Best Adam Contos Podcasts (2025)

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Springboard 2025 Keynote Preview with Adam Contos, Partner of Area 15 Ventures 57:18

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20d ago57:18

57:18

In this episode, Zack chats with Adam Contos, Partner of Area 15 Ventures and former CEO of RE/MAX on theory of everything. Between his background, his business philosophies, his perspective on the real estate market, his investment thesis at Area 15 Ventures and what he has learned from his mentor, RE/MAX Co-Founder Dave Liniger, there was lots to…

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Quick Win – Why People Really Quit (And How to Stop It) 0:36

3d ago0:36

0:36

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com People don’t quit jobs — they quit feeling unseen. Only 1 in 3 employees say they feel like they belong at work. That’s not a retention issue. It’s a culture issue. Recognition is your responsi…

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The Best Way to Build Trust With Your Team / Tony Martignetti 26:11

5d ago26:11

26:11

In this insightful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes leadership advisor and author Tony Martignetti for a deeply human conversation on unlocking true leadership potential. With a compelling mix of personal storytelling, artistic reflection, and seasoned business insight, Tony peels back the layers of what makes a leader truly i…

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TLPMM012: On Character with General Stanley McChrystal 45:55

5d ago45:55

45:55

In this Mastermind episode of The Leadership Podcast, General Stanley McChrystal returns for a third conversation—his most personal and revealing appearance yet. Stan discusses the defining choices in his life, the moments that shaped his character, and the values that continue to guide his leadership. He talks about how his parents influenced his …

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Quick Win – Your First Customer Is Your Team 0:42

10d ago0:42

0:42

Your most important customer isn’t external — it’s your team. If your employees don’t feel valued, supported, or seen, it’s only a matter of time before that shows up in your customer experience. Engaged employees are 21% more productive and 22% more profitable. Map their journey just like you would for your clients — from onboarding to ongoing dev…

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TLP464: Become the Boss You Want to Be with Sabina Nawaz 35:39

12d ago35:39

35:39

Sabina Nawaz is a top-tier executive coach who works closely with C-suite leaders and teams in Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, nonprofits, and universities globally. She’s also the author of “You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need).” In this episode, Sabina discusses how power can distort perception, ma…

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Quick Win – The Most Overlooked Growth Strategy in Your Company 0:37

17d ago0:37

0:37

Middle managers are often the most underdeveloped layer in your business — and it’s costing you. 42% of employee exits could’ve been prevented with better management. We train the front line. We invest in executives. But we leave managers to figure it out alone. Spend 30 minutes this week mentoring a manager — not to fix them, but to equip them. Ho…

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The Blueprint for Building an Unstoppable Team / Mike Erwin 28:37

19d ago28:37

28:37

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes leadership expert and combat veteran Mike Erwin for a compelling conversation on what truly separates great leaders from failing ones—often without them even realizing it. With a rich background spanning military service, Fortune 500 consulting, and in-depth research on leadership psych…

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TLP463: Functional Art and Leadership with Sibley Bacon 37:01

19d ago37:01

37:01

Sibley Bacon is an applied researcher and functional artist, and shares how she blends creativity with structure to build more human-centered teams. Sibely describes what it means to be a "functional artist"—a leader who truly sees the big picture, connects deeply, and inspires through presence, not position. She reflects on lessons from her time a…

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Quick Win – The First Thing You Should Say in Every Remote Meeting 0:45

24d ago0:45

0:45

Remote work didn’t break your culture — silence did. Only 28% of fully remote employees feel connected to their company’s mission. That’s not just a gap. That’s a fracture. Start every virtual meeting by connecting the agenda to a greater purpose. Remind your team who they’re serving — not just what they’re doing. People don’t need more tasks. They…

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TLP462: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen with Linda Ugelow 30:09

26d ago30:09

30:09

Linda Ugelow is the author of “Delight in the Limelight: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen and Realize Your Dreams.” In this episode, Linda shares how fear often stems from past experiences, and how leaders can reframe internal narratives to demonstrate more confidence. She dives into the power of self-acceptance and how it shapes leadership presenc…

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Quick Win – The Most Underrated Tool in Leadership 0:40

1M ago0:40

0:40

Recognition isn’t optional — it’s essential. The most powerful leadership tool you have costs nothing, but most leaders were never taught how to use it. Organizations that prioritize recognition save millions in turnover. And it starts with one sentence. Tell someone what they did that made a difference — and why it mattered. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'…

