The Playbook With David Meltzer

Latest Episodes:

The Real Estate Bet That Paid Off Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m joined by luxury real estate developer Steve Harbaugh to talk about building a legacy on the crystal-clear shores of Exuma. After years of success in New Jersey, Steve moved his family to South Florida and began developing a high-end resort on an island off an island, where materials arrive by boat and concrete is mixed by hand. We talk about setbacks like the 2008 housing crash, turning failure into a career breakthrough, and why TikTok is now his most effective sales tool. Steve also shares how he manages family life, grief, and business with intention, flexibility, and a little bit of sandbar magic.

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Why Most People Quit Right Before It Gets Good Jul 04, 2025

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In today’s episode, I reflect on the early habits that cost me more than money, especially how I misunderstood credibility and used manipulation as a shortcut to success. I share the mindset shift that redefined my approach to value, integrity, and how I show up in every relationship. I talk about building real purpose through consistent action, even on days I want to quit, and why faith matters more when nothing is going right. From having good sleep habits to setting daily non-negotiables, I break down how I protect my energy and reframe setbacks as setups. This episode is a raw look at how I align belief with behavior and turn hardship into clarity.

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The Power of Simplifying Complex Work Jul 03, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Joe Tolzmann, founder and CEO of RocketPlan, the app transforming property restoration management. Joe shares how he built RocketPlan from a small startup into a global solution by streamlining documentation, reducing labor, and improving cash flow for contractors. We talk about how his simple, user-friendly platform helps businesses get paid faster while reducing stress for property owners after disasters. Joe explains how RocketPlan’s efficiency boosts earnings, attracts private equity interest, and raises company valuations almost overnight. His journey from cleaning up job sites himself to leading a recession-proof tech company proves how powerful the right solution can be.

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Breaking Free from Negative Mental Loops Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I share how shifting your consciousness can break you out of old loops and help you solve problems faster. I talk about the subconscious running most of your day, how to train it with intention, and why truth and repetition are the real tools of impact. I explain why manifestation isn’t magic. It’s the process of materializing what already exists by tuning your awareness to the right frequency. From building a foundation of learning to capturing those “aha” moments as they happen, this episode covers how to raise your thinking, shorten resistance, and access the cheat codes that turn challenges into opportunities.

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How Competition Fuels Success Beyond Sports Jul 01, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Super Bowl champion, former NFL MVP, and longtime broadcaster Joe Theismann. We talk about his passion for golf and his role in the American Century Championship, where top athletes, entertainers, and business leaders compete while raising millions for charity. Joe explains why quarterbacks and pitchers often excel at golf, shares what keeps him motivated after football, and reflects on moments that shaped his career on and off the field. We also get into his work as a motivational speaker, his approach to storytelling, and how a simple thank-you letter from two young fans left a lasting impact.

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The Simplicity Edge: Why the Basics Still Win Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I shared why simple actions are often the most powerful tools for transformation. From saying “thank you” every day to setting clear boundaries in relationships, it’s the small, intentional choices that create the biggest results over time. We talked about mindset shifts, the importance of consistency, and how reframing setbacks can lead to growth. Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, every single day, with purpose and clarity.

To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

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The Hidden Cost of Taking Things Personally Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I break down the emotional patterns that shape how we respond to fear, stress, and setbacks, often without realizing it. I explain why our feelings aren’t always true, how to spot what they’re really signaling, and how reframing those reactions helps create more clarity, peace, and direction. I share strategies for building emotional resilience in business and in life, starting with one simple shift: stop reacting and start responding with intention. Whether it’s a delay, disappointment, or misstep, I show how to turn emotional interference into fuel for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more aligned, purpose-driven path forward.

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Closing The Funding Gap For Women Entrepreneurs Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Evelyn Y. K. Lee, founder of Vine Ventures, international investor, mentor, and private equity expert. Evelyn shares why she backs entrepreneurs who demonstrate consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to their mission. We discuss the persistent funding gap facing women, especially women of color, and why investing in these founders often leads to stronger long-term outcomes. Evelyn also shares why companies like Rocket Plan, which simplify outdated industries with scalable solutions, stand out in a crowded market. Legacy, impact, and execution remain at the center of her approach as she empowers founders building businesses that create real change.

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How Early Struggles Shape Great Entrepreneurs Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joe Tolzmann, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of RocketPlan Technologies, for a conversation with Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Global. Christine shares how watching her mom program punch cards sparked a lifelong connection to technology and entrepreneurship. We talk about what it takes to succeed outside the typical startup hotspots, why investing in underrepresented founders matters, and how early rejection helped shape breakout companies like Canva. Christine also reflects on why entrepreneurship still holds the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges.

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What the Hootsuite CEO Learned from Interviewing 500 Gen Z Workers Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I sit down with Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite, to talk about what leaders are getting wrong about Gen Z. After interviewing more than 500 members of the generation, Irina shares what’s really driving their decisions, including their preference for social-first communication and their shifting definition of success. We break down how anxiety, remote work expectations, and evolving relationships with authority shape their priorities. Irina explains why traditional sales tactics fall flat, how companies can actually reach Gen Z buyers, and what they really mean when they say they want flexibility. It’s not entitlement. It’s a different rulebook entirely.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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