Best Adam Contos Podcasts (2025)

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Quick Win - Respect People's Time 0:59

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6d ago0:59

0:59

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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How Ken Schmidt Saved Harley-Davidson 36:02

8d ago36:02

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This episode of Start With a Win dives into the remarkable story of how a motorcycle brand transformed from the brink of collapse to becoming an iconic global powerhouse. Host Adam Contos sits down with Ken Schmidt, the former head of communications at Harley-Davidson, who reveals how shifting focus from simply selling products to creating authenti…

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Quick Win - Building STRONGER Relationships in your Team 0:20

13d ago0:20

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⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Trust starts with consistency. Be predictable in your words and actions to build the foundation of any great team. 🛠️ #Leadership #Trust #TeamBuilding =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ====================…

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Quick Win – Grow Leaders, Keep Talent 0:16

20d ago0:16

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The best leaders don’t just think about their own growth — they think about the growth of the leaders around them. Leadership development is retention strategy. It’s culture strategy. It’s future-proofing. What are you doing right now to grow the leadership capacity of your team? ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamco…

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Vijay Pendakur: The #1 Leadership Mistake You're Making That RUINS TRUST 30:46

22d ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos is joined by leadership strategist and author Dr. Vijay Pendakur to explore what it really takes to lead through disruption. Drawing from his experience at top tech companies and Cornell University, Vijay unpacks the secret to building high-performing teams when the ground is constantly shifting…

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Quick Win – Growth Doesn’t Start with Strategy. It Starts with Mindset. 0:38

27d ago0:38

0:38

The biggest business shift starts with a mindset shift. Growth stops the moment we stop growing ourselves and our people. You don’t need a radical change — you need a daily one. Grow your mindset. Grow your team. And your business will follow. What’s one way you’re helping your team grow this week? ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱…

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Quick Win – The 3 Daily Questions Every Leader Should Ask 0:42

1M ago0:42

0:42

Every day as a leader is a chance to realign. Ask yourself: Did I serve someone today? Did I stretch myself? Did I truly see someone for who they are? Leadership isn’t about having a title — it’s about being a daily touchpoint for impact. Try journaling your answers to those three S’s at the end of each day: Serve. Stretch. See. How do you check in…

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Quick Win – Turning Stress Into Strength 0:32

1M ago0:32

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Stress is a signal, not a stop sign. Great leaders don’t ignore tension — they notice it, name it, and guide through it. Try this: when pressure rises, pause and use the “one-two-three” rule. One deep breath. Two clarifying questions. Three focused steps forward. You can’t eliminate stress, but you can lead through it. How do you help your team nav…

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Candy Valentino: Why 91% of Businesses Fail 27:55

1M ago27:55

27:55

In this mastermind episode of Start With a Win, bestselling author and trailblazing entrepreneur Candy Valentino joins Adam Contos in sharing a raw and riveting journey - from humble beginnings in a trailer to building and selling multiple thriving businesses. With hard-earned wisdom and unapologetic honesty, Candy breaks down the myths of modern e…

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Quick Win – Turning Paychecks Into Purpose 0:31

2M ago0:31

0:31

People don’t just want a paycheck — they want purpose. A paycheck gets compliance. But purpose? That gets commitment. Mission-driven workers are 54% more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty like that doesn’t come from perks — it comes from meaning. Connect the task to the impact. Show your team who benefits from their work. How are you helping your t…

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Quick Win – The Fastest Way to Reduce Stress at Work 0:33

2M ago0:33

0:33

Your team isn’t overworked — they’re overwhelmed. 44% of employees say they feel stressed. But here’s the fix: stress drops fast when expectations are clear and communication is strong. Ask your team one simple question this week: “What’s your number one priority?” Then support them in it. Clarity creates capacity. How are you making sure every per…

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Dr. Laura Gallaher: Why Embracing Stress as a Choice CHANGES Everything 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Gallaher to uncover the surprising root of leadership stress and how radical self-acceptance plays a transformative role in professional growth. With decades of experience helping elite organizations—from NASA to Fortune 500 companies—Dr. …

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Quick Win – The 15-Minute Habit That Builds Loyal Teams 0:37