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Achieve More & Overcome Failure / Anne Marie Anderson 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

In this electrifying episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with three-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author Anne Marie Anderson. With decades of experience covering the world’s biggest sporting events, Anne Marie shares hard-earned wisdom on high performance, resilience, and the bold risks that separat…

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TLP461: Looking for Unicorns: The Hiring Dilemma with Jim and Jan 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode, Jim and Jan dive into the critical aspects of leadership and talent development in today’s fast-changing work environment. They discuss how companies often seek “unicorn” candidates with unrealistic expectations—and why focusing on core traits like emotional intelligence, curiosity, and continuous learning is essential. Jim and Jan…

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Quick Win – The $8.8 Trillion Problem You’re Overlooking 0:40

1M ago0:40

0:40

Disengagement isn’t just a culture problem — it’s an $8.8 trillion leak. That’s the global cost of people mentally checking out while still on the clock. Engagement isn’t just about morale. It’s your competitive edge. Start small: ask your team what’s working for them this week — and what’s not. That clarity creates energy. That energy drives resul…

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TLP460: Lessons on Leadership from Native American Elders with Susan Kelsey 31:51

1M ago31:51

31:51

Susan Kelsey has authored four historical books and produced the award-winning documentary, “The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell.” In this episode, Susan shares her journey of discovering Billy Caldwell, the "Great Negotiator" of early Chicago. She reflects on the leadership lessons she learned from both Caldwell and Native American leaders, focusing on…

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Quick Win – The 15-Minute Reset Every Manager Needs 0:37

2M ago0:37

0:37

Managers are under more pressure than ever — not just leading teams, but picking up the slack. That weight is burning people out. And burnout spreads fast. Take 15 minutes this week with no meetings, no noise — just space to reset. You can’t pour into your team if your own cup is empty. What would it look like to protect that space this week? ⚡️FRE…

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3 Steps To Level Up Your Personal Brand / Lee Heyward 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this engaging episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with image and brand consultant Lee Hayward to unpack the undeniable power of personal branding. If you think branding i…

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TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

Adam Contos is a former SWAT leader turned CEO, leadership advisor, and author of “Start With a Win: Tools and Lessons to Create Personal and Business Success.” In this episode, Adam begins by defining a "win" in leadership not as just hitting KPIs or completing projects, but as creating momentum through small, daily victories. Adam stresses the im…

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Quick Win - Only 23% of Employees Worldwide Are Engaged at Work! 0:36

2M ago0:36

0:36

Most people aren’t disengaged because they’re lazy — they’re disengaged because they feel pushed, not led. Only 23% of employees worldwide are truly engaged at work. That means most are just going through the motions… or worse, quietly quitting. Leadership isn’t about control — it’s about lifting people up. Ask one person on your team today: What w…

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TLP458: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter than You with Pippa Begg 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

Pippa Begg, is the co-founder and CEO of Board Intelligence and co-author of “Collective Intelligence: How to Build a Business that’s Smarter than You.” In this episode, Pippa discusses the mindset shifts required for leaders to let go of control and empower others, emphasizing the dangers of hubris and the importance of questioning one's own autho…

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Quick Win - Leadership Starts With Your Attitude 0:28

2M ago0:28

0:28

Unlock the essence of leadership with a single guiding force: Attitude! 🌟 The journey of leadership commences with the energy you bring to the table. Whether it's a conversation, a statement, or an action, your attitude sets the tone. Start with the right attitude, and watch the magic unfold! ✨ A positive, can-do approach filled with optimism and g…

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Behind The Numbers: A Q1 2025 Temperature Check With FranData 48:42

2M ago48:42

48:42

In this MB episode, Zack checks in with franchising’s resident brainiacs, Edith Wiseman and Alicia Miller from FranData. We discuss how the perception of resales are changing, standardizing credit fund scoring to decrease risk for franchisees, how franchisors are using technology to become more “asset-light”, is the “low-investment” rush here to st…

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TLP457: The Power of Positive Sleep with Giles Watkins 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

Giles Watkins—coach, speaker, and author of “Positive Sleep: A Holistic Approach to Resolve Sleep Issues and Transform your Life (Positive Wellbeing).” In this episode, he explores why quality sleep is essential for high performance, decision-making, and long-term success. He dives into sleep’s role in workplace culture—how it affects performance, …

