatness using insights from his study of high-performing teams. Celebrated by thought leaders like John Maxwell and Simon Sinek as a master storyteller, Don has appeared on Oprah, CNN, Fox Business, and Good Morning America. His podcast ranks in the top 5% globally and features guests such as Condoleezza Rice and CEOs from Disney, Delta, and Mayo Clinic. A Ball State Hall of Fame alum, Don lives in Tallahassee with his wife and two children.
Ep. 242: He didn't speak until he was three. Today, he's the one asking the tough questions on national television—broadcasting from war zones, pressing political leaders, and keeping his cool when chaos unfolds live. In this heartfelt episode, Leland shares how his father's fierce love—and some brutally honest coaching—transformed him. Order our NEW BOOK Born Lucky on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bv6HBC3 Our free BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes the four pieces of advice Leland's grandfather wrote in his letter and reflection questions so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 241: UC Irvine Volleyball shaped this longtime Pure Barre exec's belief in staying ready. She shares how being called off the bench during a game-winning point shaped her mindset as a Chief Marketing Officer. Don't miss: -Her two-question nightly ritual that sharpens focus and fuels growth -How to replace "cannot" with a growth mindset -How to lead with warmth without lowering expectations Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 240: University of Toledo Baseball shaped his belief in showing up with pride—even when the scoreboard says otherwise. He shares how a blunt rejection from a scout and a cold-call to a bank exec changed his career path. “You are going to be great at something,” a baseball scout informed him. “Just not baseball.” OUCH! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Joey Morris for making this episode possible.
In this episode of The Burleson Box, Dr. Dustin Burleson sits down with Adam Witty, entrepreneur, publisher, and founder of Advantage Media and Forbes Books, to unpack how authority marketing can transform your practice and your career. Adam shares his expertise on:Why authority—not just advertising—is the ultimate differentiator in crowded marketsHow publishing a book or creating thought leadership content positions you as the go-to expert in your communityThe step-by-step process of building credibility and influence that attracts patients, opportunities, and partnershipsLessons from working with thousands of entrepreneurs, doctors, and business leaders worldwideThe mindset shift required to move from being “just another provider” to a recognized authority in your fieldWhether you're looking to elevate your brand, attract higher-quality patients, or future-proof your career with lasting credibility, this episode is full of practical strategies you can put into action.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBooks & Concepts:The Authority Advantage by Adam Witty and Rusty Shelton – A primer for how to earn trust and become a thought leader.Authority Marketing by Adam Witty and Rusty Shelton – A framework for positioning yourself as a recognized expert.Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale – A classic on personal development and leadership.Influence by Robert Cialdini – Insights into persuasion and the psychology of trust.The Business of Expertise by David C. Baker – How to leverage specialized knowledge to build authority and attract clients.The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber – A guide to building systems and escaping the trap of working only in your business.Organizations & Projects:Advantage Media – The publishing company Adam founded to help experts become authors.Forbes Books – A publishing partnership platform for business leaders seeking visibility and credibility.Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to The Burleson Box on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support helps us bring powerful conversations like this to more listeners in healthcare leadership. ***The Burleson Box is brought to you by OrthoFi:Grow More. Worry Less. Simplify Your Practice with OrthoFi.Did you know that practices using OrthoFi start more patients and reduce financial barriers without adding complexity to their operations? With OrthoFi, you can simplify the insurance and patient financial process, streamline collections, and free up your team to focus on patient care. OrthoFi combines smart technology with patient-friendly payment solutions to help you start more treatment, improve cash flow, and deliver a better overall experience. Patients love the flexibility. Practices love the results.Take advantage of a platform built specifically for orthodontists and dental specialists—helping you manage everything from eligibility verification to automated payment processing in one easy-to-use system. Grow your starts. Increase your efficiency. And reduce the headaches of insurance and collections with OrthoFi.Want to learn more? Schedule a demo today and see how OrthoFi can help your practice thrive.Click below to learn more:OrthoFi.com*** Go Premium: Members get early access, ad-free episodes, hand-edited transcripts, exclusive study guides, special edition books each quarter, powerpoint and keynote presentations and two tickets to Dustin Burleson's Annual Leadership Retreat.http://www.theburlesonbox.com/sign-up Stay Up to Date: Sign up for The Burleson Report, our weekly newsletter that is delivered each Sunday with timeless insight for life and private practice. Sign up here:http://www.theburlesonreport.com Follow Dustin Burleson, DDS, MBA at:http://www.burlesonseminars.com
Ep. 239: At 59, Mike became the oldest contributing member of a college football team in NCAA history—returning to his alma mater nearly four decades after being kicked off the team. He returned to finish what he started. But this isn't just a comeback story—it's about redemption, resilience, and the courage to face regret head-on.
