GrowthReady Podcast

Episode 244: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Growth with Dallin Cooper Nov 20, 2024

About the Guest:
Dallin is an author, entrepreneur, and award-winning shepherd. From small towns in Wyoming to one of the largest cities in China, he has inspired audiences to embrace perspectives beyond their own. Recognized as an expert in Authority Magazine, Dallin helps organizations and leaders challenge assumptions and communicate effectively.

Dallin’s leadership journey began at the age of 20 when he launched his first business—a digital marketing agency. The agency quickly grew, and by the time he sold it to a larger media group a few years later, it was serving clients internationally. He later founded a sustainable dog chew brand, which is now widely distributed across the United States. Over the years, Dallin has consulted for top realtors, banks, Chambers of Commerce, and numerous other industries, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and impactful leader.

About the Episode:
Dallin Cooper explores what it means to be 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the pursuit of progress and the drive to move forward in life. He reflects on how personal experiences and the influence of his entrepreneurial parents shaped this mindset. The discussion uncovers common challenges to growth, such as fear, survival mode, and the impact of assumptive behavior, which often block true progress. Dallin shares his innovative approach to helping individuals and organizations overcome these obstacles, ultimately achieving meaningful personal and professional growth.
Dallin also opens up about his journey of juggling side hustles, confronting the challenges of commitment, and prioritizing fulfillment over financial gain. He recounts pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his path, including selling a dog chew business and taking a leap into speaking. Dallin emphasizes the importance of committing fully to one’s goals, seeking guidance from trusted mentors, and finding balance between personal satisfaction and financial stability. His story is an inspiring testament to choosing dreams over comfort and making the hard decisions that lead to success.
Learn more about Dallin at www.dallincooper.com.
Key Takeaways

Growth is a continuous journey, rooted in personal experiences and influences.
Fear and survival mode can limit opportunities for progress.
Assumptive behavior prevents recognition of the need for change.
Encouraging self-discovery fosters deeper, lasting personal growth.
True growth requires discomfort and a willingness to challenge biases.
Commitment is the defining factor between wanting and achieving.
Success often involves balancing personal fulfillment and financial stability.

Dallin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that aligning actions with dreams—and fully committing to them—can transform both career and life.

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Episode 243: Leadership, Fulfillment, and Crisis Resilience Nov 14, 2024

About the Guest:
Rich Salon is a seasoned HR expert, Career Transition Coach, author, and speaker with 25 years in corporate leadership roles at companies like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Circuit City. Known as “Rich-the-HR-Guy,” he specializes in fostering career fulfillment, employee engagement, and trust within organizations. Rich’s dedication earned him CNN's "Hero of the Economy" award for his work at Circuit City and the nickname "chief engagement officer."
As a coach, Rich has authored *Career Trust* and *Unleashing Your Career*, guiding individuals toward purpose and fulfillment. Beyond his career, he actively contributes to his community, holding leadership roles in Rotary International and working to fulfill wishes for adults with terminal illnesses. Passionate about career growth and community impact, Rich is dedicated to helping others find purpose and success in their professional lives.
Learn more about Rich thru his website at www.ownershipconnection.com
About the Episode:
Rich Salon dives into what it means to be "GrowthReady" and the ongoing path of personal and professional development. He highlights the power of servant leadership, simplifying complexity, and leading with presence. Reflecting on pivotal moments like the Circuit City bankruptcy, Rich shares insights on guiding others through crisis, finding career fulfillment, and transitioning from employee engagement to deeper purpose.
Now a career and business ownership coach, he discusses the importance of mindset shifts, identifying passions, and the impact of volunteer work. Rich’s journey offers inspiring lessons on growth, leadership, and making a difference.
Takeaways:

Each of us needs to be growth ready.
Helping leaders become better leaders is crucial.
Simplicity can have a profound impact on understanding.
Face-to-face interactions are vital for effective leadership.
Success without fulfillment is failure.
Engagement is important, but fulfillment is the ultimate goal.
Leaders must prioritize the needs of their team members.
Building relationships requires deliberate effort.
Hope can be created even in dire situations.
Identifying passions and talents is crucial for career success.
Shifting from 'I should' to 'I will' is a powerful mindset change.
Volunteerism can enhance personal and professional growth.
Helping others find their true gifts is a personal mission.

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Episode 242: From Chaos to Clarity: Building a GrowthReady Mindset Nov 07, 2024

About the Guest:
Robert X. Fogarty is a speaker, advocate, and social entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Dear World, an organization dedicated to storytelling through powerful images and personal narratives. Since starting as an art project in New Orleans in 2010, Dear World has evolved into a global movement celebrating the impact of personal stories.
Robert has introduced the Brain Tattoo™ Storytelling Method to major organizations like Fidelity, UBS, and Duke Men’s Basketball, and has worked with diverse communities worldwide, from survivors of the Orlando Pulse tragedy to Syrian refugees. His work has been featured in CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times.
Learn more about Robert by visiting his website https://dearworld.com/
About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor interviews Robert X. Fogarty, founder of Dear World. They delve into what it means to be “growth ready,” exploring Fogarty's transformative journey from a Hurricane Katrina volunteer to an entrepreneur, the impact of New Orleans on his life, and the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.
The conversation highlights the role of chaos, team dynamics, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the value of authentic storytelling in building connections and supporting leaders in crafting their own narratives.
Takeaways:

Being growth ready means being curious and aware of your surroundings.
Thriving in chaos can lead to personal and professional growth.
Feeling needed is a powerful motivator for engagement and service.
Storytelling is essential for connecting with others and conveying emotions.
Opportunities often arise from unexpected places and experiences.
Team dynamics are vital for success in any venture.
Understanding the stakes involved can guide decision-making.
Internal motivation drives excellence and personal fulfillment. Everyone has a version of excellence they aspire to.
The temptation of excellence can be both powerful and dangerous.
Self-awareness is crucial in leadership and personal growth.
The story we tell ourselves shapes our well-being and relationships.
Lies we tell ourselves can have serious consequences.
Therapy can serve as a maintenance tool for personal growth.
Creating a personal narrative is essential for authentic leadership.
Collaboration can enhance the growth journey.
Leaders need to engage in difficult conversations about their stories.
Community support is vital for transformation.

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Episode 241: Embracing Change and Growth: Navigating Life's Seasons and Trusting the Journey with Sonia Daniels Oct 30, 2024

About the Guest:
Dr. Sonia L. Daniels is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Through her consulting firm, S. Daniels Consulting, she leverages her expertise to support a wide range of clients, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Her strong educational background in Public Policy and Public Administration-Nonprofit Management, as well as her experience in senior-level operations roles, has equipped her to effectively lead impact-focused capacity building projects.
Dr. Daniels embodies the ideal balance of professional expertise and personal passions, making her an invaluable resource for organizations looking to drive sustainable growth and create lasting positive change.
When she’s not working, Sonia indulges in solo international travel, gardening, exploring the arts and painting, reading to children at local schools, and spending time with family and friends.
You can learn more about Sonia thru her website www.sdanielsconsulting.com
Linkedin:S. Daniels Consulting
Instagram: sdanielsconsulting
About the Episode:
n this GrowthReady episode, Steve Mellor talks with Sonia Daniels about authenticity, personal growth, and viewing life in seasons to set goals and face challenges. Sonia shares her journey as a first-generation business owner, the value of change management, and the introspection needed to understand her worth. She emphasizes removing negative language, embracing discomfort, and practicing self-belief through meditation and affirmations. Her insights inspire listeners to see the unknown as a field of opportunities and to confidently pursue their goals.
Takeaways:

Being growth ready means showing up authentically.
Life can be viewed in seasons for easier navigation.
Change management is fundamentally about people.
Autonomy in career choices leads to personal fulfillment.
Introspection is crucial for understanding one's worth.
Daily practices can reinforce self-belief and worthiness.
Meditation and affirmations can change mindset.
Flexibility in work is essential for adult responsibilities.
Understanding motives is key before starting a business.
Success is built on believing in oneself and one's capabilities. Taking the word can't out of my vocabulary has transformed my life.
Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth.
Hiring a life coach helped me design my ideal life.
Trusting myself is crucial for making decisions.
Running a successful business is challenging but rewarding.
No one is coming to save me; I must take ownership.
Being open to change allows for new possibilities.
Time will pass regardless of whether we take action or not.
I focus on the lessons learned from adversity.
The unknown can be a world of possibilities.

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Episode 240 - Embracing Growth: The Power of Reflection, Intention, and Learning Oct 23, 2024

About Katie:
Katie Anderson is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author of the bestselling book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Her work focuses on helping leaders build high-performing, learning-driven cultures. A Fulbright Scholar and Stanford graduate, Katie has inspired leaders worldwide to foster innovation and excellence.
Learn more about Katie thru her website at www.kbjanderson.com
About the Episode:
In this episode, Katie Anderson discusses the concept of being 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the importance of a learning mindset. She shares insights from her diverse experiences, including her work with organizations to foster effective learning and continuous improvement.
Katie and Steve explore the significance of reflection in personal and professional growth. They discuss how intentional pauses and micro reflections can enhance learning and performance.
They emphasizes the need for leaders to carve out time for reflection amidst their busy schedules and the importance of framing experiences as experiments to foster a learning mindset. They also touch on the balance between high performance and learning, advocating for a more flexible approach to achieving goals.
Takeaways

Every experience is an opportunity for learning.
Learning is most effective through practice and doing.
Intention is about aligning actions with purpose.
Reflection is crucial for personal growth.
Unexpected challenges can lead to significant growth.
We must create conditions for others to succeed.
Intention and goals are interconnected but distinct.
The only true failure is not learning from mistakes.
We have control over our intentions, not external goals.
Micro reflections can be integrated into daily routines.
Intentional pauses help in proactive engagement during interactions.
Building a habit of reflection strengthens learning.
Having reflection partners can enhance the process.
Creating space for reflection prevents burnout.
Framing experiences as experiments fosters a learning mindset.
Curiosity and inquiry are key to effective learning.
High performers need to balance performance with learning opportunities.
Not every moment needs to be high stakes for growth.

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Episode 239 - The Role of Leadership in Emergencies: The C3 Method Oct 16, 2024

About Patrick
Patrick Hardy is an internationally-recognized disaster preparedness expert dedicated to empowering people with practical strategies for navigating both major emergencies and everyday disruptions. As a keynote speaker and the author of "Design Any Disaster," Patrick shares invaluable insights and secrets of effective disaster planning, equipping individuals and organizations to build resilience in the face of uncertainty. He inspires others to turn potential crises into opportunities for growth and preparedness.

About the Episode
In this episode of GrowthReady, Patrick Hardy shares his insights on personal growth, disaster management, and the importance of self-identity. He emphasizes the need for a strong sense of self before pursuing growth and discusses his journey into disaster management, sparked by Hurricane Katrina.

Patrick highlights the significance of intellectual curiosity, cultural adaptation, and leadership in emergencies, while also addressing the concepts of disruption and control in crisis management. He also discusses the importance of transforming disruptive events into opportunities for growth and empowerment. He emphasizes that disasters only become disasters when we allow them to, and that taking command, communicating effectively, and executing tasks can turn disruptions into advantages. Hardy shares insights on the necessity of self-reliance and independence, urging individuals and organizations to empower their teams and take responsibility for their own growth. He also highlights the significance of high performance through empowerment and leadership, illustrating how a shift in mindset can lead to success in the face of adversity.

Learn more about Patrick and his company thru his website at www.disasterpatrick.com

Takeaways

Before you can grow, you need a strong sense of self.
Stopping to reflect on who you are is crucial for growth.
Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
Cultural adaptation is essential in new environments.
Leadership is key in managing emergencies effectively.
You have control over the outcomes in crises.
Investing in yourself is more important than immediate financial gain.
Disruption in life can lead to significant growth opportunities.
Everyone faces their own version of a hurricane in life. You never have to experience a disaster for the rest of your life.
A category 5 hurricane is not a disaster until we let it become one.
Taking command of a disruption can make you stronger afterwards.
If I do nothing, no one else will either.
Treat external help like ice cream: nice, but not necessary.
Empowerment is key to high performance in any organization.
Disruptions can be turned into opportunities for growth.
Independence and self-reliance are crucial during crises.
High performance teams are built on empowerment and trust.
Preparation is essential; if you prepare for a disaster, you will never experience one.

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Episode 238 - Foundations of Growth and Fulfillment Oct 09, 2024

About Mark
Mark Scherer’s journey into spirituality began in his youth, driven by a desire to win arguments with his parents. This led him to explore the Bible and its connections to real life.

With over 30 years of study in Consciousness, Language, Spiritual Law, and Quantum Physics, Mark nurtured a passion for personal transformation. Now, he leads a team dedicated to empowering individuals through the Quantum Leap Technique™ (QLT), inspiring others to unlock their potential and embrace their transformative journeys.
About the Episode
In this conversation, Mark Scherer explores the idea of being growth ready and attracting luck. He highlights the need for a strong foundation to prepare for opportunities and shares his work as the founder of Encompass Life, a coaching and leadership development company that helps business owners break through barriers.
Mark introduces the shift from a 'how' mindset to a 'wow' mindset for quick idea implementation. He emphasizes finding peace and fulfillment to manifest desired outcomes and discusses the power of asking better questions. The conversation also covers the impact of language on our thoughts and the importance of letting go of negative self-talk. Finally, Mark underscores that personal growth is a journey, with fulfillment arising from the process itself.
Learn more about Mark and his company thru his website at www.encompasslife.com
Takeaways

Building a strong foundation and infrastructure is crucial to being growth ready and attracting luck.
Shifting from a 'how' mindset to a 'wow' mindset allows for quick and easy implementation of ideas.
Finding peace and fulfillment is essential for attracting luck and manifesting desired outcomes.
Asking the right questions and developing intuition can lead to breakthrough results and effective action. Asking better questions can lead to beneficial insights and positive change.
Language and words have a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Letting go of negative self-talk and embracing a growth mindset is essential for personal development.
Being coachable and open to feedback is crucial for growth and success.
Personal growth is a journey, and fulfillment comes from embracing the unfolding process.

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Episode 237 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth with Richard Blank Oct 02, 2024

About Richard:
Richard is the CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, which he founded in 2008 after moving from Philadelphia. With over 20 years of experience, he has trained more than 10,000 bilingual telemarketers in advanced strategies and employee motivation. Richard holds a degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and integrates his love for pinball machines into his company culture. He was inducted into the 2023 Abington High School Hall of Fame and annually supports students pursuing world languages.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the Growth Ready podcast, Richard Blank shares his inspiring journey from a Spanish major to the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for growth, overcoming fear, and the value of self-respect. Richard discusses his experiences in building a business, navigating challenges, and the significance of mentorship. He also highlights the joy of pursuing personal passions, such as his love for pinball machines, and how they contribute to a fulfilling life. The conversation concludes with insights on maintaining composure in chaos and the journey of growth and fulfillment.
Learn more about Richard and his company thru Linkedin at @costaricascallcenter
Takeaways:

Being growth ready means being fully prepared.
Fear can be a motivator if managed correctly.
Self-respect is crucial for personal growth.
Opportunities often come disguised as challenges.
Building a business requires patience and perseverance.
Passion fuels success in business endeavors.
Mentorship plays a vital role in personal development.
Maintaining composure during chaos is essential.
Self-awareness helps in making informed decisions.
Fulfillment comes from pursuing what you love.

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Episode 236 - Embracing Growth and Joy in Leadership with Robbie Olivier Sep 19, 2024

About Robbie:
Robbie is the President and CEO of Sigma Engineers & Constructors, a destination workplace for both employees and clients in engineering, construction, field services, inspection, and leadership solutions. While his education and career tell the story of an engineer, a large part of Robbie’s growth journey has come from playing in creative and innovative spaces as he embraces his pedigree for business and entrepreneurship. Whether through real estate ventures, investing in other entrepreneurs and their businesses, or making his own wine Robbie’s career and life story speaks to a very clear theme; a desire to grow and embrace what it means to ready yourself for what comes with it.
About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor engages in a deep conversation with Robbie. They explore the concept of being 'Growth Ready,' emphasizing the importance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and curiosity in personal and professional growth. Robbie shares his journey from a victim mindset to one of empowerment, highlighting the significance of relationships and self-care in leadership. The discussion also touches on the joy found in leadership roles, the process of winemaking, and the lessons learned from failure. Ultimately, the episode underscores the necessity of continuous growth and the pursuit of joy in all aspects of life.
Learn more about Robbie and his company - Sigma Engineering and Construction at www.sigmaec.com

Takeaways:

Being GrowthReady means preparing for opportunities.
Preparation is key to success and happiness.
Shifting from a victim mindset to empowerment is crucial.
Emotional intelligence helps in managing relationships.
Curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
Finding joy in leadership enhances performance.
Winemaking reflects the blend of art and science.
Failure is a stepping stone to learning and growth.
Self-care is essential for effective leadership.
Continuous growth is necessary for fulfillment.

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Episode 235: Unlearn and Evolve with Jason Silver Sep 17, 2024

Jason Silver, a multi-time founder and author, shares his perspective on being growth ready and embracing uncertainty. Author of "Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life." He emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and ready to receive growth from unexpected sources. Jason's career trajectory has been non-linear, with a focus on rapid, extensive failure and learning from it. He advises taking small, low-cost steps to test ideas and find out if you're wrong rather than solely focusing on being right. Jason also shares a personal story of losing his sister, which led to a reevaluation of his life and work. In this conversation, Jason Silver discusses the importance of unlearning and reevaluating priorities in order to live a more fulfilling life. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he was overinvested in work and underinvested in the present moment with his family. Jason emphasizes the need to be intentional about how we invest our time and challenges the conventional belief that we have to sacrifice personal life for professional success. He also introduces the concept of the brief back as a powerful tool for effective communication and highlights the value of small changes and low-hanging fruit in achieving personal and professional growth.
Connect with Jason Silver on Linkedin at @silverjay.

Takeaways

Being GrowthReady means being open-minded and ready to receive growth from unexpected sources.
Embrace uncertainty and be willing to take small, low-cost steps to test ideas and find out if you're wrong.
Failure is a valuable learning experience and can lead to personal and professional growth.
Personal experiences can have a profound impact on our approach to work and life. Unlearning is an important process in personal and professional growth.
It is crucial to reevaluate priorities and invest time intentionally.
The brief back is a powerful tool for effective communication and avoiding miscommunications.
Small changes and low-hanging fruit can have a significant impact on personal and professional growth.

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Continuous Improvement and Working on Your Game with Dre Baldwin Aug 14, 2024

Dre Baldwin, CEO and founder of Work on Your Game, Inc., shares his journey as a former professional basketball player and how it has shaped his approach to personal and professional development. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, structure, and persistence in achieving success. Dre highlights the need to find the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and goals, and the importance of continuously working on your game to improve and produce results. He encourages individuals to assess their game, develop their skills, create opportunities, and repeat the cycle to achieve ongoing success.
Connect with Dre on Linkedin at @dreallday
Takeaways

The foundation of success is discipline, structure, and persistence.
Finding the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and goals is crucial for success.
Continuous improvement and working on your game is essential to produce results.
Assess your game, develop your skills, create opportunities, and repeat the cycle for ongoing success.

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Living Your Principles: Personal Growth, Mind Mastery, and Goal Visualization with David Conway Aug 07, 2024

David Conway, a mindset mentor, discusses the power of manifestation and setting goals. He emphasizes the importance of living your life through what you teach and applying the principles you teach to your own life. Conway explains that goals are often misunderstood and that the purpose of a goal is not just to get something, but to grow as a person. He also highlights the need to protect and value your own mind, as it is the source of your potential. Conway encourages listeners to relax into their goals and visualize their desired outcomes.
Connect with David through his website at www.conway.consulting
Takeaways

Live your life through what you teach and apply the principles you teach to your own life.
Goals are not just about getting something, but about personal growth.
Protect and value your own mind, as it is the source of your potential.
Relax into your goals and visualize your desired outcomes.

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Cultivating Trust and Appreciation Through Active Listening with Jesse Hernandez Jul 31, 2024

Jesse Hernandez, founder of Depth Builder, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the human side of work as a leader. He shares his personal journey of realizing that driving results and treating people as things was not effective or fulfilling. By shifting his focus to serving and developing his team, he achieved better results and built stronger relationships. Jesse highlights the power of listening to build appreciation and trust, and the importance of asking open-ended questions to empower others. He also discusses his book, Lean and Love, which applies the principles of lean management to personal relationships.
Connect with Jesse on Linkedin at @jessedepthbuilder
Takeaways:

Focusing on the human side of work as a leader leads to better results and stronger relationships.
Listening to build appreciation and trust is a powerful skill that requires practice and intention.
Leaders should ask open-ended questions and involve others in problem-solving to empower them.
Applying lean management principles to personal relationships can improve communication and connection.

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Crafting Your Personal Mission, Vision, and Values with Chuck Cooper Jul 24, 2024

Chuck Cooper, founder of Whitewater Consulting, shares his journey of transitioning from the corporate world to starting his own consulting company. He emphasizes the importance of valuing individuals and building trust and unity among teams. Chuck discusses the significance of real-life experience and wisdom in leadership and the need for effective communication. He highlights the need for leaders to remain curious and ask questions, as well as the importance of creating personal mission, vision, and values. Chuck also emphasizes the need for leaders to reward themselves and give themselves grace.
Learn more about Chuck at www.whitewaterconsulting.net

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The Transformative Power of Small, Consistent Habits with Antonio Vaglica Jul 17, 2024

Antonio Vaglica, a former athlete turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of building two successful businesses and the importance of small consistent habits. He emphasizes the need to focus on micro wins and daily habits to achieve long-term success. Antonio discusses the role of sports in entrepreneurship and how it provides valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and failure. He also talks about his consulting firm that helps growth-oriented entrepreneurs maximize their enterprise value and his community, Consistency Wins, which supports high achievers on their entrepreneurial journey. Antonio highlights the importance of mindset, personal development, and building a strong team to achieve success.
Takeaways

Small consistent habits lead to long-term success
Sports provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurship
Mindset and personal development are crucial for growth
Building a strong team and network is essential for success

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Intentional Living: Elevate Your Career and Life with Dr. Sharon Hull Jul 10, 2024

Dr. Sharon Hull, founder of Metta Solutions, LLC and author of 'Professional Careers by Design,' discusses the importance of being intentional in our careers and lives. She emphasizes the need to press pause, reflect on our values, and make decisions that align with what matters most to us. Dr. Hull also highlights the shift happening in the workplace, where employees are seeking organizations that prioritize intentionality and provide a custom-crafted experience. She provides a framework for discernment, managing change, and taking a lifelong perspective on our careers. The book offers practical guidance for individuals and organizations to navigate career choices and create a meaningful work-life balance.
Connect and learn more about Dr. Hull via this link - www.drsharonhull.com
Takeaways

Press pause and reflect on your values and what matters most to you in your career and life.
Be intentional in your decision-making and align your choices with your values.
The workplace is shifting, and organizations that prioritize intentionality will have a competitive advantage.
Dr. Hull's book, 'Professional Careers by Design,' provides a framework for discernment, managing change, and taking a lifelong perspective on your career.