2M ago0:37

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A single 15-minute conversation can be the reason someone stays — or the reason they leave. Weekly, meaningful check-ins aren’t a “nice to have.” They’re the leadership game changer. Gallup found that frequent, intentional conversations drive the highest levels of engagement. Block time this week. Ask. Appreciate. Align. How do you create space for…

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

2M 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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Tony Martignetti: The Best Way to Build Trust With Your Team 26:11

2M 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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Quick Win – Your First Customer Is Your Team 0:42

3M 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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Quick Win – The Most Overlooked Growth Strategy in Your Company 0:37

3M 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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Mike Erwin: The Blueprint for Building an Unstoppable Team 28:37

3M 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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Springboard 2025 Keynote Preview with Adam Contos, Partner of Area 15 Ventures 57:18

3M 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 – The First Thing You Should Say in Every Remote Meeting 0:45

3M 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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Quick Win – The Most Underrated Tool in Leadership 0:40

3M 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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Anne Marie Anderson: Achieve More & Overcome Failure 33:44

3M 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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Quick Win – The $8.8 Trillion Problem You’re Overlooking 0:40

3M 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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Quick Win – The 15-Minute Reset Every Manager Needs 0:37

4M 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

4M 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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Quick Win - Only 23% of Employees Worldwide Are Engaged at Work! 0:36

4M 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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Quick Win - Leadership Starts With Your Attitude 0:28

4M 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

4M 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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Building Enterprise Value Through Operations with Ali McElroy 46:57

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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Quick Win - Positive vs Negative Influences 0:58

5M 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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Quick Win - Lead by action, not words 0:35

5M 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

5M 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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Quick Win - Are You Killing Your Team with Poor Communication? 0:46

5M 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

5M 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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Quick Win - Why Self-Care is Essential for Effective Leaders Today 0:45

5M 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 …

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Mastering Personal Branding in 2025 / Paige Velasques Budde 31:44

5M ago31:44

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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Quick Win - Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them? 0:41

6M ago0:41

0:41

Is 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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Quick Win - Without trust, you’re not leading—you’re micromanaging 0:40

6M ago0:40

0:40

Without 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

6M ago27:03

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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Quick Win - Are you afraid of feedback? 0:42

6M ago0:42

0:42

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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Franchise Trends & Headlines: February 2025 (PLUS IFA Convention Recap) 1:00:09

6M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Join Ryan Hicks and Zack Fishman as they host Jamie Adams, Chief Revenue Officer of Scorpion, and Ryan Combe, Managing Partner of Cornerstone Franchise Partners.In this episode we dive into the latest chatter from the IFA convention and share behind‑the‑scenes insights on franchising trends, technology decisions, and the power of networking. From d…

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Quick Win - Being busy isn’t the same as being productive 0:49

6M ago0:49

0:49

Being 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

6M ago26:38

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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Quick Win - Great leaders don’t expect their team to serve them 0:37

7M ago0:37

0:37

Great 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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Leading the Market. The "Farmer's Market" with Sarah Dylan Jensen 24:15

7M ago24:15

24:15

Sarah Dylan Jensen runs and has founded multiple Farmer's Markets. She works directly with small businesses and knows the struggles and triumphs they have firsthand. In this episode, Scott asks her questions around leading in this environment and helping communities thrive.By Scott Comey

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Quick Win - Big goals are achieved one step at a time 0:44

7M ago0:44

0:44

Big goals are achieved one step at a time. Celebrate the small wins—they build momentum, confidence, and creativity. Today, identify one small win and celebrate it. Success is in the details. ⚡️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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STOP Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back / Jenna Capozzi 25:18

7M ago25:18

25:18

⚡️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 Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.…

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On The Bleeding Edge: A Look Back & Forward At Franchising's Early-Stage Brands with Brian Luciani, SMB Advisors 41:47

7M ago41:47

41:47

In this Modrn Business episode, Zack chats with one of franchising’s foremost experts on early-stage franchisors, Brian Luciani of SMB Franchise Advisors & Stadium Ventures. We talk about venture capital’s increased prominence with franchisors, start-up category trends from 2024, what we’ll be seeing in 2025 and how the new Trump administration wil…