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Building Enterprise Value Through Operations with Ali McElroy 46:57

2M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode, Zack chats with Kaleidoscope Growth Advisors’ Ali McElroy about all things operations. We discuss pitfalls in growing a brand early, her recommended first hire for a young franchisor, the industries she believes give highest likelihood of “sustainable growth” and her methodology to building enterprise value.…

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Quick Win - Master Your Mindset 0:51

2M ago0:51

0:51

Ever feel like your day is off to a rocky start? It might be your mindset at play. Believe it or not, our thoughts shape our actions. Are you approaching each day with abundance or scarcity in mind? Trust me, an abundance mindset opens doors to opportunities, while scarcity holds you back. So, what's in your stinking thinking? Let's shift to abunda…

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Why Your Team is Disengaged — And How to Fix It 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Coach Kon to uncover the secret to unlocking true employee engagement. Wit…

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TLP456: The Curiosity Switch: How Leaders Stay Ahead with Jamie Beaton 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Jamie Beaton is CEO of Crimson Education, helping students gain admission to top universities. A Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Princeton graduate, he also founded Crimson Global Academy and authored “ACCEPTED! Secrets to Gaining Admission to the World's Top Universities.” In this episode, Jamie reveals the mentors who shaped his leadership, includin…

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Quick Win - Positive vs Negative Influences 0:58

2M ago0:58

0:58

Positive influence vs. negative influence: Imagine two people—one with a smile, seeking opportunities to excel in business, eager to help and succeed. The other avoids interaction, spreading misery and negativity. The difference is clear: positivity drives growth and success, while negativity hinders progress. Human nature often leans towards negat…

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TLP455: Break Free from Self-imposed Limitations 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

Kasey D’Amato’s experience goes from launching a dermatology division and founding a global skincare brand to building a multi-seven-figure real estate portfolio. In this episode, Kasey shares her insights on how leaders can avoid burnout, overcome stagnation, and create a life that aligns with their true purpose. She introduces her Holistic Leader…

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Quick Win - Lead by action, not words 0:35

3M ago0:35

0:35

Choose one action today that demonstrates the behavior you want your team to emulate. Ready to lead by example? Start now. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a W…

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How to Lead with Vision with Mick Hunt 25:24

3M ago25:24

25:24

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos is joined by leadership coach and keynote speaker Mick Hunt, who shares a deeply personal journey of transformation that started…

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TLP454: The pain train is coming. Are you ready? with Dr. Hope Zoeller 36:48

3M ago36:48

36:48

Dr. Hope Zoeller is the Founder and President of HOPE (Helping Other People Excel), LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations cultivate effective and impactful leaders. In this episode, Hope shares why so many leadership programs fail and what companies must do to see real results. Drawing from her experience in corporate leadership, ac…

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Quick Win - Are You Killing Your Team with Poor Communication? 0:46

3M ago0:46

0:46

Clarity is king in communication. Make sure your team understands the what and the why behind every action. Pick one key message today, make it crystal clear, and confirm understanding. Ready to lead with clarity? Start now. #Leadership #ClearCommunication #TeamSuccess ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/my…

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Franchise Trends and Headlines - April 2025: with Ryan Hicks & Zack Fishman 56:41

3M ago56:41

56:41

In this episode Zack Fishman and Ryan Hicks break down a list of their top thoughts and six topics here in the month of April:1) The Top Learnings From UnConference:Game-Changing Insights on Value Creation & Growth. Featuring David Barr (Franchise Investor, Chairman of PMTD Restaurants, and former IFA Chairman) and Chris Dull (CEO of Freddy's Froze…

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TLP453: Delegation Isn’t About Losing Control with Dr. Steven Stein 40:36

3M ago40:36

40:36

Dr. Steven Stein, world-renowned clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and MHS founder, consults for military, corporate, and TV shows, specializing in psychological assessment and emotional intelligence. He also hosts the podcast Work Therapy. In this episode, Dr. Steven explores how EI has evolved since its early days and why some leaders s…

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Quick Win - Why Self-Care is Essential for Effective Leaders Today 0:45

3M ago0:45

0:45

You can’t lead others if you’re running on empty. Leadership demands energy, focus, and resilience, but you can’t give your best if you’re burned out. Invest in self-care—it’s a necessity, not a luxury Take 10 minutes today for yourself to recharge. What will you do to reset? #Leadership #SelfCare #MentalWellness ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 …