Ep. 238 Field hockey taught Linda to pause and ask "Why do you love the game?" That question has helped her transform both sports teams and billion-dollar organizations. Linda's team manages $111 billion in assets and are part of the 1.4 trillion dollar investment arm of Prudential Financial. She began her career as a lawyer, but her love for math and problem-solving helped her rise to the top in the finance world. Don't miss: Why EQ is leadership's real X-Factor in the age of AI How eye rolls and emails reveal your culture The "color-dot" system Linda uses for decoding personalities Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Lilly Mae Stewart for making this episode possible.
Ep. 237: From the sidelines of Miami Football's National Championship game to leading one of the world's most iconic brands, the first female CEO of Bose shares stories of how weekly discomfort built her confidence! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Alissa Pupich for making this episode possible.
Ep. 236: Tennis & racing cars shaped Lance's belief that decisiveness is a leader's most powerful tool. As a nationally ranked tennis player, he learned to make high-stakes decisions alone. That same mindset now fuels his success as a CEO and professional race car driver—where speed, risk, and preparation define every outcome. Don't miss: • His “eyes up” strategy for forecasting in business • A behind-the-wheel story that saved a race (and inspired a deal) • Our BONUS RESOURCE with quotes and reflection questions to apply today's insights
Ep. 235: Softball shaped Kelli's belief that great leadership is about setting others up to win. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how her time as a scrappy leadoff hitter inspired a team-first mindset—and how embracing her adoption story became the key to building trust and loyalty as a leader. Don't miss: Her simple 1–10 check-in that helps leaders truly understand how their team is doing How Kelli scouts the competition by building authentic relationships with fellow CEOs Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode with my favorite quotes and reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Lilly Mae for making this episode possible.
Ep. 234: Notre Dame Football and having “Rudy” as a coach shaped the way Mike views “grit” and “grind” today! In this episode, you will learn how to turn personal wins into shared victories. “If you have a great day, make it a point to share that feeling with your entire organization,” he shares. “That way everyone can enjoy it and feel proud.” Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 233: This CEO's high school was so tiny that it didn't have a track team, so he started a squad from scratch, built up the roster and even coached them, all while running a swift 4:25 mile along the way. That mindset—identifying a challenge and pursuing a solution—never left him. Years after starring on the team, Sanford saw an opening in the real estate market. He realized that the future of the business was online. So, he acted. Today?
Ep. 232: Training for her ultramarathon in Spain helped Heidi break big goals into small, achievable steps. Her approach offers a compelling blueprint for building trust, inspiring teams, and elevating the customer experience. Rooted in small-town Kansas values and shaped by global experience, you will learn in this conversation how to stop treating customers like transactions. 1. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. 2. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ 3. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 231: How does a moment become momentum? You will learn the model to capture, accelerate, and reverse momentum as featured in my new book with Gen. Bernard Banks. From commanding in Desert Storm to teaching at West Point and Rice University to transforming organizations, Bernie's perspective is battle-tested, data-backed, and built to help leaders at every level create their own momentum shift. 1. Order your copy of the book here! 2. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. 3. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ 4. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Ep. 230: From college football to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, John Tuttle has always thrived in competitive arenas. Now as President of Acrisure, he leads 19,000 employees in one of the fastest-growing fintech companies on the planet. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 229: Playing for The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys shaped the creator of Babcock Ranch—America's first solar-powered town. You will learn: Why Syd requires every team member to sign a Team Agreement—and what happens when they don't. How a quarterly Day of Service strengthens company culture and community impact. Why great leadership means turning observations into innovations. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.
Ep. 228: Get excited for the Kentucky Derby with Spectrum Vice President Mark Kornegay! “Horses are like people—they can burn themselves out trying to keep up with the fastest ones, instead of running their own race,” he shared on this episode. Mark's career also includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and he served as a Special Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. You will learn why preparation is everything and the best performers understand their strengths and craft a strategy that suits them. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Samantha Clark and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 227: A devastating injury during the National Championship game left Robert paralyzed from the neck down. Told he'd never walk again, he began a new journey, one fueled by his three-word mantra: “Compared to what?” Robert shares how that question helped him shift from victimhood to victory—and how you can use the same mindset to lead through adversity. In this episode, you'll learn: Why asking “Compared to what?” cuts big challenges down to size. How to reframe your pain into purpose and lead from a place of strength. What it means to truly forgive—and how it frees your energy to focus forward. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 226: Running marathons shaped this CEO's 35-year rise from “Amway Project Intern” to the corner office. From his first days at Amway to overseeing 14,000 employees in 100 countries, Michael reflects on his journey to teach you: How to avoid creating a culture where people are panicked to fail Why raising your hand opens the door to leadership growth—and what it really means to say yes to opportunity What running marathons taught him about clarity and leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don's favorite quotes from today's episode and a reflection question so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we're making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.