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Turning Trials into Triumph: Shara Ruffin's Journey from Setbacks to Success Jun 26, 2024

Shara Ruffin, an independently licensed clinical social worker and former psychotherapist, shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to pivot into entrepreneurship after failing her board exam and losing her job. Shara emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer in her journey and how it played a crucial role in her success. She also highlights the significance of sharing the nitty-gritty and hard parts of her story to inspire others. Shara's story is a testament to perseverance and the power of turning adversity into opportunity. Shara Ruffin shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and mental health challenges while building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of connection and support in her work, providing emotional support and guidance to her colleagues. Shara's approach is holistic, focusing not only on passing exams but also on the mental and emotional well-being of her clients. She encourages individuals to recognize their own worth and to focus on the process of achieving their goals. Shara's story is a reminder that success is a continuous journey of growth and self-improvement.
Connect with Shara via Linkedin @shararuffin
Takeaways

Adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Having faith and relying on prayer can provide guidance and strength during challenging times.
Sharing the nitty-gritty and hard parts of your story can inspire and connect with others.
Success is often born out of pain and perseverance.
Turning adversity into opportunity can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Trauma and mental health challenges can shape a person's journey and success.
Connection and support are vital in overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
A holistic approach that considers mental and emotional well-being is important in any endeavor.
Recognize your own worth and focus on the process of achieving your goals.

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The Power of Talent, Passion, and Healthy Competition with Frank Kitchen Jun 19, 2024

Frank Kitchen, a motivational speaker and author, shares his journey from a career in training and leadership development to becoming a professional speaker. He emphasizes the importance of talent and passion in pursuing a career and the impact of competitiveness on driving performance. Frank's story highlights the evolution of his career and the diverse industries he has impacted through his speaking engagements. The conversation explores the concept of healthy competition and its impact on personal growth, success, and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing potential, inspiring others, and fostering a supportive community of driven individuals. The discussion also delves into the idea of competitive collaboration and the positive influence of ambitious and driven individuals on each other's success.

Connect with Frank via his website www.frankkitchen.com

Takeaways:

The combination of talent and passion is essential for pursuing a fulfilling career.
Competitiveness can drive performance and inspire others to achieve their best.
The evolution of a career can lead to unexpected opportunities and diverse industry impacts.
Recognizing talent and harnessing competitiveness can lead to personal and professional growth. Healthy competition can inspire personal growth and success.
Prioritizing potential and fostering a supportive community of driven individuals is essential for personal and collective success.
Ambitious and driven individuals can positively influence each other's success through competitive collaboration.

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Mastering Communication through Conflict De-escalation with Doug Noll Jun 12, 2024

Doug Noll, an award-winning author, speaker, and trainer, shares his journey from being a trial lawyer to becoming a peacemaker and mediator. He discusses how his practice of Tai Chi and the realization of the limitations of the legal system led him to make the decision to leave his law practice and pursue a career in conflict resolution. Doug also explains the concept of affect labeling, a three-step process that involves ignoring the words, reading the emotions, and reflecting back the speaker's emotions using U statements. In this conversation, Doug Noll discusses the power of affect labeling and its ability to de-escalate conflicts and build rapport. He explains how affect labeling can be used in various contexts, such as parenting, coaching, and sales. Noll emphasizes the importance of emotional mastery and the role of emotions in effective communication. He also challenges the notion of competition and highlights the value of serving others and creating a more peaceful world. Noll provides resources for further exploration of affect labeling and offers workshops, coaching, and training.
Connect with Doug via his website www.dougnoll.com
Takeaways

Putting your mind to something can lead to amazing accomplishments over time.
Transitioning from one career to another may require personal growth and patience.
Success can be redefined to prioritize service to others.
Being open to opportunities can lead to unexpected and impactful projects.
Affect labeling is a powerful technique for deescalating conflicts by reflecting back the speaker's emotions. Affect labeling is a powerful tool for de-escalating conflicts and building rapport.
Affect labeling can be used in various contexts, including parenting, coaching, and sales.
Emotional mastery is essential for effective communication and understanding others.
Competition has its place, but it should not define our lives.
Serving others and creating a more peaceful world should be the focus of our actions.

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The Key to Career Transformation with Helen Hanison Jun 05, 2024

Helen Hanison, a leadership coach and author, discusses the importance of career transformation and finding alignment between personal values and professional goals. She shares her own experience of being stuck in a career that didn't align with her values and the process she went through to make a change. Hanison emphasizes the need for readiness and self-awareness when considering a career transition. She also highlights the cost of staying stuck and the importance of valuing oneself and one's career direction. The process of career transformation involves building a career compass, redesigning one's career, and developing a mindset for success.
Helen's highly anticipated book, "Unstuck, " is scheduled for an official launch on June 19th! 🗓️ As a special treat for all the loyal Career Competitor audience, we will be offering an exclusive sneak peek just before the big day. Join Helen for a thrilling Zoom launch party and secure your copy at a special one-day price of just 99 cents! To receive your Zoom invites, send a message to helen@helenhanison.com and steve@careercompetitor.com with the subject line "Unstuck."
Takeaways

Career transformation requires readiness and self-awareness.
Staying stuck in a career that doesn't align with personal values has a cost.
Valuing oneself and one's career direction is crucial for fulfillment.
The process of career transformation involves building a career compass, redesigning one's career, and developing a mindset for success.

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The Seven-Stage Framework for Customer Transformation with Chris Hood May 29, 2024

Chris Hood, a keynote speaker and expert in merging customer success with digital strategy, shares insights on the importance of customer-centric cultures and the power of storytelling. He emphasizes the need to break through assumptions and change mindsets to prioritize customer needs. Hood discusses the seven-stage framework outlined in his book, Customer Transformation, and highlights the significance of building a customer-focused culture throughout the organization. He also emphasizes the relevance of storytelling in communication, providing tips on using relevant experiences and keywords to engage and connect with others.
Connect with Chris via his website - www.chrishood.com
Takeaways

Break through assumptions and change mindsets to prioritize customer needs.
Build a customer-focused culture throughout the organization.
Utilize storytelling to engage and connect with others.
Use relevant experiences and keywords to make communication more impactful.

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The Influence of Thought Habits on Achieving Success with Amy Kemp May 22, 2024

Amy Kemp, a certified habit finder coach, shares her journey of discovering the power of thought habits and how they impact success. She explains that her work focuses on the subconscious habits of thinking that occur throughout the day and how they can hold us back. Amy emphasizes that hard work alone is not enough to achieve our goals and that we need to change our thought habits to move forward. She also discusses the challenges and resistance she faced when making the transition to her current career and the importance of having a support system during times of change. In this conversation, Amy Kemp discusses the importance of awareness in making changes and the role of habits of thinking in our lives. She shares personal examples of how her own habits of thinking have impacted her and offers insights on how to shift these habits. Amy emphasizes the need for a gradual and sustainable approach to changing habits of thinking and the importance of having a relational component in the process. She also discusses the role of competition in her life and how it has evolved over time.
You can learn more about Amy through her Instagram amykempinc.
Takeaways

Thought habits have a significant impact on our success and can hold us back if they are unhealthy.
Hard work alone is not enough to achieve our goals; we need to change our thought habits.
Transitions can be challenging, but having a support system and a safe space to process emotions is crucial.
Choosing to pursue our goals and not settling for less can lead to unexpected opportunities and miracles. Awareness is the first step in making any kind of change.
Changing habits of thinking is a gradual and sustainable process.
Having a relational component, such as a coach or accountability partner, is crucial in changing habits of thinking.
Competition can be beneficial and can elevate performance when approached with the right mindset.

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The Power of a Support System and Working with a Coach with Cullen Talley May 15, 2024

Cullen Talley a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and coach, discusses the importance of competitiveness and discomfort in achieving success. He shares his personal experience as a competitive swimmer and endurance athlete, highlighting the mindset required to stay in discomfort and push through challenges. Talley emphasizes the need to start small and gradually increase discomfort levels, setting clear goals and measuring progress along the way.
He also stresses the value of having a third-party perspective to hold individuals accountable and remind them of their commitments. The conversation explores the importance of having a support system and working with a coach to achieve success. It emphasizes the need for perspective, a plan, and proven results when choosing a coach. The discussion also highlights the dangers of the coaching industry becoming saturated with unqualified individuals. The conversation concludes with insights on the process of starting a business and the importance of sitting in discomfort to find clarity.
You can learn more about Cullen through his website at www.exitmomentum.com
Takeaways

Competition starts within oneself and involves pushing through discomfort.
Discomfort is about doing what is necessary, even if it's not what you want to do.
Start with smaller levels of discomfort and gradually increase intensity.
Setting clear goals and measuring progress is crucial for success.
Having a third-party perspective can provide accountability and remind individuals of their commitments. Having a support system and working with a coach can help accelerate success.
When choosing a coach, look for someone with perspective, a plan, and proven results.
Beware of the dangers of the coaching industry becoming saturated with unqualified individuals.
Starting a business requires sitting in discomfort and asking difficult questions.
Clarity and success come from taking the time to find answers and making deliberate choices.

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The Power of Candor in Conversations with Todd Holzman May 08, 2024

In this podcast, Todd Holzman, a renowned educator, Founder & CEO of Holzman Leadership, emphasizes the importance of candor in conversations. He shares how candor became his life's work and defines it as a collaborative pursuit of truth for improvement. Holzman highlights its benefits for psychological well-being, authentic relationships, and effective leadership. He stresses the need for self-awareness and recognizing communication flaws.
You can learn more about Todd at www.holzman.com
Takeaways

Admiration Shapes Behavior: Todd emphasizes how our admiration for others influences our behavior and presentation in society. Understanding this can help us navigate our interactions more consciously.
Stepping into Conversations for Growth: There's an emphasis on the significance of engaging in conversations, even uncomfortable ones, as a means of personal development. By actively participating in discussions, we open ourselves to learning and growth.
Navigating Relationship Traps: Todd highlights the common pitfalls we encounter while trying to build relationships. Recognizing these traps can help us navigate them more effectively and foster healthier connections.

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Building Resilience for Career Success with Dr. Maria Helen-Pelletier May 01, 2024

Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a leadership expert, discusses the importance of resilience in career success and how to build it. She shares her journey into this work, starting with her experience in psychology and remote areas. Dr. Pelletier emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to resilience and highlights the importance of self-awareness and realistic perspective. She provides practical tips for increasing resilience, such as creating a daily self-awareness practice and incorporating resilience into strategic planning. Dr. Pelletier also addresses the concept of burnout and how to prevent it by understanding the individual and organizational factors involved.
You can connect with Dr. Pelletier through her website at www.drmarie-helene.com
Takeaways

Resilience is not just a tool that you use within your career but it's an attribute for life.
Discover the significance of integrating flexibility into the structure of your daily routines.
Understand the importance of considering context when training your mindset.

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Navigating Support Systems and Financial Planning with Ciara Stockeland Apr 24, 2024

Ciara Stockeland, a serial entrepreneur and author, shares her journey and expertise in cashflow management and financial success. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals, finishing what you start, and being intentional in decision-making. Ciara also discusses her experience as an Ironman athlete and how the same principles of commitment and finding the right support system apply to both business and personal endeavors. She offers guidance on managing finances, understanding key numbers in business, and planning for profitability. Ciara's mission is to help entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom and be good stewards of their resources.
You can connect with Ciara through her website at www.ciarastockeland.com

Takeaways

Set goals and finish what you start to cultivate a competitive mindset.
Be intentional in decision-making and plan with the end in mind.
Find the right support system and coach who believes in your goals.
Manage your finances by understanding key numbers in your business and planning for profitability.
Be a good steward of your resources and strive for financial freedom.

Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast for valuable insights and inspiration!

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Insights on Time, Culture, and Optimism with McGee Moody Apr 17, 2024

Steve Mellor sits down with special guest McGee Moody in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Discover how McGee Moody sheds light on the significance of one's perspective towards time, offering valuable insights on how it can aid in slowing down and appreciating life's moments. Explore three key themes: Perspective on Time, Non-Negotiables in Culture, and the Power of Optimism.
McGee Moody, a former NCAA college swimming coach with 25 years of experience, has coached at East Carolina University, the US Naval Academy, the College of William and Mary, and spent 15 years as head coach at the University of South Carolina. During his coaching career, he guided numerous SEC champions, NCAA All-Americans, and Olympians. After retiring from coaching in 2021, he transitioned into the financial field. You can connect with McGee through Instagram at @usccoachingdad.
Show notes:

Perspective on Time: McGee Moody discusses the importance of adopting a mindful perspective towards time, emphasizing how it can help individuals slow down and appreciate life's moments more fully.
Non-Negotiables in Culture: explores the concept of non-negotiables within organizational culture, highlighting their role in attracting like-minded individuals who align with shared values and objectives.
Power of Optimism: McGee shares insights into the transformative power of optimism, particularly in situations where desired outcomes may seem distant or challenging. He discusses strategies for incorporating optimism as a tool for maintaining resilience and navigating obstacles effectively.

Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast for valuable insights and inspiration!

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Unleashing Entrepreneurial Excellence with Steven Pivnik Apr 08, 2024

Steve Mellor sits down with special guest Steven Pivnik in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Together, they explore a myriad of profound insights that can transform the way you approach your career and personal growth journey. Specifically, listeners can expect insights around the importance of Embracing Your Uniqueness, Value Is King, and Turning Unfinished Business into Fuel.
Steven Pivnik is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, business advisor, and serial entrepreneur specializing in the IT market. He grew his last company, Binary Tree, to over 200 employees across 12 countries before a successful exit to a $4 billion competitor, West Software. Today, as a trusted business advisor, our guest partners with leaders on how to achieve similar business success and perseverance in their own entrepreneurial journey. You can connect with Steven through Instagram at @stevenpivnik and through his website www.stevenpivnik.com.
SHOW NOTES
-Embracing Your Uniqueness: Discover why knowing what sets you apart is key to finding your path in the business world.
-Value Is King: Learn why delivering value never goes out of style—it's the cornerstone of lasting success.
-Turning Unfinished Business into Fuel: Steven shares how to use setbacks as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Whether you're navigating challenges in your career or seeking to unleash your full potential, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable insights to propel you forward.
Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast to discover how to overcome fears, strengthen your purpose, and master the techniques essential for success.

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Let Fear be Your Fuel for Success - Deonte Holden Mar 29, 2024

Steve Mellor sits down with special guest Deonte Holden in this compelling episode of Career Competitor. Together, they explore a myriad of profound insights that can transform the way you approach your career and personal growth journey. Specifically, listeners can expect insights around the importance of Harnessing Fear to Propel Potential, Starting with Why and Strengthening It, and why Technique Trumps Strength in Success.
Deonte Holden is the founder of Law of Athlete, a former NCAA student-athlete with NC State University where he played football, a public speaker, and an all-around investor in the potential of others. The key focus of his work with Law of Athlete is to provide services to student-athletes that include Athlete-Centric Content & Products, Educational Programming & Initiatives, Community Building & Engagement, and Brand Partnerships & Collaborations. You can connect with Deonte through Instagram at @honchoholden and @lawofathlete.

Show Notes
Harnessing Fear to Propel Potential: Holden delves into the intriguing concept of fear and its surprising ability to drive us toward our potential. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how understanding and confronting our fears can be a catalyst for growth and achievement.

Starting with Why and Strengthening It: Mellor and Holden discuss the importance of having a strong sense of purpose, or "why," in everything we do. They emphasize the continual effort required to clarify and fortify our reasons for pursuing our goals. Through engaging dialogue, listeners gain valuable strategies for nurturing and refining their own sense of purpose.

Technique Trumps Strength in Success: In a thought-provoking exchange, Mellor and Holden dissect the age-old debate of technique versus strength in the pursuit of success. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, they demonstrate how mastering technique often proves more effective than relying solely on raw strength or talent.

Whether you're navigating challenges in your career or seeking to unleash your full potential, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable insights to propel you forward. Tune in to the Career Competitor Podcast to discover how to overcome fears, strengthen your purpose, and master the techniques essential for success.

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What Coaching is All About - COACHES CORNER Mar 18, 2024

Welcome to a bite-size episode of Career Competitor as Steve presents a 7-minute insight for listeners around the art of coaching and why it needs to be defined clearly.
Through both storytelling and educating, host Steve Mellor provides you with the impactful insight you need to either elevate your coaching skills or look at the art of coaching through a renewed lens.
Be sure to follow Steve for more impactful content like this on Instagram @coachstevemellor and on his LinkedIn page here

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Stay In The Game With Consistency - Jake Burhans Mar 16, 2024

Host Steve Mellor sits down with guest Jake Burhans to explore the intricacies of professional and personal growth. Jake, a seasoned entrepreneur, and real estate professional, shares invaluable insights around the value that comes from always showing up, finding a true definition for the "hard" in hard work, and the need to focus on the infinite game when it comes to your development.
Jake Burhans is a real estate entrepreneur who owns and operates two separate companies. With QA Home Buyers, Jake is on a mission to empower communities by providing solutions for homeowners looking to sell their properties. Additionally, with his second business, Maple Birch Properties Jake is also an active real estate investor with holdings in the New Hampshire area. Be sure to learn more about Jake and his businesses by connecting with him on Instagram @Jake_burhans or through his business link here

Show Notes
Firstly, Steve and Jake delve into the profound significance of consistent commitment - the undying dedication to showing up every day, rain or shine. Through anecdotes and personal experiences, they illuminate the transformative power of perseverance, emphasizing how the simple act of being present lays the groundwork for success in any endeavor.

Next, the conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they dissect the notion of "hard work." Jake challenges conventional wisdom by urging listeners to redefine what it truly means to work hard. Drawing from his own trials and triumphs, he advocates for a nuanced understanding that transcends mere physical exertion, emphasizing the importance of strategic effort and deliberate practice in achieving meaningful progress.

Finally, Steve and Jake explore the concept of the infinite game and its profound implications for both career and personal development. By adopting a holistic perspective that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains, they advocate for a paradigm shift that empowers individuals to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional competition with wisdom and resilience.

Through their candid dialogue and insightful commentary, Steve and Jake offer listeners a roadmap for mastering the art of career competitiveness, inspiring them to embrace the journey with passion, purpose, and unwavering determination. Tune in to this illuminating episode and unlock the keys to unlocking your full potential in the pursuit of greatness.

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Finding Fulfillment From Knowing Your Value, with Dr. David Schreiner Mar 06, 2024

In this episode of Career Competitor, host Steve Mellor invites Dr. David Schreiner, President and CEO of KSB Hospital and renowned author of "Be The Best Part of Their Day," for an insightful conversation on achieving excellence in both professional and personal spheres. Our discussion tackles a wide-array of topics including; the need to excel where you are and not focus too far ahead; why the true definition of communication must be implemented within a culture; and how to honor the values of those you engage with.

David Schreiner is the President and CEO of KSB Hospital in Dixon, IL and has built a highly decorated career in healthcare thanks to emphasis on leadership and culture. David is a recent first-time author of the book Be The Best Part Of Their Day - an Amazon Best-Seller - where he navigates readers through countless examples of how value-driven leadership drives the type of culture that people not only want to work for, but can thrive within as well.
The episode delves into three pivotal topics:

Prioritizing Excellence Where You Are: Dr. Schreiner emphasizes the importance of excelling in one's current position before fixating on future endeavors. By fully committing to present responsibilities and opportunities, individuals can lay the groundwork for future success and fulfillment.
Redefining Communication in Organizational Culture: The discussion highlights the significance of authentic communication within organizational environments. Dr. Schreiner advocates for implementing a true understanding of communication, fostering transparency, empathy, and active listening to cultivate a positive and productive culture.
Driving Optimal Engagement Through Values: Dr. Schreiner underscores the role of personal values in fostering optimal engagement. By aligning actions with the values of those they interact with, individuals can cultivate meaningful connections and drive mutual growth and fulfillment.

Listeners of Career Competitor are treated to actionable insights and strategies for unlocking their full potential, both professionally and personally, in this thought-provoking episode with Dr. David Schreiner.

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Playing a Bigger Game with Markus Kaulius Feb 26, 2024

In this compelling episode of Career Competitor, host Steve Mellor sits down with Markus Kaulius, the co-founder of PLAYABIGGERGAME.com, to delve into the intricate dynamics of personal and professional growth.
Markus is a lifelong entrepreneur who has risen to the heights of creating a 9-figure health supplement company and today is creating a community to help high achievers find fulfillment beyond career success. As the founder of Play a Bigger Game, Markus wanted to create a place for like-minded people with a growth-oriented mindset to be uplifted in support of realizing their full potential. Markus has been a guest and contributor on platforms like PBS, Fox News, CNN, and the New York Journal to name a few, and shares his message globally on how we can all pursue success while living a life of true integrity.
A disciple of Tony Robbins, Markus is all about elevating your career, enhancing your relationships, and enriching your life.
This episode offers invaluable insights to help you play a bigger game and achieve your aspirations. You can learn more about Markus by heading to https://playabiggergame.com/ and by following him on Instagram @markuskaulius
Show notes
Markus shares invaluable insights on how growth isn't always about making monumental leaps but rather about embracing incremental progress—a game of inches. He emphasizes the significance of recognizing and building upon existing strengths, highlighting the transformative power of small actions in achieving significant results.

Throughout the conversation, Steve and Markus underscore the pivotal role of community in fostering growth. They explore how being part of a supportive community provides opportunities to both lend an ear and have one's voice heard—an essential aspect in nurturing personal and professional development. Markus sheds light on how engaging with a community can offer diverse perspectives, valuable feedback, and a sense of belonging, ultimately propelling individuals toward their goals.

Furthermore, the episode delves into the importance of establishing clear principles that uphold integrity and guide decision-making processes. Markus emphasizes how aligning actions with these principles not only fortifies integrity but also fosters trust and credibility in both personal and professional realms. By adhering to these guiding principles, individuals can navigate challenges with confidence, resilience, and authenticity, paving the way for sustained growth and success.

Listeners are treated to a wealth of wisdom and actionable strategies for cultivating personal and professional growth in this enlightening conversation between Steve Mellor and Markus Kaulius.

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When Giving Up is Not an Option - Nelson Nigel Feb 19, 2024

Join host Steve Mellor on the latest episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where he welcomes guest Nelson Nigel, the founder and CEO of Kidmoto.
Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where Steve Mellor and Nelson Nigel shed light on the invaluable lessons gleaned from adopting an athlete mindset, the importance of laying a strong foundation for growth, and the transformative impact of fostering positive energy in pursuit of excellence
More about Nelson Nigel
Learn about Kidmoto

Show Notes:
The discussion commences (4:30) with an insightful exploration of how an athlete's mindset catalyzes growth in various aspects of life. Nelson shares valuable insights into the transferable skills and attitudes cultivated in the world of sports, emphasizing their applicability to professional endeavors and personal development journeys.

As the conversation progresses, Steve and Nelson delve into the importance of laying a solid foundation (19:00) for optimal growth. Listeners are encouraged to dedicate time and energy to building a robust framework that supports sustained progress and achievement, echoing the meticulous preparation and training regimen of an elite athlete.

The episode reaches its crescendo with a poignant reflection on the significance of curating positive energy (27:00) and eliminating negativity from our lives. Nelson underscores the transformative power of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and cutting ties with toxic influences, highlighting the crucial role of maintaining a healthy environment for personal and professional flourishing.

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Capitalizing on Adversity - Lee Povey Feb 12, 2024

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, hosted by the ever-engaging Steve Mellor. In this episode, Steve welcomes guest Lee Povey, and together, these 2 coaches delve into a variety of content for anyone looking to personally grow in 2024.
There are, however, three pivotal areas of personal and professional growth that the two discuss around the theme of adversity that include

Uncovering lessons to learn around human emotions when faced with adversity
How asking powerful questions while experiencing scary moments can optimize future growth
Why making goals as personalized as possible will help you learn the most about yourself in pursuit of them

You can listen back to 2 previous episodes with Lee here

And you can learn all about Lee and his services by heading to https://www.leepovey.com/

Tune in to this enriching episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, where valuable insights await those ready to embrace adversity, ask powerful questions, and embark on a journey of personalized goal-setting
SHOW NOTES
The conversation begins (6:00) with a deep exploration of uncovering valuable lessons hidden within the spectrum of human emotions when faced with challenges. Listeners are encouraged to embrace moments of adversity as opportunities for profound self-discovery and growth, recognizing the wealth of insight that lies within our emotional responses.

