Every day you have a choice. You can wake up and choose to give in to mediocrity and complacency, you can choose bad habits and poor choices, and you can do the bare minimum to get by and fly under the radar. Or you can choose to make today the day that sets you apart from the crowd, you can choose to start doing the right things, the things that will set you up for success. You can choose to create a life that is worth living, worth waking up to, and worth sharing with the world around you. ...
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We interview great leaders, review the books they read, and speak with highly influential authors who study them.
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This podcast features leaders from all walks of life and across a broad range of industries. If you want to improve your leadership skills then look no further. Hosted by bestselling author, international podcaster and business leading expert Scott Comey. Subscribe today!
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Kick back, pour yourself a nice dram of whisky, and let’s settle you in for some low-key conversations on high-performance living. Wise Words & Whisky is for the entrepreneur, CEO, leader, executive, and business owner who’s dedicated to pushing themselves beyond their limits, but also needs a break from the hustle and grind. Your host, Wylie McGraw, is a former star athlete, competitive bull rider, and 3-tour combat veteran, turned whisky enthusiast best known for unfucking the lives of pow ...
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TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos
37:43
37:43
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37:43Adam 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 – The Most Underrated Tool in Leadership
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0:40Recognition 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
33:44
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33:44⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com 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 e…
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TLP461: Looking for Unicorns: The Hiring Dilemma with Jim and Jan
33:44
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33:44In 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
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0:40Disengagement 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
31:51
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31:51Susan 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
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0:37Managers 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
29:02
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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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Quick Win - Only 23% of Employees Worldwide Are Engaged at Work!
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0:36Most 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
41:12
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41:12Pippa 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
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0:28Unlock 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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TLP457: The Power of Positive Sleep with Giles Watkins
40:43
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40:43Giles 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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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
27:43
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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
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40:16Jamie 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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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
35:11
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35:11Kasey 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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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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⚡️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
36:48
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36:48Dr. 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?
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0:46Clarity 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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TLP453: Delegation Isn’t About Losing Control with Dr. Steven Stein
40:36
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40:36Dr. 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
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0:45You 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 …
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Mastering Personal Branding in 2025 / Paige Velasques Budde
31:44
31:44
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31:44⚡️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 marketing trailblazer Paige Velasquez Budde to dive into the evolving world of branding and trust in leadership. As…
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TLP452: Perseverance is Greater than Endurance with Brandon Young and Blayne Smith
44:53
44:53
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44:53Brandon Young and Blayne Smith are the authors of “Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together,” and they bring a wealth of leadership experience shaped by their military backgrounds. Brandon, a former U.S. Army Ranger with four combat deployments in Afghanistan, and Blayne, a former Army Special Forces offi…
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Quick Win - Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them?
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0:41Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them? Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about the energy you bring to it. Positive energy fuels motivation and morale. Show up with purpose, speak with positivity, and lead with confidence. #Leadership #TeamMotivation #PositiveEnergy ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https:…
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TLP451: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have with Elizabeth Lotardo
34:53
34:53
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34:53Elizabeth Lotardo, author of “Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have (Despite Imperfect Bosses, Weird Economies, Lethargic Coworkers, Annoying Systems, and Too Many Deliverables),” is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor. In this conversation, Elizabeth offers valuable insights on self-leadership, per…
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Quick Win - Without trust, you’re not leading—you’re micromanaging
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0:40Without trust, you’re not leading—you’re micromanaging. Trust is built through integrity, transparency, and consistency. It drives innovation, collaboration, and high-performing teams. Today’s action step: Do one thing to build trust. Admit a mistake, keep a promise, or ask for input. Trust grows one action at a time. What step will you take today?…
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The Secret to Building High-Performing Teams / Mike Robbins
27:03
27:03
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27:03⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with leadership expert and former pro baseball player Mike Robbins to explore the essence of high-performing teams. From the boar…
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TLP450: Finding Happiness and Harmony Wherever You Work with Kristel Bauer
36:28
36:28
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36:28Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness & performance expert, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker & the host of the Live Greatly podcast. She is the author of “Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work.” Kristel shares a fresh perspective on work-life harmony, moving beyond outdated notions of balance. Using the me…
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Are you afraid of feedback or do you see it as a tool for growth? Great leaders embrace constructive criticism and foster a culture where feedback is normal. According to Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are three times more engaged. This week, ask someone for honest feedback on an area you want to improve. Reflect on it and take acti…
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TLP449: Failing is OK. It’s how you learn and grow with Stuart Grazier
40:16
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40:16Stuart Grazier is a full time entrepreneur and a retired Navy pilot. Stuart is also the co-founder and co-host of The Kinetic Man, a podcast to empower. Stuart opens up about the flawed definitions of success that many people grapple with. He shares the transformative role of community, faith, and vulnerability in shaping a fulfilling life and care…
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Quick Win - Being busy isn’t the same as being productive
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0:49Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Leaders drive results by focusing on impactful work, not endless tasks. The 80/20 rule reminds us that 20% of our actions create 80% of our results. Today’s action step: Prioritize your to-do list. Highlight 1–3 tasks with the biggest impact and tackle those first. Work smarter, not harder. What’s your…
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Coach JV Shares His TOP Secrets For Creating Freedom in Business
26:38
26:38
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26:38⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the power of holistic freedom with his guest, Coach JV. Coach JV shares his remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepr…
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TLP448: The Five Talents that Really Matter with Sarah Dalton
39:54
39:54
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39:54Sarah Dalton is the co-author of “The Five Talents that Really Matter,” and in this episode, she breaks down the five core leadership talents: setting direction, harnessing energy, exerting pressure, increasing connectivity, and controlling traffic, explaining how they shape effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of identifying rare, i…
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Quick Win - Great leaders don’t expect their team to serve them
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0:37Great leaders don’t expect their team to serve them—they serve their team. Ask your team today: What can I do to help you succeed? Then, take action. Empowerment builds trust and loyalty. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com =====…
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