Moving forward, the discussion shifts (12:00) to the transformative power of asking powerful questions during moments of uncertainty and fear. Lee Povey emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-inquiry, advocating for the practice of asking oneself impactful questions to navigate through daunting circumstances effectively.

The episode then provides (28:30) thought-provoking dialogue surrounding the art of setting personalized goals. Steve and Lee underscore the significance of tailoring goals to align with one's individual values, aspirations, and capabilities. By challenging oneself with deeply personalized objectives, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and profound personal growth.

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Understanding the How and Why Behind Servant Leadership - Jon Kidwell Feb 02, 2024

In this episode of Career Competitor Podcast, host Steve Mellor welcomes Jon Kidwell, seasoned leadership coach and the Founder/CEO of Leadwell. Jon also has his debut book coming out titled Redefine Your Servant Leadership
The conversation begins with a powerful lesson derived from a false start, emphasizing the importance of using setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. The episode then explores the central theme of action as the key to achieving optimal influence, both personally and as leaders. Jon Kidwell underscores the significance of establishing daily standards that are ambitious enough to drive growth but also leave room for vulnerability, fostering a continuous commitment to improvement.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into leadership, personal development, and the journey towards optimal influence.
Information on Jon Kidwell
http://redefineyourservantleadership.com
https://leadwell.com/
LinkedIn
Show Notes
Section 1: Responding to false starts (6:00)

The episode kicks off with a profound lesson centered around navigating false starts. Jon Kidwell emphasizes the transformative power of viewing setbacks not as failures but as invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a mindset that sees challenges as stepping stones toward improvement, setting the stage for a dynamic conversation on resilience and learning from setbacks.

Section 2: Action as the Key to Optimal Influence (19:05)

The heart of the episode delves into the central theme of action as the linchpin for achieving optimal influence. Jon Kidwell explores the idea that taking decisive and intentional action is crucial, not only for personal development but also for effective leadership. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, the discussion unfolds to highlight the transformative impact of proactivity and decisiveness on both individuals and those in leadership roles.

Section 3: Ambitious Daily Standards and Continuous Improvement (27:17)

Jon Kidwell underscores the significance of establishing daily standards that strike a delicate balance between ambition and vulnerability. By setting goals that are challenging yet attainable, individuals can foster a culture of continuous improvement. The conversation delves into the nuances of maintaining high standards without succumbing to perfectionism, creating a framework for listeners to cultivate a mindset of constant growth and development.

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Getting Your Career on Course - Scott Jeffrey Miller Jan 27, 2024

In this compelling episode, Steve Mellor facilitates a dynamic conversation with Scott Jeffrey Miller, delving into the essential aspects of chartering forward to build a successful career. Scott is the Senior Advisor to Franklin Covey and the author to multiple books including his new release Career on Course: 10 Strategies to Take Your Career from Accidental to Intentional.

Amongst many takeaways from the episode, Steve and Scott discuss the importance of taking action to chart the right course, investing time in gaining firsthand experience for what it takes to master your role, and giving yourself permission to pursue your true career and life goals.
Overall, this episode with Scott Jeffrey Miller serves as a motivational guide for listeners, encouraging them to take decisive action, embrace continuous learning, and grant themselves the permission to pursue a career and life that aligns with their authentic selves.
You can learn more about Scott by heading to his website, order a copy of his brand new book here, and follow him on all social media platforms @scottjeffreymiller
Show Notes
4:00 Taking Action to Chart the Right Course:
The discussion kicks off by emphasizing the critical role of proactive decision-making in shaping one's career. Scott Jeffrey Miller stresses the importance of taking intentional steps to define and pursue one's professional path. The conversation explores strategies for assessing skills, interests, and values to make informed decisions that align with long-term goals. Listeners gain insights into the significance of self-reflection and how it can serve as a compass for navigating the complexities of career choices.
14:20 Gaining Firsthand Experience to Master Your Role:
The episode delves into the concept of hands-on learning and the impact of gaining firsthand experience in mastering one's role. Scott shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. The conversation explores the benefits of immersing oneself in the challenges and intricacies of a role to develop expertise. Listeners are encouraged to seek opportunities for growth, embrace challenges, and view setbacks as valuable learning experiences in the journey towards professional mastery.
28:45 Giving Ourselves Permission to Pursue Our True Career and Life Goals:
The final talking point revolves around the importance of self-permission in crafting a career and life that aligns with one's authentic aspirations. Scott Jeffrey Miller advocates for breaking free from societal expectations and giving oneself the license to pursue meaningful and fulfilling endeavors. The episode explores the psychological barriers that may hinder individuals from pursuing their true passions and provides actionable insights on overcoming these obstacles. Listeners are empowered to challenge conventional norms and actively shape a career that resonates with their personal values and desires.

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Practicing the Art of Discomfort - Carey Davidson Jan 19, 2024

We welcome the incredible Carey Davidson to show, the founder & CEO of Tournesol Wellness and author of the FIVE Archetypes, and prepare yourself for fascinating discussion where we explore the theme of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.
Amongst many insights, Carey presents key takeaways around our natural tendency to avoid discomfort, the power of the pause to better understand our reactions, and the role of empathy in the pursuit of success.
You can learn more about Carey by heading to her website: https://www.careydavidson.com/
Grab a copy of her highly-acclaimed book The FIVE Archetypes
Show Notes

Segment 1: The Importance of Discomfort (~ 6:00)

Discussing the natural tendency to avoid discomfort.
Carey Davidson shares insights on how discomfort can be a catalyst for positive change.
Highlighting real-world examples of individuals who thrived by embracing discomfort in their careers.

Segment 2: The Power of the Pause (~ 11:30)

Unpacking the concept of the pause as a powerful tool for self-reflection.
Carey Davidson delves into how the pause allows us to practice mindfulness and better understand our reactions.
Practical tips for incorporating intentional pauses into daily routines.

Segment 3: Empathy on the Journey to Success (~ 23:30)

Exploring the role of empathy in the pursuit of success.
Discussing how understanding others' perspectives fosters collaboration and personal development, while being the key to high performance.
Carey Davidson shares anecdotes illustrating the impact of empathy on her own career journey.

🚀 Conclusion:

Recap of key takeaways: embracing discomfort, the power of the pause, and the importance of empathy.
Encouraging listeners to apply these principles in their career paths.
Teasing upcoming episodes and guests.

📚 Resource Mentioned:

Carey Davidson's book The FIVE Archetypes

📱 Connect with Us:

Encouraging listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences on social media @careercompetitorpodcast
Reach out direct at Steve@careercompetitor.com

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Leaning into Growth in Pursuit of Meta Performance - Jason Jaggard & Kristin Frade Dec 18, 2023

Welcome to an episode worthy of being the final episode of the year as we discuss all things growth with two very special guests.
Steve welcomes a pair of guests in the Founding Partner & CEO of NOVUS Global, Jason Jaggard and Associate Partner with NOVUS Global, Kristin Frade.
NOVUS Global is a coaching service that focuses on Meta-Performance with all clients and Jason and Kristin are here to get you up to speed with how you can start to implement this perspective in your life.
There is an abundance of insight courtesy of this extended conversation, with these three talking points being at the top of the list:
Firstly, we discuss the role that clearly identifying and defining value of a vision can have in order to facilitate the intentional and lasting action required to realize our capability.
Next we reveal the importance of sharing your vision with key stakeholders around you to help find true alignment with those capable of supporting your journey towards meta performance.
Finally, you will hear why there is no reason to limit the way you lean into growth as it is something you can do not only on a professional level, but also across your entire lives.
Links for learning more about what was referenced within the episode
NOVUS Global: https://novus.global/
Beyond High Performance Book: https://book.novus.global/
Jason Jaggard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonjaggard/
Kristin Frade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfrade/

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COACHES CORNER - The Benefits of Removal Dec 11, 2023

Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering coaching insights to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
In this episode, Steve takes you through a powerful insight around being deliberate with what you remove from your work and life in order to produce at higher levels.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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A Strong "Why" Leads to Strong Action with David Hollenbach Dec 01, 2023

Welcome to another power-packed episode of Career Competitor! I'm your host, Steve Mellor, and today, we're stepping into the extraordinary world of firefighting with a remarkable guest, David Hollenbach. With over two decades of experience in the fire department, David brings a wealth of insights that transcend the flames and speak directly to the core of what it means to be a true leader.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discover the invincible power of a compelling "WHY." David Hollenbach unveils how having a profound purpose shields you from the resistance of others.
2. We delve deep into the transformative potential within outdated or unhealthy belief systems.
3. Leadership isn't a position; it's a mindset. David Hollenbach sheds light on the crucial importance of preparing to lead even before the title is bestowed upon you.
This episode is not just about firefighting; it's a masterclass in life leadership. So buckle up as we navigate through unique perspectives and invaluable lessons with David Hollenbach.
You can find everything and anything you need to know about David and the work he's doing at https://hollenbachleadership.com/

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Building your Value from the Inside with Coach Nikki Kett Nov 25, 2023

In today's episode, Nikki and I will explore why it's crucial to avoid placing excessive emphasis on outcomes and how they can shape our sense of worth. We'll also delve into the significance of being attuned to ourselves and living in harmony with our bodies. Lastly, we'll touch on how the universe responds to the intent and decisiveness with which we approach life.
We have an engaging conversation ahead, covering these topics and more on this episode of Career Competitor.
If you want to learn more about Nikki, check her out on Instagram at Nikki Kett Coaching.

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COACHES CORNER - Overthrowing the Power of Limitations Nov 15, 2023

There will always be more evidence of why you shouldn't pursue a preferred outcome thanks to the many more stories of failure and disappointment. But what makes success stories exactly that is a person's ability to go after what they believe is rightfully theirs and overthrow the limiting beliefs that hinder so many.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering coaching insights to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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Mindfully Serving Your Optimal Self - with Kendra Dahlstrom Nov 06, 2023

In this episode of Career Competitor, we're thrilled to introduce you to someone we've had the pleasure of knowing for almost a year, Kendra Dahlstrom.
Key takeaways:
1. Learn the significance of prioritizing small actions with the most significant impacts.
2. Explore how curiosity can guide you to clarity and purpose in your work.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of the commitment required to unleash your optimal self.
Kendra also introduces her incredible app, Soul Star Awakening, which is now available on the App Store for free. Don't miss this opportunity - download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soul-star-awakening/id6449682856.
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Kendra and the work she's doing at https://www.kendradahlstrom.com/.

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How Competitors are Wired Differently - with Todd Saylor Oct 30, 2023

Welcome to Career Competitor!
In today's episode with Todd Saylor, we'll uncover the secrets to setting yourself apart, the art of transferring success from one area of life to another, and Todd's unique concept of becoming a "successionaire."
Here's what you'll take away:
1. Discover why adding a competitive spark to your day is a game-changer.
2. Learn how to leverage your victories in one area of life to succeed in others.
3. Immerse yourself in Todd's distinctive take on success - becoming a "successionaire."
Get ready for a high-energy, purpose-driven discussion that's bound to leave you inspired.
Explore Todd Saylor's world and unlock the keys to success at https://toddsaylor.com/

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Never Stop Investing in Your Competitive Self with Milo Cavic Oct 23, 2023

Hey, Career Competitor fam! 🎉
We hit a big milestone - our 200th episode! I'm Steve Mellor, your host, and I'm super pumped for this one. Big thanks to all of you, whether you're a longtime fan or just joining us.
In this special episode, I'm joined by an old friend, Milo Cavic, and we dive into some game-changing takeaways:
1. Discover why asking, "How is this serving me?" is your secret weapon in owning your journey.
2. Even the most self-motivated souls need a hand on their path to achieving their dreams.
3. We'll chat about the power of getting comfortable with discomfort to claim what you truly deserve.
I can't thank you enough for your time and commitment. You're investing in yourself and your journey, and it's been an incredible ride.
So, let's dive into Episode 200 with Milo Cavic. It's a game-changer, and I hope you love it. 🚀✨
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Milo Cavic and the work he's doing at www.swimwithmilo.com.

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COACHES CORNER - Resolving Inaction with Intentional Action Oct 21, 2023

All-too-often there has been a belief that intention means nothing without action. But is it possible that we have been addressing the wrong issue? Steve tries to tackle the age-old issue on how we look at both intention and action through the lens of becoming unstuck by building a belief IN yourself.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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Fearless Leadership: Unleash Your Potential with Ellen Connelly Taaffe Oct 11, 2023

Hey there, welcome to Career Competitor! We've got an absolute gem on the show today – Ellen Connelly Taaffe. If you're a budding leader or a seasoned pro looking to level up, this one's tailor-made for you.
Here's what Ellen's bringing to the table:
1. Embrace the Oops: Discover how fear of messing up can actually be the push you need to overcome challenges.
2. Pivot to Power: Ellen dives into the art of taking action that fuels your growth journey.
3. Confidence Chronicles: Learn why confidence isn't a prerequisite but a reward for trying.
We've got a ton more insights in store during our chat. Plus, don't miss Ellen's new book, "The Mirrored Door" – details on how to grab it are in the show notes. Grab it here: https://www.amazon.com/Mirrored-Door-Through-Barrier-Successful/dp/1774583291
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Ellen and the work she's doing at https://ellentaaffe.com/

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The Potential for Growth through Challenges with Larry Harding Oct 06, 2023

Hey there, welcome to another episode of Career Competitor! We've got a fantastic guest in the house today – Larry Harding, Larry's got an impressive background in global business, and we're going to dig deep into some exciting stuff.
Key takeaways:
1. Larry spills the beans on how your squad can boost your success.
2. Get tips on keeping that growth mindset sharp.
3. Redefine success by looking beyond the usual metrics.
Larry's not just dropping knowledge here; he's got a whole treasure trove of wisdom over at the HSP Group. For all the juicy details, swing by https://hsp.com/ and learn more about the work he's doing.

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The Significance of Embodying Your Truest Self with Ryan Gonsalves Oct 04, 2023

Welcome back to Career Competitor! I'm your host, Steve Mellor and today's episode is a bit of a throwback to why we started this whole podcast in the first place.
I've got a fantastic guest today, Ryan Gonsalves, and we're talking about something that's close to the hearts of many former athletes - what happens after the game?
Here's a taste of what we're chatting about:
1. Champion Vibes: Ryan and I get into how the same qualities that make you a star athlete can give you a leg up in the business world. It's all about recognizing your inner superstar.
2. The Fear Factor: We're diving into the fear many athletes face - feeling like they're losing their significance once the cheering stops. But trust me, they're still making a big impact, and we'll tell you why.
3. The Power of Grit: Athletes know a thing or two about pushing through challenges. We'll explore how that grit they've developed can be a total game-changer in their careers.
We're not just talking sports here; these insights apply to anyone looking to kick it up a notch in their career. It's about finding your inner athlete and winning in the professional game.
So, whether you're a sports fan, a retired athlete, or just someone hungry for career advice, this episode is your playbook for success. Tune in now, and let's get those competitive juices flowing!
You can find everything and anything you need to know about Ryan and the work he's doing at www.2ndwind.io

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Transforming Yourself Through a Resilient Mind with Fiona Roberts Sep 27, 2023

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Career Competitive Podcast with your host, Steve! Today, we have a special guest from our homeland – Fiona Roberts of Bia Mindset.
Get ready for a conversation that will redefine your approach to success:
1. Discover the art of building resilience as Fiona shares insights on how to train and strengthen this invaluable life muscle.
2. Embrace the power of a learning mindset, a key to conquering adversity and propelling yourself forward.
3. Tune in as Fiona and Steve delve into the transformative impact of addressing the truth, a game-changer in working effectively with others.
Fiona, the CEO of Bia Mindset, is a trailblazer in her field, and you won't want to miss the wisdom she's about to drop. You can find everything and anything you need to know about Fiona and the work she's doing at Biamindset.com.

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The Growth to be Found in Life’s Awkward Moments with Henna Pryor Sep 22, 2023

Welcome to a game-changing episode of Career Competitor with your host, Steve! Today, we're thrilled to have the incredible Henna Pryor on the show. Hennah is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert. She's an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, trainer, executive facilitator, and coach. She is more than a workplace performance expert; she's your ticket to unlocking "impossible change."

🚀 Key takeaways:

1️⃣ Explore how our environment shapes our responses and discover the power of taking control.
2️⃣ Embrace the cringe! Learn why awkward moments are the untapped source of personal growth.
3️⃣Understand why growth and uncertainty are a dynamic duo.

And that's not all! Head over to www.pryoritygroup.com to explore more about Henna’s offerings. Plus, she's here to share exciting news about her latest book, “Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You," pre-order now on Amazon. Grab your copy and learn to become the bravest version of yourself.

Be sure to head to www.pryoritygroup.com to learn more about Pryority Growth as well as connect with Henna Pryor on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/.

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Living & Loving Life in the Moment with Dr Brett Blair Sep 13, 2023

🎙Welcome to another inspiring episode of Career Competitor, where Steve, your host, sits down with Dr. Brett Blair, the founder and president of Best Life Global, LLC

Get ready for a dose of career wisdom as we dive into three powerful insights:

1️⃣ Discover why avoiding life plateaus is crucial for your journey to success.

2️⃣ Uncover the secret to achieving long-term results: getting crystal clear on your priorities.

3️⃣ Brett shares the golden nugget of optimizing your growth mindset by living one day at a time.

And that's not all! Head over to BrettBlapPhD.com to explore more about Brett's offerings. Plus, he's here to share exciting news about his latest book, "Born Love Die: A Memoir," available now on Amazon. Grab your copy and learn on a transformative reading journey.

Be sure to head to www.brettblairphd.com to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dr Brett on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brettablair

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Value, Alignment, and Resilience with Dr. Denis Cauvier Sep 08, 2023

In this exciting episode, we're joined by Dr. Denis Cauvier, a sought-after keynote presenter, trainer, and consultant, and the brilliant author of 20 best-selling books.
🚀 Tune in as Steve and Dr. Denis dive into three game-changing career insights:
1️⃣ Discover why acknowledging and respecting the value you've created for yourself is an absolute must on your path to success.
2️⃣ Explore the vital significance of aligning your values with your teams, a secret ingredient to achieving remarkable results in your career.
3️⃣ Learn how resilience becomes your closest companion when you dare to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the power of stretching your limits.
Hit play now and let's dive in!
Be sure to head to https://deniscauvier.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dr Denis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-cauvier-3054a717/

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Holding Yourself Accountable to Alignment - Dorothy Enriquez Sep 01, 2023

In this episode, we're diving into the world of women in leadership, and we've got the amazing Dorothy Enriquez, on board. This one's not just for the ladies – everyone, listen up!
Here's a taste of what you'll get:
1. Your Squad Matters: Dorothy spills the beans on why having a crew of like-minded folks around you is pure gold. Learn how your circle can supercharge your career and life.
2. Lead Like You Mean It: Forget titles. Dorothy dishes on how every single one of us can be a leader, no matter where we're at.
3. You, Unfiltered: Dive into self-improvement with Dorothy's tips on taking charge of your own growth journey. It's all about owning your path.
So, join us in this invigorating conversation on Career Competitor as we explore the transformative power of finding your tribe, embracing leadership from wherever you stand, and practicing self-accountability.
Be sure to head to https://theellevatecollective.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Dorothy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/theellevatecollective/

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Navigating Opportunities and Building Self-Trust with Mark Silverman Aug 25, 2023

🎙️Join Steve Mellor on this exciting episode of Career Competitor, where he sits down with Mark Silverman, his fellow coach. Mark helps CEOs, Senior Leadership, and Fast Rising High Achievers leverage their resources and team for greater impact.
Mark doesn't just talk the talk – he walks it too. As the captivating host of "Mastering Overwhelm – How To Thrive in Business, Relationship, and Life" podcast, and a prolific author with his third book in the pipeline, he's the real deal when it comes to propelling careers.🚀
Tune in as Steve and Mark dive into the nitty-gritty of career advancement. They uncover the crucial art of seizing opportunities and avoiding missed chances through heightened awareness. Discover the game-changing reward versus consequence mindset and learn how embracing it can inject rocket fuel into your professional endeavors.
Be sure to head to https://www.markjsilverman.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Mark on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102

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The Advantages of an Agile Learner - Damon Lembi Aug 18, 2023

Get set for an exciting episode of Career Competitor, hosted by Steve Mellor! We've got a fantastic guest in the house – Damon Lembi, the CEO of LearnIt, a top-tier organization rocking the world of Learning and Development. Damon and his crew are all about helping business leaders like you level up their teams and achieve greatness.
Steve and Damon are teaming up to crack the code of learning agility – that superpower that's gonna take your career places you never imagined. They'll be digging into why learning agility is a game-changer and how you can ride that wave to success town.
Calling all you ex-athletes – this one's tailor-made for you! Tune in as Damon and Steve spill the beans on how to tap into your transferable skills, giving your competitive side the spotlight it deserves, long after your sports days.
And guess what? We're not stopping there. This episode's also gonna shed light on something we often forget – celebrating the small wins. Damon and Steve will dish out wisdom on why giving props to those daily victories can turbocharge your journey to awesomeness.
Be sure to head to https://www.learnit.com/ to learn more about the company as well as connect with Damon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

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How Receiving Help can Simplify Success Aug 11, 2023

Our natural tendency as competitors can be to carry our burdens and plow forwards despite the warning signs. But there is a simple formula en route to success and starts by not only requesting help, but learning how to receive it.
It was a pleasure to visit with Founder & CEO of Treppendahl Landscape, Rob Treppendahl on this episode to learn all about his career journey and the powerful lessons he collected along the way that made him the successful competitor he is today.
Within the conversation, Rob allows us a front row seat into his story of shame, optimism, and getting help. While the hole he was once in seemed too deep to climb out from, he and his business emerged for the better.
ROb delivers great insights within our discussion including:

The need to seeing circumstances exactly as they are
How optimism can drive even the darkest circumstances
Why receiving help is a true catalyst for personal and professional growth
How the systems we create can serve our ultimate goals

You can learn more about Rob and everything he is doing now by heading to https://www.robtreppendahl.com/ and feel free to reach out directly to him to let him know what you thought of the episode

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Why Fear and Obstacles are a Good Thing - Lex Gillette Aug 04, 2023

So often we are encouraged to avoid the things that scare us and to avoid potential obstacles within our competitive endeavors. But, what if there was a positive spin we could put on both fear and obstacles that enhances your career and pursuit of optimal performance?
On this episode we welcome back the great Lex Gillette, a 5x Paralympian for Team USA who has build both a highly successful athletic and speaking career on the very belief that there is "no need for sight when you have a vision".
Lex previously joined the podcast back in 2020 and has since then competed in his 5th Paralympic Games and written his debut book (grab a copy here).
Within our discussion, Lex offers key insights on chasing your dreams and overcoming adversity which include

Why fear can help you break out of your comfort zone
How vulnerability can help in the assessment of problems
Why obstacles can be seen as landmarks to reach and pass
The importance of trying new things repeatedly to continue growing

You can learn much more about Lex, his story and his offerings by heading to https://www.lexgillette.com/

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COACHES CORNER - Seeing the Benefit of Being Stuck Jul 28, 2023

It comes around every once in a while, that building frustration that results in a willingness to admit "I'm just STUCK!" But there is a competitive spirit that creates these moment that make "being stuck" a lot more worthwhile than we might be willing to admit.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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The Value of Finding Human Connection - Mike Brcic Jul 20, 2023

It would be understandable to assume that an entrepreneur must go alone in pursuit of success. But what if you could reveal a competitive advantage simply by connecting with others in pursuit of similar goals.
I get to welcome back Way Finders founder Mike Brcic to the show to hear all about the exciting growth of the company over the past 3 years since we last spoke and dive deeper into the power of his quality-first mission of delivering value to the community he has now created.
A running theme throughout the past 3 years has been Mike's ability to consistently grow his community of high-performing entrepreneurs by insisting upon a highly vulnerable, transparent, and growth-minded environment to welcome folks into.
Within the discussion, Mike provides a wealth of insight including:

The importance of keeping your community tight and protected
Establishing guiding principles within all work you do
The power of modeling and storytelling when creating trust
Why do the work to position yourself in your "zone of genius"

You can learn all about Mike and his work by heading to his website at https://way-finders.com/ and be sure to reach out and connect with him on LinkedIn here to let him know you heard the episode

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The Benefit of Choosing to DO TOUGH - Maria Parker Jun 30, 2023

A competitor will always be comfortable taking on the more adverse challenges life throws at them, but it is those that have a willingness to run towards the toughest moments that rise to the top.
Maria Parker joins us on this episode, and, while she wears many hats, Maria is the CEO of Cruzbike and an athlete herself as she pursues ultra-distance cycling events in her role as an advocate for brain cancer research. Most recently, Maria became an author thanks to her new book Do Tough.
At the heart of the book and the approach Maria has taken towards her career and life is a story of someone that relishes taking on the more difficult moments. Across all chapters of the book and her life, Maria has collected a wealth of insights on how to compete within a career, and she shares some of the following with us here:

Why it is important to embrace and know each part of your identity
The need for strategy during moments of persistence
How the right support system can ensure you stay tough
Why it is vital to see the good in the most adverse moments

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COACHES CORNER - Becoming Emotionally Intelligent Jun 21, 2023

Arguably the most sort after leadership quality across global business today is Emotional Intelligence. But if a leader were to be considered lacking in EQ, what steps can ensure they boost their intelligence over time?
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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Developing Yourself Through Education - Sergei & Vadim Revzin Jun 21, 2023

Taking a resourceful approach to personal development will usually involve education of some sort. But wouldn't it be great to know the education was immediately practical?
Our guests today are the founders and brothers behind School 16 which is a learning environment that allows students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers.
Sergei & Vadim Revzin come from a family of educators and find complete fulfillment in their lives from serving others through education. The main issue they are driven to tackle, however, is that of ensuring education serves GUARANTEED career advancement by being truly practical.
School 16 is ensuring exactly that through its job guarantee and ability to advance students careers in a truly competitive way.
Within the discussion, Sergei, Vadim, & Steve discuss

The importance that people learn what they want to learn
Using education as a way to pinpoint what you are good at
Ensuring you invest in yourself to stay up to date in your field
The need to assess your relevance at all stages of your career

Both Sergei and Vadim encourage you to reach out through LinkedIn (Sergei & Vadim) and everything you need to know about leveling-up your own education through School 16 can be found here as well https://www.school16.co

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The Ripples of Impact Around Doing Good - Joshua Berry May 30, 2023

What if you were to incorporate an intentionality behind doing good within your career so both you and those around you could all benefit?
On this episode we welcome Joshua Berry, Managing Director at Econic and the author of his new book Dare To Be Naive. Joshua and Econic consult with businesses to discover and expand behaviors and practices that empower growth for them and their organizations.
Within the conversation, Joshua informs us on the importance of intentionality behind doing good, especially when in a leadership role. Beyond this, we get specific insights including:

The importance of meeting others where they're at
Why you should own your ideas and what that can do for a person
The demand others have for vulnerability in their leaders
Why you must give yourself permission to learn from mistakes

You can learn more about Joshua and Econic by heading to Econic.co and you can also learn all about his new book at daretobenaive.com

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The Commitment Behind Making Work Meaningful - Joe Mull May 23, 2023

There is nothing easy about the work required to create conditions for people to thrive, but the decision to prioritize that work within an organization should be very easy.
We welcome an expert in developing conditions for employees to thrive in as Joe Mull joins the show. Joe is the founder of Boss Better Leadership Academy and a highly regarded keynote speaker on all topics surrounding organizational leadership.
Joe is also the author of 3 books having just published his most recent book EMPLOYALTY; How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work
Within our discussion, Joe & Steve cover a great deal of content surrounding Joe's most impactful findings in the work that went into writing his new book. Some of these major talking points include:

Acknowledging the impact that leaders have
The importance of creating conditions for people to thrive
Why commitment must be clearly defined and understood
Prioritizing the human element in order to make work meaningful

You can learn more about Joe by heading to https://www.joemull.com/ and you can follow him on LinkedIn by heading to his page here

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Author your own story - Vikrant Shaurya May 17, 2023

We all have insights and stories that could offer value to others, and yet, too often, we choose not to share them.
Our guest this week ensures there is no excuse for an expert to not share their expertise to the masses as we welcome Vikrant Shaurya to the show, founder of Authors on Mission (authorsonmission.com) where he helps budding authors not only get their book to market, but provide all the necessary support to optimize the release and sales too.
Vikrant is a living example of his own methods having seen his first book to a best selling status after only a 21 day process from idea to publishing. Furthermore, Vikrant believes this is a competitive advantage for all professionals and business people within their respective industries to draw a level of legitimacy and respect to help set them apart.
Within our discussion, Vikrant and Steve discuss:

How to work through the overwhelm of an idea
Acknowledging that your time carries a value
Showcasing your passions and expertise
Why writing a book is just the first step in building a competitive advantage

Be sure to the website to learn more about Vikrant and the company, or contact Vikrant directly at vikrant@authorsonmission.com

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Allowing Your Inner Light To Guide You - Angela Lalande May 03, 2023

What if there was a light within us all that could show us precisely where we can go?
We welcome Angela Lalande to the show who is the owner of Lalande Title, a real estate closing company offering home buyers, realtors, lenders, escrow, and closing services to residential & commercial properties.
Angela is also the author of “The Lighthouse Method” where readers are encouraged and inspired to face the darkest moments in their lives and take the necessary steps into the light.
Within this episode you will learn about:

The power of vulnerability
How to shine again following trials
Overcoming limiting beliefs
Viewing yourself with a healthy perspective
The victory that is internal peace

You can learn more about Angela by heading to Facebook and connecting with her here or going to her new website angelalalande.com. You can also learn about her company at lalandetitle.com

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Taking Ownership of a Growth Mindset - Skip Bowman Apr 26, 2023

Whether from an Individual or collective perspective, a desire to grow can fuel a lot of things, but to embody a growth mindset is to ensure growth can consistently occur.
We welcome in the founder and managing director of Safe2Great, Skip Bowman who is making organizations safe for great work with a Growth Mindset. In addition, Skip has a book coming out in September titled "Safe2Great" where he dives deeper into the importance of psychological safety within the workplace.
An expert on consulting in areas such as leadership, organizational culture, inclusion, mindset, and psychological safety, Steve and Skip cover a number of insights around mindset, not just of an individual, but that is being established by the organization.
Key insights that are covered within the conversation include:

How mindset is mostly story and requires a discovery of the truth
Why a positive expectation of Trust must be honored by leaders
The importance of viewing yourself better
Leaders must take responsibility for changing the playing field

You can learn all about Skip and Safe2Great by heading to https://www.safe2great.com and by connecting with Skip through LinkedIn here

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Men need HELP - The Conversation Apr 19, 2023

History shows that men struggle to ask for the one thing they arguably need more than anything. HELP.
On this episode, Steve welcomes a former guest in Iron Tribe franchise owner, Hayden Clark, plus two new guests in local physicians Dr. Curtis Chastain & Dr. Tyler Boudreaux of Lake Men's Executive Health Program. This round table discussion focuses on the competitive needs of men when it comes to succeeding in areas that truly count - Health, Exercise, Lifestyle, & Purpose.
The four of us discuss topics such as

Establishing an identity of what success truly is
Focusing on the end goal of health & wellness
Disrupting threats that prevent a man from remaining accountable
The transfer of impact & application in order to find purpose

This is the first of many discussions and events towards this cause and men of Baton Rouge can plan to attend a live event & panel discussion in Baton Rougee at the Iron Tribe Perkins location on May 11th at 6:30. In order to attend please email Steve@careercompetitor.com

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COACHES CORNER - Discover Your Discipline Apr 11, 2023

Discipline is a global currency that we need to be spending daily across all walks of life. If it has worked in one area, it can certainly work for you in another.
Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Take 8 minutes of your day to shape your mind and open yourself up to a renewed perspective that you will want to share with others!

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Creating Your Own Success - Liam Patterson Apr 05, 2023

Any competitor wanting to keep up with the competition must embrace the need for taking ownership of your journey.
Liam Patterson joins the show to tell us about both his own story and the story of the company he co-founded and is the CEO of today - Bidnamic.
Liam's story is one of a working class mindset that fueled a curiosity towards opportunity and a willingness towards hard work. This tail of an entrepreneur is one that relates to all walks of life as you will learn about what it takes to simply make things happen for yourself.
Liam provides a range of insights, some of which include

Being ever-present so as to recognize opportunities around you
Building an awareness for the patterns within your industry
The importance of adapting & evolving throughout your journey
Consistently recognizing when it is time to level up what you're doing

You can learn all about Liam and the work he and the folks at Bidnamic are doing by heading to https://www.bidnamic.com

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Building Community Through Personal Investment - Hayden Clark Mar 27, 2023

It would be understandable to assume that a community or tribe can only be built through giving and serving others, but our guest today is living proof that it all starts with yourself.
We welcome Hayden Clark to the show who is the franchise owner of 2 IronTribe locations here in Baton Rouge and over the past 6 years has become one of the most successful locations in the United States.
A tested example of the benefits that come when you demand the best of yourself in order to build something much bigger than yourself, Hayden shares his story of faith and how both God and his instincts have helped lead him to the established entrepreneur he is today.
Within our discussion Hayden provides impactful takeaways including

The impacts of taking ownership so as to not look back
Having a winning mindset beyond yourself
The importance of finding rhythm in your approach to success
How your support system can provide the knowledge you need to succeed

You can learn more about the offerings Hayden and his team have by heading to http://irontribebatonrouge.com

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COACHES CORNER: When Quitting Is The Right Choice Mar 22, 2023

Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on why quitting can sometimes be the right choice, but, in order to know we are making the best decision possible, we must prioritize building a pivotal relationship!

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Allowing Your Why To Drive Your Purpose Mar 15, 2023

Transitioning away from a life as a professional athlete is tough, but there is a freedom on the other side of the transition when you are clear about your "why".
On this episode we welcome Darry Beckwith to the show who founded the Darry Beckwith Foundation, a cause whose sole purpose is that of progressing the lives of student-athletes one step at a time by providing purpose beyond athletics.
Donate to the Darry Beckwith Foundation here: https://donorbox.org/darry-beckwith-foundation
Darry's story is one of being an elite football player both with LSU and in the NFL, before having his career cut short due to injury. He recognized a gap in the support system for former athletes like himself and he decided to be an advocate for doing something about it
Darry serves kids throughout underserved communities by delivering key services in areas such as the importance of a well-rounded education, financial literacy, academic tutoring, while also providing after-school meals wherever and whenever possible.
Within our discussion, key competitive insights we learn from Darry include

Investing in yourself so as to be able to better invest in others
Establishing and living by set principles that fuel your "why"
The freedom that comes understanding why it is time to transition
Why your purpose should be ever-evolving

Darry is so clear about why he is showing up to do what he does each day, and you can contribute to supporting his work by heading to https://donorbox.org/darry-beckwith-foundation to donate whatever you are able to towards this incredible cause.

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COACHES CORNER: How Transitions Serve Your Growth Mar 08, 2023

Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on why a transition should be embraced, as it serves as an opportunity to change our circumstances in ways to fuel personal and professional growth.

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Sprinting towards Fulfillment - Simon Severino Mar 01, 2023

Life is filled with short sprint after short sprint as we go from one item on our to-do list to the next. Growing a business is no different and can require greater planning, response times, and communication in order to capitalize on potential opportunities and growth. But the end goal in both life and business is that of fulfillment.
Our career competitor for this episode is Simon Severino, the CEO and founder to his consulting firm Strategy Sprints and the author of the book Strategy Sprints. During his time as a business owner, Simon has not only achieved his own financial freedom, but guided many other business owners to achieve the same thanks to his consulting services and implementation of "sprints".
Within this highly insightful discussion, Simon provides insight on some key areas that include

Why we must assess and train how we respond
How to position yourself to capitalize on opportunities
Why fulfillment is not a dream and an actual reality
The importance of giving your best in any given moment

You can learn all about Simon, his company, and access the book by heading to https://www.strategysprints.com/ and by also reaching out and connecting with him on LinkedIn

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Discovering Joy Through Honesty Feb 22, 2023

Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with host, Steve Mellor offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 7-minute insight on how joy can be found when pursuing honesty, providing we create a growth-minded environment for it to occur

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Becoming Part of the Top 1% - Tiffany Cheng Feb 15, 2023

Competing to reach the top 1% in your industry is an ambitious approach to your career, but one our guest today is all too familiar with
Tiffany Cheng is the founder of INSPIRE MY DAY where she serves as a career and leadership coach to those in middle management looking to climb the corporate ladder and reach the highest positions within their career

Formerly the Vice President of Communications at Volvo Group and Atlas Copco Group, Tiffany brings over 16 years of her own corporate career where she worked her way up to the highest levels, while coaching 100's of others to do the same.
Within the episode, Tiffany addresses a number of key insights including

Her 6 step process towards building the career you want
Reframing your outlook towards that of an elite competitor
Creating an awareness for what you do and don't control
Knowing who you want to be and building the career that person wants

You can learn all about Tiffany's 1% Academy and her services by heading to www.inspiremyday.org or connecting with her over LinkedIn
Be sure to share this episode and tag us @coach_steve_m and @Career_Competitor on Instagram and leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts

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COACHES CORNER: A Rebuild Can Prevent Quitting Feb 08, 2023

Welcome to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 9-minute insight on the way you can approach the issue of quitting, and the impact that can be had when we implement a rebuild during moments of adversity.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and share this episode with those in your network that you know need to hear the message

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Committing to True Genius - Jessica Yarbrough Feb 01, 2023

To compete at the highest level of business, our guest today presents the reasons for knowing what you excel at , before making the commitment to providing this "genius" you possess as your career.
Jessica Yarbrough joins Career Competitor and is a Business Strategist and Growth Expert where she offers clients the chance to build a scalable, sustainable, and wildly profitable business. She does this through implementing ultra high end programs that allow the true genius of a coach or consultant to shine through.
Within our discussion, Jessica educates us on the power of both knowing your genius, as well as applying it to the work you do today. The interview also delivers key insight on:

The importance of implementing systems within your work
Why drilling down to your genius will fuel your confidence
Establishing and honoring your principles as person & professional
Creating the right "circle of influence" to empower your goals

You can learn all about what Jessica offers by heading to https://jessicayarbrough.com and be sure to reach out and connect with Jessica on LinkedIn here as well

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COACHES CORNER: The Normalcy of Disengagement Jan 25, 2023

Welcome in to a concise and impactful episode with Steve offering a coaching insight to assist you with your pursuit of optimal performance.
Steve presents a short 8-minute insight on the way you can approach the issue of becoming disengaged by reassessing how you can reengage with what you are truly capable of achieving.
Be sure to subscribe and share the show with friends and tag us on instagram @coach_steve_m and @career_competitor

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Take Control of Your Career Fate - Marty Gilbert Jan 18, 2023

What if there was a competitive advantage available to you in career opportunities that you simply haven't been implementing up to this point?
On this episode we welcome Marty Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the NorthShore Executive Networking Group (NSENG) who has built the largest job search networking and coaching organization in the United States.
An expert in career development and educating professionals, Marty has a diverse career background himself that optimizes the impact he can have on so many across a wide variety of fields.
We learn from this illustrious career and competitive experience that Marty brings to the show through his insight on the following areas:

The keys to finding a job in a shorter period of time
How a "what the hell" approach can serve you
The necessity for a clear value proposition when representing yourself
Finding ways to stand out in the crowds

You can learn much more about Marty and the work NSENG offers by going to www.NSENGinc.com or by reaching out to Marty on LinkedIn

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Personally Brand Yourself for Success - Claire Bahn Dec 14, 2022

Our Career Competitor today is Claire Bahn, the CEO and Founder of Claire Bahn Group, a strategic marketing, communications, and branding agency. For over ten years, she has been helping high-achieving CEOs, executives, investors, and founders maximize their authority and influence to accelerate business growth and gain the recognition they deserve.

Within our discussion, we pinpoint competitive qualities and insights to establish a strong personal brand so you can stand out within the market. Furthermore, Claire sheds light on how she built her business and the qualities she used that speak to why it is she is doing what she is doing today.
Key insights from the episode include

The importance of authenticity
The effect your energy has on others
Why you should seek constructive criticism
Why imperfect action is the best place to start

You can learn more about Claire and her services at www.clairebahn.com
Please rate the show and subscribe on whatever platform you have chosen to listen on

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Annual Chat with Steve & Pat Dec 05, 2022

On this episode I sit down with good friend and fellow entrepreneur, Pat Fellows for the 2nd Annual Chat with Steve & Pat as we catch up on some of the major themes and lessons both within and surrounding Steve’s first year of entrepreneurship. The pair dive into some major talking points and themes pertaining to business ownership, passion projects, and managing your best self at all times.

Looking to move towards optimal performance in 2023? Why not schedule a free consultation at Steve@careercompetitor.com to see how executive coaching could be the key to unlocking your potential!

With Steve only having 12 months of entrepreneurial experience to his name and with Pat Fellows having over 2 decades to his, the pair offer a unique perspective on the many areas of business and career growth. Furthermore, they tackle some key topics including

Pursuing fulfillment in the work towards the passion
Establishing what you need to have around you to succeed
How easy it is to question whether or not you are doing the right thing
The role of self-accountability and how best to implement it
Why success in all aspects of life starts with how you invest in you

Learn more about Pat Fellows and FRESHJUNKIE at https://www.freshjunkie.com/ and be sure to share the episode within your network and tag us @career_competitor @coach_steve_m & @patrickfellows

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The Passion Drives the Work Ethic Nov 19, 2022

When you have a career driven competitor with a creative side, it would be easy to assume they would have to choose one part of themselves over the other. But if you are passionate about fulfilling both your career and your creative side, you find a way to do the work towards both.
Lawyer and Novelist, Andy Abramowitz joins Career Competitor to discuss his career as an attorney with 20+ years of experience in complex litigation, currently as Senior Counsel with Berger Montague, while also discussing his work over the past decade as a critically acclaimed author.
While pursuing an all-encompassing career in law it became clear to Andy that there was a creative side to him he knew he simply had to find a way to satisfy, despite knowing it would be hard work. But what you will come to learn through our discussion is that there are ways to approach and handle the work so as to learn what you can handle and how you can improve.
Andy and I cover key topics including:

Knowing the roadmap that you need to work towards a new skill or talent
Having an awareness of who you are surrounding yourself with
Listening to yourself in order to identify your limitations
Connecting enough to your passions so the hard work becomes easy

You can find all of Andy's literary work by going to his author page on Amazon here and find his select work by using the following links:

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Offering what is Required of You - Stuart Waddington Nov 14, 2022

To optimize the impact you can potentially have on those around you, it is vital to know what those people need from you.
My guest on this episode is Stuart Waddington, founder and director of STAR Development UK where he and his team are providing people, teams and organizations with PEAK EXPERIENCES and you can learn more about the company at www.stardevelopmentuk.com
Stuart and Steve cover a lot of content on how best to serve others so that they can be equipped to have optimal impact themselves as leaders. Key takeaways from the interview include

Ensuring you have the right people in the room to be coached
The art form of facilitating others to best equip them to serve others
Listening to the needs of someone before trying to impact them
Why we should strive to identify what is required as opposed to assuming

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The Competitive Advantage to Personal Investment - Michael Cohen Nov 06, 2022

To invest in personal and cultural development as an organization is to invest in creating a competitive advantage, and yet it still remains an under utilized approach for so many.
On this episode we welcome Michael Cohen who is an expert in Employment Law, Training, and Human Resources in his work as a partner with the international law firm, Duane Morris in their employment, labor, benefits, and immigration practice group.
A competitor in his own right, Michael ensures he is investing and pushing himself to expand his knowledge and performance abilities in order to best serve clients throughout the United States
A highly sought after trainer and speaker, Michael brings to the show a wide variety of content, along with diverse perspectives, that support the need for the work he offers and how they can provide a competitive advantage to a company in their respective industry.
Key insight that Michael offers in our discussion includes:

The abundance of opportunity organizations have to invest in personnel
The ability leaders have to treat employees fairly and not necessarily the same
How an approach of "relentless incrementalism" can deliver lasting results
Why there is a competitive advantage to creating a "destination" to work

You can learn more about Michael by heading to his LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelscohen12 and also the services offered by Duane Morris by heading to their website at https://www.duanemorris.com

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The Slalom of Life - Joe Jacobi Oct 21, 2022

A competitor can benefit greatly from recognizing the unpredictability of life is something we can either fight or give ourselves over to. Our guest today has spent his career and life learning how to respond to the twists and turns life throws at him by treating life through lessons he has learnt from the river.

1992 Olympic Gold medalist in canoe slalom, Joe Jacobi returns to the show to discuss his book, Slalom, in which he offer 6 River Classes About How to Confront Obstacles, Advance Amid Uncertainty, And Bring Focus To What Matters Most.

Steve and Joe have built a friendship since Joe originally joined the show in early 2019 and the familiarity the pair now have with one another comes through in the detailed and insightful discussion.

Within this episode you will hear powerful insight on topics including:

Building the respect for life to respond accordingly
Why correcting mistakes is something to be embraced
How humility and trust can be our greatest assets

Learn more about Joe at JoeJacobi.com

Interested in learning more about how Steve can impact you and your team as a coach? Be sure to reach out to him at steve@careercompetitor.com today to arrange a 30-minute free consultation.

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Understanding Constraints in Order to Grow - Luke DePron Oct 13, 2022

Considering growth can sometimes seem intimidating as we anticipate the costs and potential demand that can come with it.

We welcome to the show Luke DePron who is an online weight loss coach for entrepreneurs and business people and helps clients establish the bandwidth they can thrive within in order to reach personal and professional goals.

Luke provides his Lean Body Method™ approach so his clients physiques, energy, and confidence match the success they have in business and in life. Furthermore, he strives to develop a self-accountability within clients so they can become the leader of their own health and wellness.

Within our discussion, Luke brings attention to

The role Benchmarks play when pursuing big goals
Why working within one's capacity can be the catalyst for optimal growth
How an Adjustment Mindset can sweep aside the anxieties that come with getting started
The power of establishing Habits that can provide opportunities for minimum standard check ins

Head to Livegreatlifestyle.com to learn more about what Luke offers clients and how he can serve you and your business today

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The Formula for Talent Development - Elena Agaragimova Oct 06, 2022

The world of talent acquisition has never been more competitive, so the need to invest in and develop the talent you have is even more of a priority now than ever before.

On this episode we welcome a competitior within the space of talent development in that of Elena Agaragimova, Head of Talent Acquisition & Development with Horizon Industries Ltd. and Chief Growth Officer with Bessern.

Eager to learn how you can work towards your optimal self and realize your potential? Reach out to Steve today to arrange your free 30-minute consultation at steve@careercompetitor.com

Within the epiosde, Steve & Elena cover a number of topics on performance, self-development, culture, and relationships. Furthermore, Elena provides key insight on topics such as

The competitive nature of the present world of talent development
How the basics provide the foundation for optimal performance
Delivering value both in yourself and the relationships with others
How a comfortable workspace truly facilitates ideal work conditions

You can learn more about Elena by reaching out and connecting with her over LinkedIn, going to her webstie at www.bessern.co and also by checking out her podcast, The Shift with Elena Agar at https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaAgaragimova

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Doing What Needs to be Done - Kim Curtis Sep 29, 2022

Whether it is a difficult situation you are in at work, a conversation that needs to be had about a difficult subject, or just a change that needs to be made, doing what needs to be done is not necessarily easy.

Our guest today has built a career, company, and life for herself by doing what needs to be done as we welcome CEO of Wealth Legacy Institute, Kim Curtis to the show. Kim is also an author of 2 books Money Secrets and Retirement Secrets

Interested in unlocking your potential to go and do what needs to be done in your career? Contact Steve Mellor today at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up your free coaching consultation

Within our discussion Kim reveals how her moral standards were tested and how she was eventually forced into taking action so she could shift the culture of an entire industry.

Within our conversation, the competitor in you will be educated on how to:

Handle adversity in ways where it can create opportunity
Build relationships that can forge business success
Embrace growth as a part of your journey at all times

You can learn more about the work Kim and her team does at wealthlegacyinstitute.com and she also recommends that you check out financialliteracypress.com to educate yourself on the 10 laws of money

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Managing your Passion - Dr. Nadia Brown Sep 22, 2022

If you know what you love to do, know how to do it well, and know you can make money doing it... what is stopping you?

This is the story of my guest today Dr. Nadia Brown who is the Founder and CEO of The Doyenne Agency (thedoyenneagency.com) where she has proven herself to be a Global Sales & Sales Training Expert over the past 5 years

Love the show and want to discuss what coaching could look like for you and your team? Reach out at Steve@careercompetitor.com for your free 30-minute consultation today

Within the episode we cover some great insight courtesy of Nadia's life and career journey, while also discuss her new book Sell Like A Lady (www.selllikealady.com) teaching the art of sales using dignity, class, & grace.

Nadia offers insight on

Managing your passion and pursuing your purpose
The skill of sales in how you make it unique to you
Benefits of having and listening to a support system

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show

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Leading with Behavioral Change - Tony Davis Sep 14, 2022

Establishing the most important part of leadership is something you could discuss and argue for a long time, but knowing where to start - according to our guest today - is a much more clear cut case.

Interested in High Performance Coaching or Leadership Development, reach out to Steve for your free 30-minute consultation at Steve@careercompetitor.com

Tony Davis is the President of Arrowhead Leadership Inc, an authorized licensee of Crestcom International, and he leads new cohorts by emphasizing behavioral change as the first and greatest priority throughout their training.

In addition to the topic of leadership, we relive some of the successful transitions within Tony's career and discuss the ways he has been able to do this successfully.

Tony provides insight on

The behavioral changes that guide leadership growth
Simple ways to approach the challenge of transition
Identifying and defining your competitive nature as a leader

Head to Tony's LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydjax to learn more about him and the services he provides and be sure to check out his podcast, The Well Rounded Leaders Podcast.

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Getting your Brand to SOAR - Donna Serdula Sep 08, 2022

Today, everything from the person you are, the roles you play, the teams you are part of, and the people you associate with influence your brand. The question is, are you aware of what you need to know in order to optimize your brand? Fortunately, our guest today can help you in this area as we welcome founder & president of Vision Board Media, Donna Serdula to the show.

Best known for her work on LinkedIn and as the critically acclaimed author for books such as LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies, Donna has been enabling brand optimization for everyone from high level executives to entry level employees the world over for over a decade.

Within this episode we cover impactful topics such as

The competitive nature of brand recognition
Why you must SOAR in order to elevate your LinkedIn game
Ensuring you and your brand can be discovered easily
Prioritizing authentic connections to spread your brand

You can learn all about the work Donna and her team does with Vision Board Media by heading to their website at https://visionboardmedia.com/ and be sure to go follow Donna on LinkedIn for continued access to impactful content.

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Knowing It Will Happen - Melissa Bollea Rowe Aug 30, 2022

When a competitor refuses to accept any result other than a successful one, they have moved into the mindset of knowing what will happen. On this episode we get to learn from highly acclaimed songwriter, Melissa Bollea Rowe on her story of realizing her greatest goals within the music industry.

Interested to learn how you can achieve your goals through coaching? Reach out to coach, Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.

Author of the book God, Gratitude, & Giving, Melissa is also the CEO of her company, Rhyme Partners. While today she is well-established around Nashville and has been for many years, her journey was anything but easy. In this example of pursuing your goals into reality, we learn from Melissa

The importance of recognizing where you have a gift
How real fulfillment can be achieved through your work
Why we should clearly define what success will look like
The rewards that can come from our journey

Melissa is a living example of how investing fully in your goals can convince both you and the world of what is destined to happen.

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The Reality of an Athlete's Transition - Charlie Ruiz Aug 25, 2022

A special episode this week where we shed light on a great cause that is Athlete's Soul Run for the Soul. I welcome in my fellow coach and friend Charlie Ruiz to discuss our experience with athletic retirement and reasons for why people should consider caring about the topic that is athletic retirement.

Please donate here to support this great cause (https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/6HNJL5RaJV)

Charlie brings his experience of retiring from professional baseball with the Colorado Rockies and having to transition into the real world unsure of where to go and who to connect with. Today he is the founder of his performance coaching company CLR Connection.

Within the interview we reference some important topics including:

The struggle athletes can have serving their best intentions following sports
Identifying specifically what it is they want to do now their sport is no more
How an athlete's community can play a vital role in revealing the options out there to you

Please donate anything you can and do not hesitate to reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com with your thoughts or to connect

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Finding a Purposeful Life & Career - Gene Rice Aug 16, 2022

We welcome in a Career Competitor with over 30 years of experience guiding and placing senior level leaders into roles where they can flourish. Co-Founder & Chairman of Rice Cohen INternational, Gene Rice joins the show to tell us about his career & life experiences, as well as discuss his new book Grad to Grown Up

Like what you heard on this episode and curious as to how you can achieve optimal performance? Reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to arrange a free consultation today

Gene generously provides an enormous amount of insight through stories of business and life that emphasize the important role that purpose plays in an individuals journey. In addition, the conversation reveals impactful takeaways such as:

Investing enough in your identity and self to figure out the role you were born to have
Showing up with an intention to be the linch pin an organization values and needs
Experiencing worlds you believe you belong in before overcommitting to them
Reflecting on how you have grown from one phase of work and development to the next

If you are in a place in your journey where you don't have the resources to invest in a book like Gene's then be sure to reach out to him directly through LinkedIn to request a free copy!!!

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Attending to Individual Goals - Matt Cross Aug 11, 2022

As the Head of National Development within his role as a swim coach with Plymouth Leander in the UK, Matt Cross is all too familiar with the competitive world of helping others realize their goals. A great coach will find ways to attend to the individual goals of the group they oversee, because as Matt likes to say, "everyone has a different Olympic final"

Looking for performance coaching and to have the opportunity to be guided towards your goals? Reach out to Steve with Career Competitor at steve@careercompetitor.com so you can schedule a free 30-minute consultation today

Matt and I discuss various elements within the coach-athlete relationship to consider, including

Investing in the building of a relationship
Managing the whole athlete and not just the performer
Knowing when you should adapt to those around you
Allowing the space for the occasional bad day

Matt is the host of his own podcast, Behind the Stats with Matt Cross which you can check out here

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Solution through Collaboration - Carly Croman Jul 28, 2022

A Career Competitor who prioritizes human connection and delivering impact joins us on the show today. Carly Croman of Carly Croman Consulting provides insight for those pursuing personal growth or searching for an organizational solution.

Interested in achieving optimal performance in your career? Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

In her full time role, Carly is a Program Manager and Professor at the University of Arizona but is very much driven to make impact both in those roles and with her freelance services. Within this conversation you will learn about

The power of authenticity being at the heart of your work
Facilitating business relationships by prioritizing the client
Delivering solutions that seek to move your work and the world forwards

If you are looking to learn more about Carly's service be sure to reach out to her at Connect@carlycroman.com

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Do the Work to Find the Success - Ryan Margolin Jul 21, 2022

A competitor that embraces the need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps joins us this week as Ryan Margolin, CEO of Professional Hair Labs joins us to tell us about the work ethic required to become an international business leader and entrepreneurial expert.

Interested in achieving optimal performance in your career? Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Ryan approaches his work with an intention to make things simple enough that the path to success becomes more clear and more concise. He also sheds light on other perspectives including:

Be willing to do the work to build the belief
Ensuring your mind is stronger than your emotions
Take time to learn about and improve upon yourself
Acknowledge realization of potential to fuel future discovery

You can learn more about Professional Hair Labs at prohairlabs.com and be sure to connect with Ryan on LinkedIn too.

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Serving a Cause through Business - Elle Rueger Jul 14, 2022

A competitor that appreciates building a career by figuring things out as she goes joins the show. Founder of Soledier Socks, Elle Rueger joins us to tell us all about how she has been able to build a competitive business while serving a cause at the same time.

Love what the show is all about and what you have heard in this episode? Be sure to rate the show and reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to book a free coaching consultation today.

Elle Rueger is a businesswoman that has built her company by showing up with a curiosity to learn, a willingness to admit what she doesn't know, and the competitive instinct to know where she can maximize her impact.

Within our discussion, Elle shares insight on

The benefits of asking "how can I help?"
Identifying areas where you can have the greatest impact
Why authenticity leads to respect and acceptance
How growth opportunities appear by recognizing problems

Head to solediersocks.com to learn more about how you can serve an amazing cause and get your hands on pairs of premium socks today.

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The Competitor Never Goes Away - Maritza McClendon Jul 07, 2022

A competitor across all chapters of her career to date joins us to discuss how best to utilize the competitor within to capitalize on career growth and performance. Maritza McClendon is the Director of Talent Development & Corporate Communications with Carters Inc. and is best known for being the first African American woman to represent the USA in swimming at an Olympic Games (Athens, 2004).

Like what you heard on this episode? Be sure to rate the show and reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to book a free coaching consultation today.

Maritza presents a number of insights that will force you to reflect on your own tendencies towards career and personal development, including:

The importance of recognizing your greatest achievements
Embracing the possibility of being exposed when leveling up
Using disappointments as a catalyst for improvement
Considering human elements of performance development

For more information on Maritza's story and the services she offers to organizations as a speaker, head to https://www.maritzamcclendon.com

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Coaching the Championship Mindset - Danielle Mills-Walden Jun 23, 2022

On this episode we welcome Danielle Mills Walden who is on a mission to help people achieve their full potential by showing them how to achieve a Champion's Mindset. Considering what we are about as a podcast, this was always going to be a harmonious conversation between 2 competitors with similar mindsets.

Interested in how you can reach optimal levels of performance? Reach out to Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up a free 30-minute consultation today

Danielle is a former international tennis player having played professional tennis for 10 years. Following retirement in 2014, she always knew that she wanted to make an impact on people so she founded HEADSTRONG LLC, a Mindset Mentorship company.

On this episode, Danielle offers insight for competitors in all fields to gain greater insight into

Discovering and revealing your championship mindset
Overcoming limiting beliefs
The importance of having a game plan in your pursuit of success
Approaching competitiveness from a collaborative perspective

Be sure to go and learn more about both Danielle's story and her company at headstrongmind.com and connect with her through LinkedIn and on Social Media @Danielle_Mills_Walden

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The Intentional Impact of Journaling - Amanda Stern Jun 16, 2022

With a unique and niche theme to this episode we welcome in journaling coach and founder of Good things come to those who Journal, Amanda Stern to get us all up to speed on the power that journaling can have to give you a competitive advantage within your career.

Interested in how you can close the gap between your current expectations and your optimal potential? Reach out to Steve@careercompetitor.com to schedule your 30-minute free consultation

Amanda tells the story of how her passion for journaling evolved and the defining moments within her life that set her on this course to doing what she does today. In addition, Amanda offers insight on

The common misconceptions associated with journaling
How journaling can calm the chaos within your world
Why you can expect to be thrown into action from the words you put on the page
What the safe and judgement-free space of journaling can do for your self-esteem

For further information on Amanda's services be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her website here. In addition, be sure to schedule time to talk with Amanda about her upcoming Journaling for Entrepreneurs program starting July 5th by going to this link bit.ly/ASJournalChat

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the episode so we know what you thought of the episode

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Speaking Success into Existence - Amy Boone Thompson Jun 10, 2022

The new owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness, Amy Boone Thompson rejoins the show to tell us all about her recent career successes and the role that speaking things into existence has played in realizing these goals of hers.

Head to Careercompetitor.com to learn all about Performance Coaching and what it could do for your career!

A proven competitor within the health and fitness world, Amy has been working with great intention since her last appearance on the show 2 years ago (listen to that episode here) towards this dream job she has now attained.

Amy offers insight on

The power of manifesting your dream job
The importance of intentional acts driving your work ethic
The role humility can play to ensure you are educated accordingly
The need to invest in yourself in order to become more self aware

You can learn all about IDEA Health & Fitness by heading to www.ideafit.com where you will learn all about the IDEA World Convention happening July 20-24th in Las Vegas (more details here)

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Prioritizing A Coaches Soul - Lee Povey Jun 03, 2022

A former Career Competitor guest joins us today to dive into the topic of prioritizing the souls of coaches in relation to how they are supported and cared for. Emotional and Leadership Coach Lee Povey rejoins the show to talk to us about his new venture, Coaches Soul (Coachesoul.com) that he co-founded with Myriam Glez of Athletes Soul.

Take the time to reach out to Coach Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up your free 30-minute consultation and discover how he can facilitate the pursuit of your optimal self!

Lee shares the idea behind the service and the impact it can have on those coaching within the sports world. Furthermore, Steve & Lee present their experiences and insight on the importance of supporting coaches and not leaving them to handle all pressures and expectation alone.

A lot of what is discussed in this episode can be applied to current and aspiring leaders everywhere in how you can learn to prioritize the vulnerable tendencies required to reach out to others and admit the need for support.

Leave a 5-star rating and review of what you thought of the episode and subscribe to the show!

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Going Beyond the Role - Daniel Felt May 27, 2022

We welcome Career Competitor Daniel Felt to the show who is the CEO of Kura Home (kurahome.com) and proven example of what it means to go beyond the role you have.

**Learn more about our Performance Coaching & Culture Consulting services at Careercompetitor.com**

Daniel came from a family of go-getters and witnessed examples growing up of how to consider being of greater use to another person or situation. Having learned the importance of finishing what you start through his life in sports, Daniel took the same mindset into the creation and growth of Kura Homes.

Within our discussion today, you can expect to receive guidance on

How to work on and demand the best version of yourself
Recognizing the impact of asking "what can I do?"
Identifying opportunities where you can do 1 extra thing

Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a review and be sure to email steve@careercompetitor.com with further thoughts and questions

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The Self-Sufficient Strategy - Eric Stefanski May 19, 2022

On this episode we welcome a competitor of the sports and self-empowerment world in that of coach Eric Stefanski. Having built a career as a collegiate swim coach, Eric grew tired of applying a band aid to the same problems with his athletes and made a career shift to do something about it.

Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!

Eric shares his strategies to develop a self-sufficient individual, and despite spending most of his days around youth there are countless examples in this episode that apply to business professionals and adults alike.

Eric offers insight on

Accessing our "creative imagination" to prompt a growth mindset
Feeling empowered to pinpoint and work for what you truly want
The importance of a high performance routine
Knowing when and how to utilize a coach or mentor

You can learn more about Eric and the work he does at lifesparq.com and please be sure to leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to the show

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COMPETITIVE CALL - When does helpful become hurtful? May 17, 2022

A short episode uder 10 minutes where Steve shares a sentiment with listeners to create a competitive edge within their career. Be sure to take the time to reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com to share with him your thoughts on how you relate to this message.

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The Endless Layers of Leadership - Sarah Miller May 12, 2022

On this unique episode of the show, Career Competitor meets The Media Mavens Podcast as Steve welcomes in CEO of Axis Entertainment and host of The Media Mavens Podcast, Sarah Miller.

Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!

As the CEO of Axis Entertainment, Sarah has built a an award-winning experiential agency that drives leadership, influence and authority through stepped up Public Relations & Events. Having been a prominent and successful leader over the past 2 decades, Sarah reveals within the discussion the endless layers that make up a great leader.

The podcast mash up approach in this episode allows for Steve to play the role of both host and guest (as does Sarah). This leads to a heightened discussion that delivers a greater level of insight that goes beyond leading people and becomes more about leading yourself.

You will gain insight on what it means to

Deliver intentional actions to regular progress
Consider what you must do to bring the best out of others
Advance your own expectations in order to raise those of others
Widen your perspective to consider how you are leading

Learn more about Sarah and the wonderful work she does at axis-entertainment.com/about and be sure to check out her podcast at mediamavenspodcast.com

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Utilizing Unique Traits to Affect Change - Shannon Russo May 05, 2022

A competitor who has not only forged an incredible career for herself but who has built a company that affects change in the career of so many more. Shannon Russo is the CEO and Founder of Kinetix and joins us to shed light on how a persons unique traits can advance their career.

Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!

In addition to the great insight Shannon provides to help make you more competitive within your career, we also learn about what makes a leader relevant in this modern era as Shannon offers many perspectives on her approach to leading successfully.

Some of the main themes out of this episode include

Utilizing your background and culture fit when exploring new opportunities
The need for us to get out of our own way
The power of learning to affect personal change and growth
Making connection an integral part of everything you do

To learn more about Kinetix please head to https://www.kinetixhr.com/about-us and of course don't forget to leave us a 5-star rating for the show if you enjoyed what you heard

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How Adversity can happen FOR you - Aaron Golub Apr 28, 2022

A Career Competitor across multiple fields already before he has even reached his 30th birthday, Aaron Golub joins us to explain how he made adversity happen for him as an athlete, as a financial professional, and today as an entrepreneur and keynote speaker.

Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!

Considered legally blind, Aaron attended Tulane university and was the first legally blind man to compete in D1 NCAA Football. His humble mindset, honest perspective, and assertive approach is what allowed him to compete with other players on the team and across the NCAA.

He took such traits into his career after graduation and he offers insight on what he has had to apply in order to compete and standout within his respective fields

The balance of knowing when to work hard and when to work smart
Leading others through examples and by pushing them to get better
Dedicating time privately to be open and vulnerable with yourself

You can learn more about Aaron's story and services at www.aarongolub.com and be sure to leave us a 5-star rating of this episode on Apple Podcasts.

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Lead to a Space of Optimal Growth - COMPETITIVE CALL Apr 25, 2022

Let's start the work week off right by getting competitively charged to lead people around towards their optimal self. As an aspiring leader, one of the greatest things you can do for both your career and the career of those around you is to facilitate optimal growth. As competitors we want to believe we are important enough to always be needed and available to make an impact, yet the greatest leaders provide skillset for others to thrive in their absence. This competitive call will provide you with the perspective of what it means to truly make an impact as a leader, and we look to the first tales of leadership ever told to do so.

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Evan Burk - Finding Intangibles to Drive Elite Performance Apr 14, 2022

It's a coaching episode today as I welcome fellow coach, Evan Burk to the show. A keynote speaker and leadership coach, Evan sheds light on the competitive qualities that, first, paved his career as a football coach, before then establishing his own business.

Interested in enhancing your career through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute competitive consultation today!

With his focus on uncovering the hidden traits required to drive elite performance for his clients, Evan's career journey is filled with examples of relying on competitive characteristics over talent. Within our discussion, Evan and Steve cover the topics of

Signature strengths of his that allowed him to advance
The misguided perception of talent over character
How elite performers handle feedback and strive to improve
Using reverse engineering to reveal intangibles you need to succeed

Be sure to head to https://www.coachevanburk.com to learn more about Evan's story and services, and don't forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts!

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Seeing the Present through the Lens of the Past - COMPETITIVE CALL Apr 12, 2022

A competitive call today that should challenge you to becoming a more present competitor within your career by letting go of your past. In order to facilitate the greatest performances within all aspects of our lives, it is paramount to not allow preconceived notions, judgments, or past experiences to shift how we process what we are experiencing in the now.

Steve dives into this journey of thought having watched Will Smith assault Chris Rock at the recent Oscars and could not help but be drawn into examining why Will Smith went to such extreme measures to react to an inappropriate joke. We all have situations each day where we can choose to interpret what we see before reacting, or we might over react because of what our past has influenced us to.

How canyon deliver your optimal self daily? How can you make sure you are able to compete within the present in order to optimize your career? Let Steve know your thoughts at Steve@careercompetitor.com

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Jack Karavich - Bringing an Idea to Life Apr 08, 2022

Jack Karavich, Founder of Tigeraire joins the show to discuss his journey of having ideas, seeing many fail, but bringing a unique one to life. It only takes one, and this Career Competitor understands what it means to take a punch and get back up and keep fighting.

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

Within our discussion we get to the core of the entrepreneurial mind and how it is driven by grit, perseverance, and a down right refusal to quit. Furthermore, through his lessons from the world of Tech and Corporate America, and most recently in his growth with Tigeraire, Jack has been able to learn what it means to recognize the value of an idea, and the path of bringing it to life!

This is an awesome episode for entrepreneurs but there is plenty of content for any competitor out there looking to optimize what it is they do on a daily basis. Be sure to head to Tigeraire.com to learn more about Jack and his company.

Subscribe to Career Competitor on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram @career_competitor

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Betsy Cerulo - What is Perspective without taking Action Apr 01, 2022

We welcome in a life long entrepreneur and the CEO of Adnet/Accountnet, Betsy Cerulo to the show to tell us about her work experiences of resolving issues and representing those without a voice within a workplace culture.

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

A recent author to the book, Shake it off Leadership; Achieving success through the eyes of our labels, Betsy has served minorities in the workplace for over 3 decades and is here to share with us the importance of taking action when we see things need to change

Steve and Betsy discuss a number of powerful topics including

Fighting to be heard for long enough to get people to listen
Ensuring the best people are hired no matter the demographic they represent or associate with
Responding to adversity with a leadership approach
Embodying empathy by striving to put yourself in the place of others

You can access her book by clicking on the title above and be sure to share this episode with anyone you feel could be impacted by its message.

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Q Williams: Serving your Core Identity and the Team's mission Mar 25, 2022

On this episode Q Williams joins the show to offer insight on how we can best balance what we require from ourselves and what the team requires from us. Our career can pull us out of focusing on what is best for us as we become loyal to the cause and focus on expectations of others. Q is here to educate us on how we can serve our core identity and still be available as an optimal teammate!

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

We open our discussion on the work Q has been doing throughout his life pertaining to encouraging men to be their truest self and embracing the importance of discussing hardships. The conversation moves towards how we become guilty of suppressing our greatest wants in order to do what is expected of us, and the long-term issues that can arise from that. The act of surrendering to the difficult situations we are in is something Q dives into and it can remove us from a place of feeling stuck.

So much of what we talk about on this episode can be summarized by the importance of slowing down, allowing ourselves to recognize we are struggling and might be lost, but that we can resolve things through creating purpose in where we can be of most use to ourselves and those around us.

For more on Q and his work be sure to head to https://www.q-williams.com/ and if you liked the episode be sure to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.

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The Right Intention can Define the Day - COMPETITIVE CALL Mar 22, 2022

Steve Mellor introduces his COMPETITIVE CALL to challenge you to think about how the right act of intent can set you up to define the standard you go about your work day.

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

Steve recently took up the act of writing from 5:30 - 6:30am over the past 2+ weeks now and it has revolutionized the clarity and presence of mind he has within his day. Even after years of working out and coaching before sun rise, it is this hour long act that has shifted his perspective on what it means to wake up with intention to fuel the rest of the day.

What does intention look like within your day? How can you wake up to an act of intent that redefines how you go about your work.?

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Benjamin Alexander - The Sequel to this legendary tale Mar 16, 2022

We welcome back to the show the recently crowned Olympian, Benjamin Alexander who, last we spoke, was gearing up for his final attempts at qualifying for the Water Olympics for his country of Jamaica.

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

It is fair to say that Benjamin is an incredible example of what it looks like to go all in on a goal in life, to do so with a massively supportive network, and to see the journey through to the very end.

Benjamin offers some inside information on the days up to his final attempts to qualify, presenting the concept of simply showing up some days in order to stay true to the mission at hand, and he offers his perspective on what he has in store now that the journey has come to an end.

You can find everything you need about Benjamin at Benji.ski on Instagram and be sure to give us a follow while you're there at career_competitor

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David McKnight: Prioritize Image when Planning for Success Mar 11, 2022

We welcome in David McKnight, founder of McKnight Image Lab to discuss how those striving for success must consider some key principles in relation to their image. David is also the author to the book The Zen of Executive Presence; Build your business success through strategic image management and he offers some key takeaways from the book within the interview. Above all, this episode emphasizes how investing in your image can provide the competitive edge required to set yourself apart.

Interested in enhancing your performance through coaching? Be sure to email Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com to request your free 30 minute consultation today!

Within the episode David presents his story of how he discovered this niche passion of his to help clients optimize their image, he talks about the investments he made in himself through education and qualifications to justify the quality of his service, and Dave and Steve quickly discover their shared interest in "encouraging people to act on intention."

Key insight to listen out for include

Consciousness towards your image awareness
Respecting the power of perception
Acknowledge and control the narrative
Understanding what to invest towards your goals

Be sure to go learn more about David's services at mcknightimagelab.com and be sure to order yourself a copy of his book while you are there.

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Bennie Brazell: The Mindset of a Champion Feb 25, 2022

Competitiveness is within us all, but history shows that only a select few get to make a career of achieving the greatest goals of being a champion at what they do. Bennie Brazell has climbed the mountain of becoming a champion across numerous areas of his athletic career, both as an athlete and as a coach, and this competitor is highly driven to keep on doing this for a long time.

This episode is specifically about the traits and habits required, in Bennie's expert opinion, to deliver championship level results which can be intimidating to some of us. But the content provided will force anyone listening to ask themselves what are they willing to do, to sacrifice, and to embrace to reach their highest of goals.

Bennie Brazell is a Track & Field Assistant Coach at Louisiana State University. He joins the show to discuss his storied career of winning, firstly, as an athlete, and then, as a coach. As a student-athlete he was a 5-time NCAA Champion in Track and National Champion in football both at LSU in the early 2000's. He then returned to his Alma Mater in 2011 and has coached numerous individuals to NCAA Championships over the last decade and was a part of the staff that led the LSU Men's team to an NCAA outdoor championship in 2021.

Bennie provides insight into his upbringing and how it shaped his "don't back down" personality that embraced challenges thrown his way. In college, Bennie was a member of winning cultures created by Hall of Fame coaches in both Football and Track & Field and we get to learn all about his main takeaways from those. Finally, Bennie discusses his coaching approach that has provided consistently elite levels of performance.

Reach out to host, Steve Mellor at Steve@careercompetitor.com with your thoughts on the episode, leave a 5-star rating if you are listening on iTunes or Spotify, and also reach out to Steve if you are interested in a free 30-minute consultation for performance coaching.

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Present the Problem Feb 15, 2022

A competitive call to set you up to avoid wasting time, negative talk, and overwhelm!

When we can acknowledge a problem at hand and rectify it we are becoming a force of productivity that will undoubtedly steer us towards our optimal selves.

That said, too many of us are guilty of losing sight of problems though negative talk and conversations that become less and less about the initial problem, to the point where the conversation itself is now the problem!

Steve is here to make you more conscious of this potential pitfall in your make up that, if worked on, will lead you to competitive levels fit for greater success!

Contact Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com

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Lee Povey, Leadership & Executive Coach Feb 04, 2022

First interview of 2022 arrives with our guest, Lee Povey who provides insight into some of the key tools and perspectives in his coaching methods. This episode is about equipping you with the conscious tools required to bring your best self to your career daily and give yourself the opportunity to compete at the highest levels.

Heralding from the UK and a former coaching career as an international cycling performance coach, Lee has now spent most of the last 2 years establishing himself as a leadership & executive coach. He has established his own company - Maximize your Potential Coaching (Website) - and has invested a lot of time in establishing the philosophies he is impacting clients with today.

We start by discussing confidence and establishing buy in from those you oversee and how we can do this by both illustrating and explaining why our methods can have impact. From here, Lee goes into the notion of how we "show up" on a daily basis and how this dictates how we react to the stimulus around us.

Lee explains the impact of coming from a place of love in the way we go about our days and seek empathy in our behavioral tendencies. Furthermore, we leave ourselves open to opportunities for expansion in human connection and personal growth when we see the world from this perspective.

Finally, one of the lasting points of emphasis Lee offers is that of prioritizing and enjoying the process over the result, and see the success in being able to actually keep the process as the priority.

Lee references two books within the conversation as well that he acknowledges for having great impact on his coaching methods

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership (Buy here)
Man's Search for Meaning (Buy Here)

Be sure to leave a rating or review for the episode (Here) and reach out to Steve directly regarding coming on the show at Steve@Careercompetitor.com

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Competitive Call - Eliminating the "Good Enough" Mindset Jan 18, 2022

Welcome to a competitive call to start out 2022 as I present the notion of how we have been sold on being good enough throughout our lives.

Whether we are willing to accept it or not a great deal of our upbringing was based around satisfying standards and doing enough. This mindset got us through school and into our careers, but when I look back on my passions as a child and look at the passions I pursue today, they were born out of an exposure to an elite mindset and standard.

So what came first? The passion or the exposure to elite performance? Through this 10 minute episode I present the notion that I pursued sports growing up thanks to being educated and exposed to elite level sport.

So wherever you are in your journey, what role has being exposed to excellence played in establishing your passion in life?

Want to chat with Steve? Reach out via email at Steve@careercompetitor.com

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Benjamin Alexander - The One Man Jamaican Ski Team Dec 23, 2021

It's the last episode of the year 2021 and we welcome in a man whose dreams will hopefully be realized at the very early part of 2022. Benjamin Alexander joins the show to provide insight into the reasons behind his pursuit of a dream that started at the incredible age of 32.

Having spent the majority of his adult life establishing himself as a world-renowned DJ, Benjamin experienced his first trip down the slopes at 32 and decided this was no ordinary experience, in fact it was so impactful it would change the course of the next 6 years.

Within the episode we gain insight into some of the traits and experiences that have made Ben not only the success that he has been up to this point, but what has driven him to seek such unique goals.

The willingness to embrace humility is at the heart of our discussion, while we also learn that the competitor within Benjamin is one few can imagine going up against. The second half of the discussion focuses on adaptability as Benjamin sheds light on how he has handled transitions and new adventures in life, a perspective we can all stand to learn from.

Whatever your competitive journey has been to this point I can guarantee this is a story and discussion you want to hear, and Benjamin's mindset is one that will challenge you to want to grow and improve upon.

Make sure to learn more and follow Benjamin's journey by going to his page Benji.ski and of course head to Careercompetitor.com to learn all about the show and our services

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Social Media Consultant - Danielle Chylinski Dec 17, 2021

The founder of Chylinski Media and social media & marketing guru, Danielle Chylinski joins the show as she delivers incredible insight on authenticity, community, and accessibility.

Competitively driven to bring her truest self to her work, Danielle is an example of what we can achieve when we recognize our skillset and believe in the impact we can have.

In an industry where there are plenty of well-established methods to building business, Danielle has built a marketing business that ensures the client they'll receive what they came to her for - an online presence that conveys exactly who they are and what makes them great.

An entrepreneur heavy episode, the topic of Authenticity is at the heart of our discussion and something Danielle presents through her journey to realizing she had the ability to make an impact in what she does today. Furthermore, she prioritizes getting to know exactly who her clients are as people and businesses before presenting any information about costs and process. Lastly, Danielle has always leaned into opportunities that involve unknowns and areas she is not educated on, embracing so called weaknesses by acknowledging a need to learn, while emphasizing her ability to still contribute in other areas.

Find out everything you need to know about Danielle at https://chylinskimedia.com and be sure to leave us a rating for this episode on Apple Podcasts (5 stars please!)

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Lena Spotleson - Experienced Account Manager, Coach, & Stage 4 Cancer Survivor Dec 10, 2021

We welcome in the Director of Corporate Relations with the American Cancer Society, Lena Spotleson who also makes time to be the Head JV Girls Basketball Coach for North High School in Arizona.

Lena brings to the show a competitive edge and level of fortitude that we are fortunate to be able to learn from, while also providing personal insight into how her life was changed forever 15 years ago.

A born and bred competitor who, through the game of basketball, learned how to handle setbacks and defeats in ways where she knew she had to simply keep on going, no matter what, and get the job done. Those lessons from basketball were crucial when life handed her the most difficult of challenges in the form of a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Lena offers insight into the very mindset that supported her through times when others may have chosen to succumb to the moment. We also learn about striving for a proactive approach during adversity in how you choose to search for answers and refuse to be left in the dark. Finally, we learn how we can use our experiences to inspire and impact others by leaning on our hardships when coaching and mentoring others.

Be sure to head to www.cancer.org to learn more about the American Cancer Society and the work they do towards cancer research and supporting those impacted by cancer as well.

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Larry Long Jr - The Chief ENERGY Officer you have to meet! Dec 03, 2021

Competing with yourself is what this show has been built upon, and Larry Long Jr. has such high standards he lives by that the only competitor worthy of going toe-to-toe with him would be himself! Making a career out of leaning into greatness, Larry joins us to light the competitive fire within you to find intent in your work, to disrupt any comfort you are living life by, and seek that optimal version of yourself. Buckle in for the ball of energy that is Larry Long Jr.

An elite baseball player that sunk his competitive teeth into the world of sales post playing days, Larry established his own company, Larry Long Jr. Enterprises as recently as March of this year. In that short time he has established himself as the MC on the mic that all conferences and virtual events the world over want as their frontman, but his services very much only start there.

We quickly get into the foundations and values that Larry prioritizes in his work and life in order to be the example for others of what it means to establish excellence as your minimum standard. Furthermore, Larry emphasizes the power of "intent", how we must overcome our fears, and the responsibility we have to ourselves to "seize the day".

There is so much to unpack in this 30 minute conversation that I am sure you will want to learn more about the man himself, so be sure to go to larrylongjr.com to learn about his services and how to connect.

As always, subscribe to the show, leave us a review if you are on Apple Podcasts, and head to CareerCompetitor.com to learn more about the show and the services I, Steve Mellor have to offer.

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Author & Swim Coach - Ryan Rae Harbuck Nov 23, 2021

On this episode we welcome in the incredible story and woman that is Ryan Rae Harbuck as she shares her journey of ownership, fortitude, and perspective.

This is no ordinary swim coach or human being for that matter as Ryan offers a level of vulnerability that offers an array of lessons we can apply to our careers and lives, especially within the role of a leader.

Within our discussion Ryan provides examples on; the impact vulnerability can have on both yourself and those around you; why remaining present to hone in on the smallest things is important; and why our perspective can totally alter how we handle what life throws at us.

If you don't know who Ryan Rae Harbuck is then you certainly will 40 minutes from now and I cannot encourage you enough to head to ryanraeharbuck.com to learn more about Ryan and get yourself a copy of her forthcoming book titled when i grow up i want TO BE A CHAIR.

Head to Careercompetitor.com to connect with Steve and book your 30-minute free consultation to learn how he can help you optimize your career and life.

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CEO of Next Step Transitional Coaching - Willette White Nov 19, 2021

We have the pleasure of welcoming in a woman who has lived and succeeded one entire career, only to decide that she has now found her truest calling in life! Former NCAA DI Women's Basketball Coach, Willette White joins us to tell us about her transition from a 36-year coaching career into starting her own company, Next Step with Passion & Purpose.

Transition is big theme within this episode as Willette shares with us what she first experienced as collegiate coach watching young adults go through their biggest transition in life. But more recently, Willette has gone through a huge transition of her own and did so with an approach that left her certain she was doing exactly what she was supposed to do.

Today she is coaching female high school athletes and their families on the details they need to know when it comes the transition from high school to college. Within the interview we learn about the company, why it is Willette is the perfect coach to offer such guidance to families, and the sense of responsibility she feels when it comes to passing along her knowledge.

You can learn more about the company and her services at https://www.nextsteptransitionalcoaching.com and by connecting with Willette at NextStepWW@gmail.com.

Leave a 5-star rating on Apple podcasts to show just how much you loved the episode and be sure to subscribe to the show while you are there!

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Qualifi CEO - Darrian Mikell Nov 11, 2021

We welcome Darrian Mikell, the CEO of Qualifi which is a company that is truly revolutionizing the hiring process by eliminating the bottleneck issue of candidates by enabling the fastest phone interviews in the world!

An entrepreneur and athlete at heart, Darrian has found a way to take lessons from his experiences with team sports (Basketball) and individual sports (Track) and evolve into a leading professional within his industry.

Darrian provides insight into the history of both his career and the growth of Qualifi as a company. He empowers you to appreciate the value in seeking collaboration, appreciating successes, acknowledging milestones hit, and to relish the opportunity to widen your impact both as a professional and person.

You can find out more about Qualifi at Qualifi.hr and connect with Darrian too through LinkedIn

Let me know what you thought of the episode by contacting me directly at Steve@Careercompetitor.com and be sure to check out more episodes and my coaching services at Careercompetitor.com

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IBM Diversity & Inclusion Specialist - Devoreaux Walton Nov 05, 2021

Today we welcome in Devoreaux Walton to the show and Devoreaux is here to tell us all about her role as the Diversity & Inclusion Learning Portfolio Manager for IBM.

A professional that is clearly passionate about the work she does and thrives upon the potential to impact as many as she can, Devoreaux offers education to 340,000 employees across the globe within IBM.

Furthermore, a more specific way to explain the work she does is through "behavioral change" as Devoreaux looks for collaborative ways to create an authentic and comfortable workplace for all IBM employees the world over.

I love when we get to bring in those that are so passionate about the opportunity they have to impact others in their workspace, and Devoreaux is a prime example of someone that truly relishes every moment available to her to build a more inclusive workplace.

A true Career Competitor, Devoreaux is aiming to impact even those outside of IBM by building educational content for others to learn from so be sure to connect with her through LinkedIn.

Be sure to contact Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com regarding the episode or if you want to connect to discuss becoming a guest or working together in the future.

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Olympic Alpine Skier - Erin Mielzynski Oct 29, 2021

We welcome to the show, Erin Mielzynski who has made a career and life for herself on the ski slopes having set out on her journey to an Olympic and World Cup Podium standard in the sport from a very young age.

Driven to make the most of the opportunities she has both been provided and found for herself, Erin is an example of someone that believes in establishing a world for herself where she can feel supported and make herself available to give back at any opportunity possible.

Having already been to Olympic Games and finished on the podium at the World Cup level, Erin has her sights set on great things at the forthcoming games in Tokyo for Canada. Furthermore, Erin has decided to build greater awareness for girls & young women that will be coming after her on what it means to be open, honest, and ask for help when times get tough through her own work and an upcoming podcast she will be hosting.

Give Erin a follow on Instagram @erinmielzynski and be sure to let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or review. Reach out to Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com for any questions or insight you may have on the show or for any enquiries regarding his services.

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Spotlight on Steve - Part 2 Oct 21, 2021

In this unique 2-part episode of the show, Steve swaps his role as the interviewer for the show and becomes the interviewee as his buddy, Pat Fellows (Owner of Fresh Junkie & Host of Fresh Junkie Radio) sits down as the host and guides the conversation for this fun spin on the show.

Here in Part 2 we get to learn about the more recents successes and happenings in Steve's coaching career, starting with the work he did as the coach to first-time US Olympian and Gold medalist, Brooks Curry in his rise to stardom this past summer. Furthermore, Steve has made a big career decision recently to step away from swim coaching and pursue a career in coaching on a much wider scale.

In addition to discussing the value of goal-setting, a big part of the discussion in this episode is based around a concept Steve presents he calls "the minimum standard". Steve & Pat discuss the notion that through implementing a minimum standard we establish the expectations we must embrace of ourselves in order to pursue our potential, our goals, and our optimal self.

If you enjoyed some of the talking points from both parts of this 2-part installment of the show, be sure to reach out and connect with Steve Mellor at Careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com to find out more about the services he now provides in relation to a wide variety of coaching.

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Spotlight on Steve Part 1 Oct 19, 2021

In this unique 2-part episode of the show, Steve swaps his role as the interviewer for the show and becomes the interviewee as his buddy, Pat Fellows (Owner of Fresh Junkie & Host of Fresh Junkie Radio) sits down as the host and guides the conversation for this fun spin on the show.

We get to learn about Steve's athletic journey in how he started out and eventually chose to pursue the sport of swimming he eventually took to international heights. Furthermore, Steve tells us how impactful the choice to move to the US was on him the competitor, before retiring from the sport as a performer which led to coaching finding him and how he quickly realized it was a world that he was supposed to be involved in.

As a coach, Steve shares some of the areas he values highly in order to guide people to reaching their goals. We learn how prioritizing relationships helped lead his athletes to being more motivated, what competitiveness meant to Steve as an athlete versus what it means today as a working professional, and finally Steve & Pat discuss the power of belief and the importance of trust within any mentoring relationship.

If you like what you are hearing on this episode from Steve then please reach out to him at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how he can help you reach your optimal self.

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2x Paralympic Bronze Medalist - Samantha Bosco Oct 15, 2021

Delighted to have 2x Paralympic Bronze medalist Samantha Bosco join us to share her life story of overcoming numerous obstacles in order to reach her dreams.

It is great to have professional athletes join the show so we can get more literal examples of the “athlete mindset”, but so much of Sam’s story sheds light on the trying times athletes deal with, which is just as valuable as hearing about the successes. I believe athletes are at their most relatable when they open up about their hardships as we all encounter similar scenarios within our non-athletic careers

Sam provides perspective on the need to make sure our dreams are able to evolve and adapt to the situations life hands us. Nothing about Sam’s story demonstrates a loss of ambition, in fact I’d argue her adversities have made her more ambitious, but it is healthy to allow your dreams to evolve with these ups and downs. In addition, we are educated on the impact a strong support system can have from those we need to rely upon when the going gets tough, and the importance to prioritize these peoples opinions most and ignore distractions from those that don’t know you as well.

You can follow Sam on instagram & Twitter @sammiecranks and as always be sure to connect with us through instagram @career_competitor

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3x Olympic Women's Waterpolo Champion - Maggie Steffens Oct 01, 2021

My guest today arrives with not 1, not 2, but 3 Olympic Gold Medals from the past 3 games as a member of Team USA's incredible women's waterpolo team. Maggie Steffens is the most prolific scorer in the history of the Olympic Games having set the record for most goals scored in Olympic history at this summer's Olympics in Tokyo.

An ever-present at the international for her country for most of the past decade, Maggie is able to share some of the meticulous details that she and her teammates implement in order to produce the best performances in the world on an annual basis. Furthermore, we learn about the family history of incredible pedigree in waterpolo that Maggie came from and how her DNA practically guaranteed she was destined for success in the sport.

We spend a great deal of time discussing what individuals need to prioritize in order to accommodate a team's success, the fundamentals of the overall factors influencing team success, and why being selfish is actually a selfless act in order for everyone to reach the common goal.

You can learn more about Maggie's story and services at www.maggiesteffens.com

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2x Olympian & Leadership Coach - Lina Taylor Sep 16, 2021

We have the pleasure of hearing a truly remarkable story today filled with fortitude and fight courtesy of the impressive, Lina Taylor who has lived a life of creating opportunities that simply would otherwise have not been available to her. Furthermore, Lina allows us to get back to the true roots of what this show is all about and proves time and time over that she is a real life CAREER COMPETITOR!

Born and raised in communist Bulgaria, a young Lina set out on her dream of not only chasing her passion in the sport of volleyball to competitive heights, but also gaining a scholarship in the United States for college as well. As you will learn, none of this came easy and she developed an array of skills and characteristics over the years to take her to the heights of 2 Olympic Games, as well as paving out a highly impressive career for herself in leadership development and real estate.

I know you will be truly inspired by both Lina's story and also her insight on how to get the most out of your career, which means you should definitely head to linataylor.com to learn more about her services.

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Keely Cat-Wells RETURNS TO THE SHOW! Sep 10, 2021

It gives me great pleasure to welcome back to the show the remarkable Kelly Cat-Wells who, since we last spoke has made the "Forbes 30 under 30", gotten engaged (and married - SURPRISE!), and continues to catapult the careers of so many disabled people across the entertainment and sports world.

Only the third time I have welcomed someone back to the show makes this episode that extra bit special but the content we cover is fantastic for anyone lost and drowning in their career to hear. Keely has found a way to enhance her magnificent career and companies, while making time to let love and companionship into her life to find success across all areas!

It is important to make time for these particular episodes from time-to-time to remind ourselves of the power a healthy and happy existence away from our career can have on the direction of our career. Keely had to learn the hard way that immersing herself in her career success at the expense of her happiness was a road to long term disappointment, so she made space for it and boy did it pay off!

If you didn't listen to the first episode with Keely I encourage you to do so here - https://careercompetitor.libsyn.com/actress-and-disability-activist-keely-cat-wells - so you can learn all about her career trajectory before hearing about her successes today!

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Life Coach, Swimming Champion & Author - Kelly Palace Aug 26, 2021

We welcome Kelly Palace to the show to enlighten us on the extensive experience she has across so many industry's... all within which she has been successful in! Between being a championship swimmer, coach, pharmaceutical salesperson, real-estate specialist, and now life coach with an award winning podcast, Kelly has found a way to compete to the highest level and win!

So much of what Kelly has achieved she acknowledges comes back to her ability to see the big picture but approach achieving it by "putting a penny in the jar" daily. This tactical approach has allowed her to build success on her terms at her pace, something she learnt from her distance swimming career.

Kelly's new book Take your Mark, Lead! gives readers a map for how to identify the "persona's" they best relate to in order to lead in a way that is most familiar to them. Within the interview we discuss how these persona's can be best attributed based on the environment within which we are trying to lead within.

So much fantastic insight into the competitor Kelly is and I also encourage you to go listen to her podcast "Champions Mojo" where you hear all about her and her co-host, Maria Parker stories on what makes people champions at what they do.

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College Cross Country Runner - Ashley Jones Aug 20, 2021

Today we welcome a truly phenomenal young woman who has a story to tell that will simply leave you amazed as 19-year old, Ashley Jones joins us. No stranger to life's truest tests of character and adversities, Ashley presents insight and teachings way beyond her years and will leave you wanting to accomplish as much within your life that you are physically capable of doing.

Having lost one of the most important people in her life at a young age, Ashley also dealt with the trauma of a near-fatal accident that left her body changed forever. Throughout this process, there have been more emotional and physical obstacles to overcome, yet she has constantly strived to find meaning and purpose for each moment along the way, and today she is leading a life of optimism and ambition that is built upon so many of these challenging experiences.

You can follow Ashley through Instagram at Ashley_carolinej and I would also love to hear from you as to how you were impacted by this episode through our email at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Triathlon World Champion - Tim O'Donnell Aug 14, 2021

On this episode we welcome in a man who is no stranger to competing for the long haul as Tim O'Donnell joins us to discuss his illustrious Ironman career including his 2009 ITU World Championship and many more stories over his long career at the top of the sport.

What would seem like such an overwhelming task to just about any regular person on planet earth, Tim has managed to make a career out of performing for enormous periods of time thanks to his investment in optimal preparation, ability to trust himself during competition, and by allowing his process to evolve over time.

We cannot always control the outcome and sometimes the events leading up to times of performance, but Tim walks us through some personal accounts of how he has managed to optimize opportunities to compete through his ability to "prepare best you can with cards you're dealt"

You can check out Tim and his wife, Rinny youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-x04aB8xON4crkdN0-FMhw and as always let us know your thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Former NFL Player turned Entrepreneur - Brandon Chubb Aug 13, 2021

We welcome in the multi-talented Brandon Chubb to the show to hear all about his story of earning any and every opportunity he ever experienced in life up to this point, while gaining insight into the humility required to admit you need to better yourself in order to further enhance opportunities at your disposal.

Raised in a household where football reigned and seeing his journey going down a similar path, Brandon put himself out there for the college football world to see in order to get his Power-5 chance at Wake Forest. There he further developed the very skill set that would lead him to the NFL, while also preparing him for ventures he never realized would come so soon!

A few years on now from his pro-football career being cut short by injury, Brandon has established himself with a range of different organizations including the amazing work he is doing with Heartlent Group (heartlent.com) as their Head of Athlete Growth during this exciting new era with Name, Image & Likeness within NCAA Athletics.

Be sure to let us know what you thought of the episode by DM'ing us through Instagram at Career_Competitor and be sure to share this episode on your story while you're there!

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Open Water World Champion - Jordan Wilimovsky Aug 06, 2021

With the Tokyo Games happening at the moment I thought it would be great to bring on someone who recently competed over there and what a great guy I was able to grab a hold of in Team USA open water specialist, Jordan Wilimovsky.

Within the conversation we discuss in detail the art of "enduring", not in the obvious sense of Jordan's incredible physical endurance, but more in the mental sense of what it takes to not become distracted from the goals at hand. Whether you are someone that is use to long days in the office, working on projects for weeks at time, or someone that just struggles with long-term commitments, Jordan sheds some great insight on how to approach a task and conquer it through an ability to endure.

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Ultra-Distance Open Water Swimmer - Sarah Thomas Jul 30, 2021

For our 100th Episode we welcome in an incredible story in that of Sarah Thomas who back in 2019 swam the English 4-times in 1 continuous effort! Her 54 hour swim is the longest single swim ever recorded in English Channel swimming history and makes her effort one of the most superhuman attempts ever recorded.

Sarah is a recruiter in her day job but her ultimate passion in life in optimizing her hardworking approach to swimming by taking on ultra-distance open water swims. Her core belief system is based upon being the best version of herself each and every day, while finding other fantastic humans in the world and working to bring them together. The swimming world has allowed her to do that many times over, but the competitor within her is still not fully satisfied with her recording swimming attempts; she is still hungry for more!

Sarah presents some amazing perspective on what is sometimes required to see something through to the end, the need to make time for the things that make you happiest, and the reason we should all be grateful to simply have the opportunities to compete in life.

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3x Olympian & NBC Broadcaster, Elizabeth Beisel Jul 16, 2021

We welcome in Elizabeth Beisel to the show who is known globally as a true swimming legend having been there and done it across every level of the sport, many times over. But she is now well on her to paving a successful career for herself in sports media as she has climbed her way to now being a member of the NBC broadcasting crew for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Elizabeth is a woman packed full of energy, with an uncompromising will to optimize any and every opportunity in front of her through the use of her hardworking and relentless approach. She has gone through such a wide spectrum of highs and lows in her previous career as a world-class swimmer that she is now able to rely upon such teachings in her quest to become a household name in sports broadcasting too.

There is something in this episode for everyone and I encourage you all to take the time to go give Elizabeth a follow across all her social media @ebeisel34 and also go check out her Amazon best-selling book "Silver Linings" where you can read all about her journey. Shoot me an email at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts on the episode too.

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Nutritionist for the Denver Broncos - Brett Eisen Jun 01, 2021

Welcome in for a fun conversation with a guy that truly works in an area he was born to do so as I sit down with Denver Broncos nutritionist, Brett Eisen. Once he knew where his greatest passion for a career lay, Brett wasted no time establishing the path he would need to go down, not just to get into the world of nutrition, but to do so in his own unique way.

We get to learn all about Brett's ability to connect and inspire athletes to fuel their bodies the right way in order to reach those extra levels of performance in what they do out on the field. Furthermore, Brett has made a career of identifying gaps within his profession and taking initiative to improve either his own knowledge, or the experiences of those being effected by his work.

This episode is not only filled with the typical great teaching points that we are accustomed to providing here, but you will also pick up some terrific nutrition advice courtesy of a guy that knows a thing or two about getting the best out of the human body. Let us know your thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Sports Radio Host - Zach Bye May 21, 2021

On this episode we welcome in a true competitor of the media world in radio personality, Zach Bye as he shares his story of grinding his way to his dream role of hosting an afternoon sports radio show in the large market of Denver, Colorado.

Along with former NFL & Denver Bronco star, Brendon Stokley, Zach is the host of Denver's biggest sports radio show "Stokley & Zach" and has built a career on the ideals of hard work, initiative, and resilience, with many other key attributes sprinkled in along the way.

Zach delivers some concepts that will force you the listener to ask yourself just how hard - and how long - you are willing to work for the dream role you claim to be so desperate to hold. After all, it was only right at the tail end of a 10-year plan when Zach got the break he worked so tirelessly for.

The conversation includes; appreciating the impact that initiative can have on gaining opportunities; the power of patience when staying true to your long term career plans; and embracing an honest perspective when it comes to your long term career chances

I encourage you to go to denverfan.com to listen in to an edition of Zach's radio show to learn firsthand why it is this guy has gotten to where he is today. Also be sure to reach out to me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts you have on the episode

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7-Time Olympic Medalist - Amanda Beard May 14, 2021

Amanda Beard, one of the greatest American women to have ever graced a swimming pool joins the show to discuss her career including a meteoric rise to stardom as a 14 year old Olympic medalist back in 1996, to how she handled the highs of further Olympic journeys as well as the ensuing lows that followed once journeys came to an end.

We hear about the role Amanda is now playing as the owner of a Swim School (Beardswimco.com) and the mother of 2 budding athletes on somewhat similar paths to the one she was on 25 years ago.

A significant topic that came from the discussion includes that of balancing passions in life to where we can have more facets to our identity so we are not guilty of putting all our focus on one thing that consumes our entire being. Amanda is a huge advocate for, firstly, prioritizing a balance of priorities in life, while also making sure we find ways to switch off from commitments we may have that consume a lot of our energy already.

You can learn everything you need to about Amanda's story at amandabeardofficial.com and be sure to check out some more details regarding the episode on instagram at career_competitor.

Contact Steve Mellor regarding thoughts on the episode at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Founder of ABS Protein Pancakes, Ashley Drummonds May 07, 2021

A delicious dose of insightful conversation being served in this episode as we welcome successful health & fitness professional, Ashley Drummonds who a few years ago founded ABS Protein Pancakes that has since launched her to great success and new career highs.

With these amazing milestones she has accomplished in recent times she has also encountered frequent episodes of uncharted territory that has forced her to be vulnerable towards her weakest areas as a professional. These trials are areas that all competitors encounter within their careers that don't get discussed enough, but Ashley is kind enough to really open our eyes to the ways we must be both aware and willing to encounter such adversities.

We hear all about Ashley's career journey, the ways in which she has been willing to search for guidance and help, her perspective on how best to handle our fears, and the ways in which she competes and defines success within her day.

Be sure to head to https://abspancakes.com to learn more about Ashley's products and story, and feel free to reach out to me at Careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with any thoughts regarding the episode.

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Paralympic Long Jumper - Lex Gillette Apr 30, 2021

We have the honor of hearing from Paralympic medallist & World Champion Long Jumper, Lex Gillette on this episode as he inspires us to implement the very approaches that have led him to where he is today.

Overcoming a truly life-altering time in his life as a child, Lex is a product of investing time and energy into the growth & development of himself the person, before then applying his efforts towards a competitive career as he has been able to successfully do.

We learn about the power of a vision, one you believe in so much that the intentions to act happen without resistance. Furthermore, we hear the power that accepting failure can have on you as a competitor and the importance of not allowing adverse an unplanned moments to deter you from reaching your destination.

Head to lexgillette.com to learn more about Lex's story and of course feel free to leave us a rating and contact me directly at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com with any thoughts you have on the episode

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Hall of Fame & 2x Super Bowl Champ - Steve Atwater Apr 23, 2021

Delighted to welcome in a true legend of NFL Football in that of Steve Atwater, who as a member of the Denver Broncos in the 90's won 2 Super Bowl titles, was named to the 1990's All-Decade team, and most recently was named to the 2020 Hall of Fame Class.

Steve provides some incredible insight into the level or camaraderie he and his Broncos teammates shared during their successful seasons together, including stories of how bonds were made off the field in order to enhance them on the field.

Despite his recounts of only his time as a football player, what is so impactful in our discussion is how applicable the traits Steve relied on to be successful are to just about anyone in any walk of life. The emphasis Steve put on things such as authenticity and leadership throughout his playing years is certainly something we can all aspire to involve in our work too.

Let me know your thoughts on this episode by contacting me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Pro Basketball Player - Cierra Burdick Apr 16, 2021

On this episode we welcome in Ciera Burdick who has made a career as a professional basketball player for the past 6 years since she was drafted into the WNBA back in 2015. As a competitor she is relishing the daily opportunity to learn and better herself as she takes on the best competition across Europe and within the Women's game stateside as well.

The discussion includes the ways Cierra prioritizes giving back to others through her work and platform, the ways she integrates humility in her daily growth as an athlete and human being, and her desire to seize the opportunity she has to perform and excel for many years to come.

This is an episode that can benefit so many in relation to appreciating what it means to be true to who you are and let that version of yourself guide you through your competitive journey. Follow Cierra on instagram at c_burdick11 and as always be sure to reach out to us at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Health & Fitness Expert, Katie Chung Hua Apr 09, 2021

On this show we welcome in highly established health & fitness professional, Katie Chung Hua to the show who today is helping people across the US build a greater version of themselves through exercise & nutrition insight.

A former Ice Hockey player, Katie is a competitor in the purest sense as she relishes the chance to prove her value to clients the same way she would be enticed to compete with women on the hockey rink!

Furthermore, building a career within an industry filled with less than trustworthy professionals leaves her authenticity under great scrutiny, but fortunately she more than establishes this through her humble nature and honest feedback social circle she has established for herself.

We gain insight from Katie on areas such as the importance of leaving yourself open to criticism from those you trust most, allowing yourself to be humbled by those more established at what you do, the art of composing yourself in the face of scrutiny by relying upon your trusted process, and how your competitive nature can be best used within given moments each day.

Be sure to give Katie a follow on Instagram @katiechunghua and of course let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or contacting us at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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COMPETITIVE CALL - The "Checklist" Approach, Part 3 Apr 05, 2021

Welcome to the 3rd and final part of my series on a "checklist" approach to competing at your optimal level. This last chapter in this short series is all about setting yourself apart with an ever-evolving checklist that allows you to constantly build off the moments when you satisfy an objective or complete a part within your process.

There is no denying that this episode covers an idea that is easy to say, yet difficult to do, but I truly believe we can all get closer to implementing this, so long as we work with a conscious mindset that values the importance of self-assessment within your daily pursuit of success!

Let me know what you think of this series and concept by contacting me at careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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World Championship Medalist & Olympic Wrestler - James Green Apr 02, 2021

We welcome a first to the show today in that of Olympic and World Championship medalist Wrestler, James Green who joins us to tell us all about his preparations for the Olympic Trials that commence today.

Our discussion is filled with great content on the power of remaining present in performance, how our hardworking approach behind the scenes can allow us to perform within the present, and also the importance of knowing who you are as person first behind you the competitor.

Follow James' Olympic journey at whoisjamesg.com where you will find his social media handles and some fantastic insight into the man behind the wrestler. Also, be sure to be rating the show and checking out our website at careercompetitor.com

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COMPETITIVE CALL - The "Checklist" Approach, Part 2 Mar 29, 2021

In the 2nd part of this series on "checklists" we establish the need to know exactly who we are establishing this minimum standard for.

When we are trying to satisfy the expectations we put on ourselves it is easier to establish a personality of that of a "doer"; we allow our actions to be based upon our process no matter how small or significant a task may be.

Part 2 is all about creating a proactive version of ourselves that is not going to be influenced by the minimum standards of our environment, and once we are able to implement this we can start to work towards standing out above the rest of the pack

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NFL Player turned Olympic Bobsledder - Johnny Quinn Mar 26, 2021

We welcome to the show an incredible story in that of Johnny Quinn who despite reaching his ultimate goal in life of competing in the NFL saw that dream taken from him due to injury, and in a moment of potential collapse, he was available for the greatest "unexpected opportunity" he didn't even know would be perfect for him!

Today, this now US Winter Olympic Team Member tells his story of how he found the sport of bobsledding in the most unusual of circumstances and allowed the very transition of going from football to bobsledding to redefine his outlook on life. Johnny share with us an encyclopedia of insight on what it means to overcome adversity, to be available for opportunity, and to have a readiness in your arsenal that keeps you hungry for more.

We cover great content on the power of both short and long term goals, the impact reading can have on a person in their pursuit to obtain information, how we can be victims to analysis to the point of paralysis, and so much more!

If you want to learn more about Johnny Quinn's story and the services he has to offer, head to johnnyquinnusa.com where you can learn even more about this incredible story and the depths of the services he has available to you.

Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating or contacting us directly at careercompetitor.com

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COMPETITIVE CALL - The "Check List" Approach, Part 1 Mar 22, 2021

Starting the week off right with a COMPETITIVE CALL to challenge you on a level of honesty you might not be ready for!!!

Are you some one who checks the boxes of standards expected of you each day and that's it? Do you simply show up on time, complete assignments, and do enough to avoid punishment?

I believe we can all be guilty of this and I want to get you thinking with this first in a 3-part series on what is can mean to just follow and complete the daily check list presented to you

Let me know what you think!!! careercompetitorpodcast@gmail.com

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Indian Olympic Swimmer - Shikha Tandon Mar 19, 2021

We welcome in a historic figure in Indian sports history to the show today as Shikha Tandon - the first Indian person to represent her country swimming multiple events at an Olympic Games - joins us to share her story and provide fascinating perspective on some of her competitive qualities.

Working in her role today with Silicon Valley Exercise Analytics, Shikha has become accustomed to providing data to athletes of all levels on how they can learn from performance in order to optimize it in the future. Interestingly, Shikha had a similar approach to her competitive swimming career as she had to rely fully on lessons from her own journey with not having any blueprint provided to excel at what she was aiming to do.

We cover Shikha's story growing up in India, how she found the sport of swimming, and how quickly she established success. Later we discuss the fascinating company she is working for today at SVEXA.com and hear about the "feedback loop" we can all strive to implement it within our day-to-day. Finally, Shikha brings things full circle and highlights how she is able to use her mindset from her swimming days in assisting athletes she and SVEXA assist today.

So many concepts are presented within this discussion regarding the make up of a competitive and successful person, and you can learn more about the episode and show at careercompetitor.com

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4 x Mountain Bike World Champ - Brian Lopes Mar 12, 2021

On this episode we welcome in an absolute legend of the Bike world as 4x Mountain Bike World Champion, Brian Lopes joins Steve to discuss the highly competitive level of performance he has maintained for over 3 decades. A born competitor, Brian emphasizes often within the interview how he invests himself fully into everything he is a part of and how he is striving to be at his best and succeed at every opportunity possible. In addition to the competitive world of biking, Brian is making efforts to grow the sport within schools as a part of “All Kids Bike”, an organization striving to get every child in America on a bike within their PE classes.

Within the discussion Brian starts by telling us why he is still so passionate to compete at the age of 49 and how he still takes part in races only with the intention to perform at an optimal level and compete with the younger and latest generation of competitors. Furthermore, we hear how Brian has been aware of never letting things become stale as he finds slightly different ways to challenge himself as a competitor within the world of biking, but using this same approach in experiences he takes on away from the race tracks as well.

You can learn more firstly, about Brian at Brianlopes.com and by following him on Instagram @brianlopes and you can also learn all about All Kids Bike at their website allkidsbike.org. Be sure to follow the show on Instagram too @career_competitor and check out our website at careercompetitor.com

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Toughness Mar 08, 2021

New week and here we go with a new take on how to best approach the competitive journey's you are setting out on. I define toughness as one's ability to see things through to the end and I know we all have the ability to demonstrate such toughness, we just have to be disciplined enough to not over-commit to things we maybe are not ready or willing to see through to the end.

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3 x Paralympic Champion - McKenzie Coan Feb 26, 2021

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with one of Rio 2016 greatest Paralympic stories in McKenzie Coan as we learn all about the competitor behind the 3-time Olympic champion from 4 summers ago. Occasionally this show presents someone who demonstrates a holistic lifestyle approach to competitiveness and McKenzie certainly applies 100% of herself to every component of her day, looking for ways to win every step of the way.

We learn from her how she prides herself on always giving a 100% effort towards her training as a Paralympic swimmer so that she take the confidence gained through her preparation into her races. Furthermore, McKenzie welcomes the adversities that life throws at her ranging from day-to-day challenges such as her disability, to more unpredictable things such as the pandemic she has dealt with the past 12 months. With an outlook built around learning about herself when she encounters tough moments, McKenzie shares with us some powerful thoughts on how best to come through the other side of setbacks.

Be sure to go to mckenziecoan.com to learn about her, while making sure you follow her on all social media @Mckenzie_coan as well. Let us know what you thought of the episode by leaving a rating on iTunes or by contacting me through career competitor.com or through instagram @career_competitor

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Acceptance Feb 23, 2021

Some thoughts I wanted to share on the power of "acceptance" and how it can be the determining factor in your ability to perform at optimal levels when in a competitive arena.

Whether it be a race, competition, presentation, test, or maybe a job interview, there is a strength that comes from accepting you have done enough, which results in surrendering yourself to the present moment so that you are immersed in the competitive situation.

When we are unable to accept and find ourselves wasting energy on things in the past that are no longer in our control, we can assume doubt has crept in on some level, and doubt leads us to inevitably performing below our optimal level.

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3 x Olympic Champion - Tianna Bartoletta Feb 19, 2021

On this episode we welcome a true global Track & Field star in Tianna Bartoletta who has earned 3 Olympic Gold's across 2 Games (4x100 Relay in London 2012, Long Jump & 4x100 in Rio 2016) and is currently in preparations for her 3rd trip to the Olympics in Tokyo later this summer. A competitive career that has spanned over a decade at a world class level, Tianna has gradually established a version of herself that can consistently awake at 4:30am daily to focus solely on the day at hand so as to optimize her output and value to herself.

We gain some valuable insight into what it means to invest in the being you are each and every day, from the way you think to the way you act and the many things we have control over in between. When you are juggling a world class athletics career, a spiritually driven exercise service, and managing the requests of sponsors like Tianna is, it would be easy to become overwhelmed, maybe lose sight of your direction. Tianna is here to explain how she best handles her daily expectations, offering an extremely relatable and transferable outlook in how to ensure "the day is the goal".

If you would like to learn more about Tianna's story, the services she provides, and to sign up for updates on her book coming out in June of this year, go to tiannabee.com. Also be sure to let me know your thoughts on this episode through our website at Careercompetitor.com

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Competitive Rejuvenation Feb 15, 2021

Here with a new Competitive Call early in the week to present a concept called "competitive rejuvenation" that proposes the need to take time on building a better version of ourselves in order to deliver DAILY rejuvenation to our careers. Imagine if you could deliver a rejuvenated competitive approach every single day?!?!? Well I am here to challenge you that it is possible, as long as the system the energy is coming from receives the attention it deserves!

Follow Career Competitor on Instagram @career_competitor and rate the show on Apple Podcasts as well!

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Major League Soccer Star - Jonny Bornstein Feb 12, 2021

This week on the show I welcome in a veteran of the game of Soccer here in the United States, Jonny Bornstein who was a member of the generational US National Team that attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Over his 15 year professional career, Jonny has represented his country 37 times, played in both in Major League Soccer and the Mexican Primera League throughout his career, and is currently a member of the Chicago Fire for this upcoming MLS Season.

Some of the major talking points of the episode include how Jonny remained patient throughout his career, waiting for opportunities but taking full advantage of them when they came. In addition, he provides a fantastic perspective on the power of taking care of the person you are in order to optimize the competitor and career person you are.

Our show is all about optimizing the competitor within you, but the clarity Jonny provides through his candid and vulnerable insight allow us to clearly appreciate that there is an almost therapeutic process to building the person required to take on a career to the highest of levels! You can follow Jonny on Instagram @jonnybobos8 and of course give us a follow too @career_competitor

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Thrive amongst the S*** Feb 08, 2021

Welcome into a brand new work week with a Competitive Call that should help establish greater expectations for yourself when it comes to performing during times when you don't quite feel it is possible.

As a coach I frequently have athletes tell me "I feel like shit" which in my professional opinion is rarely a reason or excuse to not perform, usually it means they are simply in need of being reminded about their goals and require inspiration to work hard despite feeling a little fatigued.

I believe we all can be guilty of these moments where we allow ourselves to believe we have a reason not to perform at our best, when we just need to call upon the "superhero" within us to save the day.

The more we are able to practice these traits during these emotionally charged moments, the more we will be equipped to handle the moments when shit truly hits the fan!!!

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Fashion & Fitness Photographer - Alex Palombo Feb 05, 2021

We welcome to the show a true competitor within the photography industry, Alex Palombo who over the past 17 years has established himself amongst the best out there and delivers a unique perspective on what it means to establish success within the most intense of careers. In addition to covering his career to this point we discuss his most recent project "The 20 2020 Project; the Pursuit of a Dream" which is a book showcasing the journey of 20 Olympic hopefuls for the forthcoming games this summer.

A storyteller at heart, as photographer Alex's natural scrutiny of his own work is what puts him at ease as he and only he will be the one that assesses his work to the highest of standards in a career where people are all to willing to pass judgement.

Within the interview we cover the highly volatile environment that is professional photography as there is nothing after first place; you either get the job or you don't! Furthermore, Alex emphasizes the need to have "cheerleaders" within your camp that are willing to support you and also hold you accountable to go and reach your dreams! Much like in sports, everything within this career is "earned" and all the so called "overnight successes" out there happen because of the willingness to put in the years of work up until that moment.

For those of you looking to learn more about Alex, his work on the 20 2020 Project, and to also pre-order his book please head to Palombophotography.com

Take the time to let me know your thoughts on this episode through our instagram @career_competitor

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2 x Olympic Champion - Cullen Jones Jan 28, 2021

We welcome Olympic Champion and Long-time friend of mine, Cullen Jones to the show to discuss the incredible work he is doing today in regards to diversifying the sport of swimming, along with his Make-A-Splash foundation that empowers black children across the United States to learn to swim.

In addition to the many things he has going on today, Cullen take us back to where the competitor in him was born within his swimming career, how he handled the pressure of assisting Michael Phelps to his 8-Gold Medal haul in Beijing, and why he has his "scrappy" nature to thank for all of his successes.

Through the course of the interview Cullen provides some great insight into the ways his passion projects turned into what today is his career (7:30); the ways in which the additional work he took on during his swimming career acted as fuel and how his role today as a father does the same thing for him in relation to his career (11:00); we also get into the topic of racial injustice and how Cullen's experiences have led him to leading the charge within USA Swimming today to be an activist for change (25:00)

Feel free to follow us at career_Competitor on instagram to ge3t behind the scenes footage of the interview with Cullen.

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COMPETITIVE CALL - Competitive Stamina Jan 25, 2021

Starting the week off with a thought on a term I heard recently when a former teammate of Tom Brady referred to him as having "incredible competitive stamina". When you look at the great athletes of all time they have this innate ability to SUSTAIN their competitive spirit in pursuit of further glory.

So many of us had our competitive stamina tested to its absolute lengths this past year when COVID derailed so many in the pursuit of lifetime goals such as those pursuing Olympic bids.

This is a concept that forced me to seek further understanding in what it can truly mean, and in turn it showed to have the potential to be something we can all potentially implement and certainly benefit from being more in tune with.

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Track & Field Sprint Star, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake Jan 21, 2021

We welcome on World Track & Field Sprint star, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake to the show to talk about the finite details that allow him to compete with the worlds best. He has established a professional career for himself through his purpose-driven lifestyle where today, he finds himself training alongside some of the worlds best in order to keep his competitive nature at an optimal level.

Like all Olympic athletes, Nethaneel's 2020 was derailed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and despite contracting the virus himself he was able to still remain committed to his craft throughout last year and is now heading into the 2021 Olympics with a complete assurance in his preparations and opportunities to make it as successful as can be.

Some of the main talking points within the interview include; having appreciation for the opportunities put in front of us; the willingness to make sacrifices in life when rare opportunities come your way; the humbling need to slow down and almost stop when you find yourself stepping up a level within the work you do; and how we can all benefit from remaining purposeful in our every day approach to life.

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COMPETITIVE CALL - "Competitive Community" Jan 18, 2021

Happy Monday to you all and here is a slice of what I hope to be accountability for you to start the week as I empower you all to analyze closely the community within which you compete daily. To those of you that are well-established success stories, now is not the time to rest on your laurels, now is the time to actually analyze new ways to compete by figuring out what sort of things you no longer need within your community. Let's not wait for things to go wrong, lets proactively compete even harder

Be sure to have a listen to my take on the need to be aware of your "Competitive Community" and let me know what you think of the episode on instagram at career_competitor or find me on LinkedIn.

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Tagalong Founders - Nick Karwoski & Scott Del Vecchio Jan 14, 2021

On this episode we welcome in the founders of TAGALONG, Nick Karwoski and Scott Del Vecchio who herald from careers in pro triathlon and rowing, respectively. They have spent most of the past couple years creating an exciting platform to aid those pursuing sports like running, cycling, and swimming to connect with pro’s that can coach them up to reach new highs. These guys understand competing on levels within their sports and now in the world of tech and startups that makes them ideal guests for the show and they bring and energy and perspective to challenge all competitors.

The first topic we discuss is the ways in which athletes from sport-to-sport can compare competitive levels sometimes in relation to who is the best, while at other times it is more applicable to be among the best (6:30). Next, we tackle the topic of “knowing your ceiling” in relation to what you have achieved versus what you deem your potential to be and how our awareness and acceptance of this plays a massive role on how competitive you feel (15:20). We hear all about Nick & Scott’s company, TAGALONG and how it provides users the opportunity to become more competitive within the sports they are most passionate about, as well as the multi-faceted benefits to the service that go way beyond the surface level of what’s being offered (24:00).

For anyone looking to learn more about the company and these awesome guys be sure to head to tagalongwithapro.com where you can find out everything you need to know. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and follow us on Instagram at Career_Competitor

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COMPETITIVE CALL - The Reality of Resolutions Jan 10, 2021

Here we go with a Competitive Call that will force you into analyzing how committed you truly are when it comes to your New Years Resolution.

Stop with this soft approach of acting like you are ready to make some massive commitment, it is time to face the music and highlight the problems you have and the habits you are willing to implement in order to eradicate them.

This ought to get you fired up about facing the new year with a clear perspective on what will be required to make it your most successful one yet!

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Owner of the Savannah Banana's - Jesse Cole Dec 02, 2020

On this episode we are joined by former Baseball player, turned entrepreneur and owner of an extremely unique franchise – the Savannah Banana’s Baseball Team – Jesse Cole who delivers a blast of energy that just about any of us can benefit from. With his own brand of customer service, bullet proof approach to handling adversity, and immense ability to get people working together, Jesse is a competitor in every sense of the word as he challenges himself and everyone around him daily to bring their “A-Game” to the table.

Following a year that has hit people the world over in ways we could have never imagined, Jesse is a tonic we can all stand to take a dose of as he is living proof that we can in fact handle life’s greatest challenges. Despite seeming as though he had a long and successful career in baseball as a pitcher ahead of him, Jesse had this taken from him and was thrown into the real world and immediately challenged with what to do next. Years later, he and his wife have now steadied the ship of their once hectic life to now having a highly profitable, widely known, and one-of-a-kind business that is set up for a long run of success like few would have ever thought were possible.

Jesse introduces the work he is doing today running the Savannah Banana’s baseball franchise (5:10) and the story of how his journey within the sport of baseball began (6:25). We then hear about the way Jesse realized what direction his career was destined to go (8:20) and what his philosophy is towards his work and the business he runs (10:55). The conversation then sheds light on the way in which Jesse’s personality has evolved through his years in baseball (14:30) and how he prioritizes, and is such an advocate for being yourself within the work you do (16:45). We move on to the topic of competitiveness (21:30) and how Jesse has measured his successes through the company’s existence to date, and how it isn’t always the “data” they rely but more so the “evidence” of what they see within the experience. The COVID pandemic was a true test of the culture of the Savannah Bananas and Jesse steered the ship during this time (26:40) with an ambitious vision and a willingness to experiment and compete with limitations (29:00). In closing, Jesse gives us some insight on the entrepreneur approach that has gotten him to where he is today (31:20) and how he plans to take his service and vision to even higher levels over the next 5 years (33:00).

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Former NFL Kicker - David Treadwell Nov 18, 2020

We welcome to the show former NFL kicker turned Commercial Real Estate professional, David Treadwell who talks us through his career story while connecting his former athletic competitive nature to the career he is in today. An advocate for highlighting the ways athletes can transfer their traits and skillset to a career beyond sports, David provides some impactful perspectives that can help revitalize anyone’s career story to this point.

With an underdog story his entire football life, David learned what it meant to earn opportunities for yourself and to make sure you did not waste them once you were there. Furthermore, while pursuing his ultimate football goals he never once lost sight of the importance of getting education and experiences elsewhere so he could be best equipped to make the jump from football when the time came. This episode is going to calm anyone who is maybe a little deterred or frustrated by opportunities they want not being there, as well as provide a perspective on the benefits of having purpose in your everyday life and why it can be healthy to have a lot on your plate.

David explains to us where he is with his career in commercial real estate and how it brings him close to a competitive arena similar to sports (4:45). He then tells us his story starting with how he opted to attend Clemson University for educational purposes initially (6:05) and how playing for the football team became an opportunity through a Walk On opportunity. In addition, he explains how he established himself as a kicker on the football team and then how he landed in Denver with the Broncos in the NFL (10:00). David sheds light on the importance of not becoming disconnected from the “work world” despite chasing a footballing career, and remained proactive with his time outside of football (13:50). Other topics covered include; the

importance of pursuing your passion while being extremely aware of how you treat and interact with others (18:10); remaining open-minded regarding taking opportunities so you can just open doors to then find out more over time as to whether the opportunity is right for you (22:05); the adverse situation for a professional athlete ending their career and having to find a new career that others had the opportunity to establish themselves within long before a former pro athlete (23:20). Finally, we learn about the competitor David is and how he found the ability to be competitive beyond his football career (26:55), and how he values having a purpose in life (31:05) and how we must embrace how that can influence having the busiest of days.

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Shaun Tomson - Surfing Legend & Entrepreneur Nov 11, 2020

We welcome in one of the top 10 surfers of the 20th century, successful businessman, and professional speaker, Shaun Tomson to the show who today is inspiring people the world over the establish purpose within their life using “the code”. This episode provides insight for just about everyone from current athletes trying to handle competition better, to established career men & women that need that added direction within their lives.

The person that Shaun is today was built within the sport of surfing and it taught him to appreciate living life by a certain “code”. Following an incredibly traumatic experience a few years ago, Shaun decided it was time to find a new outlet for his career and his “surfers code” became the focal point of his message to those he spoke to. Years later he is now extremely well-established as a motivational speaker in how he provides people with the opportunity to press reset on how their life is going and move forwards with a new-found purpose.

We are introduced to Shaun’s history within the sport of surfing (4:15) and how he was a part of the process of implementing the sport on a competitive and global stage, before starting his first enterprise with his first surfing brand (Instinct) and the many more steps in his story after that. We also get a first glimpse of the mind behind the man in his approach to pursuing a passion and turning it into a success (5:45), and how a tragedy in his life became the start of his most recent chapter as an author and speaker. The topic of purpose (7:50) is brought up for the first time and how it can provide an individual direction and actually bring people together in their similar visions for what they want in life. We then learn how surfers are who and what they are at all times in the sense that sport very much embodies their personality and behaviors where the two go hand in hand (10:50). He builds upon this concept by proposing that surfers are obsessed with the lifestyle (13:00) to the point where their entire day and life is dictated by the need to surf. We gain a perspective on competitiveness from Shaun (16:45) that is incredibly unique and yet very understandable in terms of the environment he was able to excel within as a surfer. He expands upon this by relating it to a more commonly known term today – “the state of flow” (19:40) – and how he was one of the first to embody this state that allowed him to achieve feats that had never before been seen. Shaun’s contrasting philosophy comes to the forefront (28:50) in relation to the winning culture and mindset of others that have achieved greatness, Shaun is all about the ability to “give it your all” and accept the results. We learn about “The river of life called purpose” (32:50) on how we will be better and how we will help others be better, as well as hearing the way Shaun embodies Empathy & Respect (37:00) as core values instilled in him from his parents and how that has led him to try and treat people the same way and, more specifically, be a consistent inspiration as an athlete. Other topics include; The S.A.D mindset (41:00) and how people reveal this within his presentations; The role decisions have on the way the world works and how our lives are impacted by each and every one of us (44:00); and Shaun’s final thoughts (48:30) on the value of writing your code in order to establish power within your life.

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Founder of Underground Artists - Kal Jhugroo Nov 04, 2020

So happy to be bringing on a friend and former teammate of mine to the show today, Kal Jhugroo who over the past decade has built himself an ever-growing and already very successful record label and agency in Underground Artists. This episode will certainly make you more enthusiastic to go and work for a career or opportunity that you may have always wanted to pursue but not found the necessary courage to take the initial step.

Underground Artists (underground-artists.com) has evolved from a music blog into one of the UK’s most sought after artist management outfits. Since Kal established Underground Artists, he has built a superlative roster of contemporary artists, all of whom have their own unique niche and represent the very best in modern-day house music. Kal’s competitive edge comes through throughout our discussion and it is apparent that so much of his success has come from his unwillingness to accept anything less than his best. Furthermore, we learn firsthand the power that a full slate of activities and responsibilities can have a person’s performance and passion on a daily basis as Kal presents the argument that if something means enough to a person, there will always be time in the day to include it.

We learn about how far Kal took his swimming career as he was very much a part of the first crop of competitive open water swimmers within the United Kingdom that started racing against the best in the world (6:00). Kal discusses how his endurance mindset has influenced his mindset in the past 10 years as an entrepreneur and the fact he is who he is today because of the athlete he was and the contact strive to grow burns within him (10:30). We hear Kal’s story in relation to when he tried to move into a regular career and no matter how much he tried to commit to a career, it never quite felt like a good fit and he had a yearning for something else and bigger (14:10). Other topics discussed include; What the future looks like for the company and Kal’s ultimate goals with what he wants to accomplish (21:10); The artists Kal is representing today and how he believes each of his artists reflect his mindset when it comes to work ethic and ambition (23:45); and why the former swimming champion has opted to return to the pool on a very consistent and competitive basis and what that has done for his life and routine as a whole (26:25). We then hear how his new-found commitment to training and being an athlete again has impacted his work life in a positive way by creating a true routine and offering an enormous amount of purpose (30:00). Finally, Steve & Kal discuss how they believe that if goals and intentions mean enough to a person they will find a way to make time to work on whatever it is they want to be successful at, specifically in relation to a person’s wellbeing (32:10).

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Founder of Way-Finders - Mike Brcic Oct 28, 2020

On this episode we welcome in Mike Brcic, Founder of the company Way-finders and former owner and founder of the company Sacred Rides. An entrepreneur with 2.5 decades of success to show for it, Mike is an example of what it means to put value on a customer’s experience above everything else thanks to his commitment to human connection.

This interview opens our eyes to the pursuit of peak human connection and the ways Mike has been able to be the catalyst for this by providing services that promote interaction, incredible experiences, and room for self-growth. We also learn about how a small passion project can grow into a massive venture by consistently prioritizing such ideals, and how someone can be competitive in nature by their desire to advance human experience.

Out conversation opens up with Mike telling us about the work he is doing today with Wayfinders (4:40), along with his sport background and how he found the sport of mountain biking that would play a huge role in his future (6:30). Mike then tells the history of the company that got Mike’s career as an entrepreneur off and running and established him success around the world (9:10). The conversation then focuses more on Mike as an individual as we learn why he so enthusiastic about the opportunity to act as a catalyst for human connection within his work (13:15), while also hearing about the role sport and exercise had on him as an individual and the potential it can have on a team level as well (17:45). Mike then introduces the term “psychological safety” (23:30) in the role it has on the performance of a team and how it applies to such a wide a variety of outcomes. In relation to career development, Mike shares his opinion on how we can better analyze and then recognize when it is time to move on from a role or company, and how much of that comes back to knowing yourself (27:00). Finally, we hear how he measures himself as a competitor in his newest role as the founder of Way-finders (32:00) and the importance he believes in balancing his purpose within the company and across his life as a whole. Be sure to listen in to Steves “Keys to Success” in closing as well (36:00).

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Founder of Black Girls Surf - Rhonda Harper Oct 21, 2020

This episode is a special extended edition that not only brings to light some lessons courtesy of the Founder of Black Girls Surf, Rhonda Harper, but also provides an opportunity to educate you on some important black history. There has understandably been an enormous representation of support for change throughout our communities in the wake of the death of George Floyd earlier in 2020, and we are using this episode as an opportunity to keep the focus on the need for change. Rhonda’s story is one that ties in perfectly to the traditional focus of this show as she provides numerous examples of competing at the highest levels within her career. There are also numerous examples of attributes Rhonda has used to establish her success, but almost every example and experience she says stems from a place of prompting change for black people the world over.

This is a much longer episode than normal as we are providing Rhonda a platform to educate us on the history of black suppression within the sport of surfing up until recent years. She also provides personal accounts of her exposure to such resistance within her life, while telling us about the work she is doing, despite such injustices, to prompt change for black children the world over, thanks to her willingness to work from a place of love.

Rhonda starts off by letting us know why it is she is currently based out in Senegal (6:00), shares some stories on how she was first exposed to the truths that access is not for everyone (12:20), and how she gained clarity that black surfers did not exist (17:50). Rhonda then provides some incredible insight for any career driven individual in relation to creating your own opportunities (18:40), making sure people wanting to learn have a leader or role model (21:00) and the power that “working from love” can have on your work (21:30). The second half of our discussion is more geared towards career advancement as Rhonda sheds light on the ways she has stayed ahead of “trends” within her career (42:00) and also how African Surf International is empowering the inclusion of African surfers (46:00). Furthermore, Rhonda gives examples of how she is leading others by example while educating the next generation to be able to be as influential as she is (51:30). Finally, we learn about Rhonda the competitor and what she feels the future has in store for both her and her movements (53:00 – 58:00), before Steve summarizes the entire conversation with three very useful “keys to success” (64:00).

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Mental Skills & Performance Coach with the Philadelphia Phillies - Hannah Huesman Oct 14, 2020

We welcome on Hannah Heusman to the show who has a fascinating career as a Mental Skills and Performance coach, and today is working with the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball. Hannah grew up on the sports of Basketball and Softball before her education took over in her senior year of college and she discovered the world of mental performance in relation to sports. This episode provides some incredible messages from a very specific field that are extremely applicable to all walks of life. As a competitor, Hannah is driven by the opportunity to help give athletes that extra level of mental strength where they feel they can achieve their best.

A large part of Hannah’s role is ensuring she is providing specific advice to a very specific area for athletes and people as a whole, despite the fact a lot of professionals within her field find themselves performing more roles than they are maybe qualified to be doing. This allows Hannah to excel in her role and not potentially feel distracted by having to also counsel clients or work with them on their mental “health”. In the world of Baseball, specifically, Hannah is trying to encourage a proactive nature towards their mental skills and performance so that they can remain ahead of any possible setbacks. Furthermore, this strength can be the difference in a minor league player getting a chance within the majors or not; Hannah’s role is undoubtedly a powerful one to say the least.

We hear from Hannah regarding her role as a mental performance coach with the Philadelphia Phillies and the differences between mental health and mental performance (4:45), before then highlighting how she pursued both the sports of Basketball and Softball to a collegiate level in a rather unique way (7:47). The role of mental health in Hannah’s sports performance was something you she did not gain appreciation for until her final year of college, but it had an immediate impact on her as an athlete and immediately affected her educational and career journey (10:34). Despite the clarity Hannah gained from her new found love for her education and what she wanted in her career, she certainly did not know the direction she would be able to go with it (14:15), while introducing an issue within her field of professionals having to balance multiple roles that really require more than one individual for them (15:30), and how her role in baseball allows her to simply be available and not rely on clients (17:10). The conversation then moves towards the specifics of helping baseball players gain that extra advantage in the mental side of their game seeing as so much of their work is physical (22:05) and also the importance of seeing someone in Hannah’s role at all times as opposed to only when you are encountering adversity (23:30). Hannah is generous enough to provide a couple of her consistent pieces of advice and areas of focus with her clients across all fields that are extremely applicable to anyone listening (28:15), and Steve then provides his Keys to Success (35:40).

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Associate Commissioner at Conference USA - Tre Stallings Oct 07, 2020

The Associate Commissioner at Conference USA, Tre Stallings join us for this episode as we hear from this former Offensive Lineman at Ole Miss in College who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, before heading into a career in sports administration. A man whose entire career was built upon taking pride in work ethic and details, Tre offers insight into the power of relationships, the need for us to listen better, and to find opportunities to “get our reps in” when it comes to building experience.

Tre provided an extremely honest account of his difficult process of establishing his identity and career after football and the episode allows us to learn more about how to navigate this difficult period of a person’s life. Throughout the conversation, it is clear that Tre has created an identity he feels he can be consistent with, and even though it took time to build this version of himself, it is this consistency that has provided him with the opportunities to get to where he is today.

Show Notes

Tre introduces himself to us and we hear all about his background within the sport of football (5:35) back to how he got into the sport, what separated him from so many other young kids around him, but also sheds light on the knowledge and experiences his father was able to provide from his own professional football experiences. We also hear early on the types of traits Tre relied upon in order to advance his football career (8:30) that acted as the foundations for his career. We also hear about his NFL years at Kansas City (10:50), the way more senior players mentored him, but also how he felt his professional career in the game was not everything it maybe could have been. Tre then explains some of the communication tendencies that transfer from the game of football to the board room and within any organization (12:23) and also introduces for the first time in the interview his passion for building relationships (13:30). The discussion then moves towards how both Tre and Steve view “preparing to perform” and how you can pull from experiences in sport in order to perform in the board room (15:32), specifically trying to find ways to get “reps” in order to be prepared for when the stakes are at their highest (18:00). Tre shares what he considers to be the most consistent trait that he finds in great leaders (20:35) and offers examples as to why this skill is paramount when leading by example. The conversation then becomes extremely honest as Tre explains the transition he went through from playing football to no longer being an athlete and starting over (24:30), but his insight offers great hope for anyone who truly struggles with this transition themselves (26:00) and reemphasizes the power great relationships can have through such a difficult time. Finally, we hear how Tre has moved through his career thanks to his faith, ability to remain present by focusing on performing, and of course how his strong relationships have allowed him opportunities he didn’t even plan for (29:25). Steve wraps things up with his Career Competitor “Keys to Success” at the conclusion of the interview.

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Manager for Player Engagement & player programs at the NFL, Darrel Young Sep 29, 2020

We welcome the Manager for Player Engagement and player programs with the NFL, Darrel Young to the show today who has a story of inspiration to share with us. A competitor that has experienced the best and most difficult parts of the professional game, Darrel was a football player within the NFL for many years before heading to the league office to a pursue a career he has been preparing for his entire life

Darrel is a natural leader who is incredibly comfortable in his vision for the role he can have on this generation’s players within the NFL when it comes to preparing them for life after the game. His desire to form connections and be of service to each and every player makes him a unique and special commodity for the players to rely on, and we learn so much about his journey and skills within our discussion.

We open up our discussion by learning all about Darrel’s current role with the NFL (5:15) as he explains his relationship to the organization, along with the players within it. Darrel then tells us all about his background in the sport of football (7:00), the highs and lows of his professional career, and his willingness to do what the team needed him to. Once we get into the deeper parts of the discussion we learn when Darrel first realized he had these transferable skills from football that could be used away from the game (11:35) and when he knew it was time to move on and establish the career he wanted. Furthermore, we hear about the value Darrel places on making himself available to the players within the NFL (17:10) so that they have the access to him in order to be able to plan for the future. Finally, we discuss some of the ways Darrel is both earning and proving his worth within his role based on his achievements and the qualifications he is currently pursuing (21:00), as well as how he approaches communicating with this generation of NFL players today (25:00). Steve wraps up the interview with his Career Competitor “Keys to Success” (32:20)

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Minor League Baseball Player, Jeremy Randolph Sep 23, 2020

On this episode I sit down with Minor League Baseball Player, Jeremy Randolph who joins us for a slightly different spin on the show. As a current professional athlete in a very difficult current climate, he finds himself at a crossroads within his life, trying to decide between remaining with baseball or starting life after the game.

This episode provides a great opportunity to get to know the competitor Jeremy is, analyze the work he is doing in order to prepare for a successful career no matter the path he opts to go down, and just offer support to someone who is definitely making a lot of sacrifices in life currently.

We are approaching a new area within the show today as we are highlighting an individual who is likely reminiscent of some of our listeners, who too might be going through some difficult life and career transitions. This is an exercise that we will certainly be revisiting as we try to continue expanding upon what this show can do to further enhance you the competitor within your career field of choice.

We learn about Jeremy’s background in the sport of Baseball and his journey through college undergrad along with his Masters degree, and hear about his opportunity now within Professional baseball having been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (5:00). Jeremy then sheds light on his experiences throughout 2020 with him dealing with the loss of opportunities at the lower levels of baseball and his battle with finding a paycheck (8:35), while leaning on his greatest asset and support through this trying time in his wife, who also happens to be pursuing her life’s passion (12:40). Jeremy gets into the support and advice he has received at this juncture within his life (16:17), the role Major League Baseball has played for individuals such as Jeremy recently (20:34), and how he feels about the chances he and other minor league players have been given (22:00). In the final parts of the discussion we hear how Baseball can sometimes create an environment that isn’t fun to be a part of (24:25), but the fact Jeremy is always able to find the fun for what he does when he is simply out there competing.

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Actress and Disability Activist, Keely Cat-Wells Sep 16, 2020

Keely Cat-Wells joins us on the show today to discuss her work as a disability activist in relation to her career role as the Founder & CEO of C-Talent, Zetta Studios and Zetta Finance. Keely got her start in the competitive world of the arts as both a dancer and actress in England and was on a path to great success until an illness derailed her progress and she found herself suffering with a now life-long disability.

Her story is one of incredible spirit and real life examples of overcoming true hardships, while managing to always learn from her adversities to then be able to grow as an individual from them. A true competitor in every sense of the word, Keely has now found a career for herself where she is able to remain involved with the world she fell in love with as an actress, but she is able to do so while remaining true to her passion of advancing the awareness for opportunities for the disabled within the industry.

We hear about Keely’s childhood and her eventual commitment to the arts as an actress and dancer, and how she found incredible success early in her career (5:30). We also learn about her mindset towards how she established her attitude toward herself as an actress and the importance of avoiding trying to become a perfect version of yourself by analyzing achievements made along the way (13:00). Keely provides some difficult truths about the development of her disability (15:30), as well as what the transition was like in going from an able-bodied person to disabled (19:10). Finally, we learn about what Keely has done with her companies today and the amazing ways in which she uses her experiences to coach her clients through hardships on their way to success (24:00).

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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