Former Cal Rugby Player Robert Paylor asks: What is paralyzing you?
Release Date: 04/23/2025
Cisco Leader Sophie Stevens on Turning the “Competitive Cauldron” into Corporate Momentum
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 244: From UNC soccer’s “Competitive Cauldron” to Cisco’s global sales floors, Sophie Stevens has learned that high performers thrive on feedback, not comfort. In this episode, she and Don Yaeger explore how measurable accountability builds great teams, why vulnerability and openness drive innovation, and how gratitude sustains momentum. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started:...
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Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel: Why Deliberate Practice Beats Just Putting in the Hours
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 243: This executive who oversees OpenTable, Booking.com, and KAYAK was shaped by tennis courts and ski slopes. Glenn explains why “deliberate practice” beats “time on task” every time. Don’t miss: • How Glenn used this mindset to recover from a stroke • The right way to coach for continuous improvement • How AI is changing the rules of feedback in real time Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at...
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NewsNation Anchor Leland Vittert shares his journey with autism in our new book “Born Lucky”
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 242: He didn’t speak until he was three. Today, he’s the one asking the tough questions on national television—broadcasting from war zones, pressing political leaders, and keeping his cool when chaos unfolds live. In this heartfelt episode, Leland shares how his father’s fierce love—and some brutally honest coaching—transformed him. Order our NEW BOOK Born Lucky on Amazon: Our free for this episode includes the four pieces of advice Leland’s grandfather wrote in his letter and reflection questions so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In...
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Perspire Sauna Studios CMO Caroline Linton asks: Do you turn pressure into preparation?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 241: UC Irvine Volleyball shaped this longtime Pure Barre exec’s belief in staying ready. She shares how being called off the bench during a game-winning point shaped her mindset as a Chief Marketing Officer. Don’t miss: -Her two-question nightly ritual that sharpens focus and fuels growth -How to replace "cannot" with a growth mindset -How to lead with warmth without lowering expectations Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as...
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PNC Executive Cressman Bronson shares how he turned one chance into a 30-year career
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 240: University of Toledo Baseball shaped his belief in showing up with pride—even when the scoreboard says otherwise. He shares how a blunt rejection from a scout and a cold-call to a bank exec changed his career path. “You are going to be great at something,” a baseball scout informed him. “Just not baseball.” OUCH! Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and...
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The Senior: How Mike Flynt turned Regret to Redemption — Now a Major Motion Picture
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 239: At 59, Mike became the oldest contributing member of a college football team in NCAA history—returning to his alma mater nearly four decades after being kicked off the team. He returned to finish what he started. But this isn’t just a comeback story—it’s about redemption, resilience, and the courage to face regret head-on. 🎁ENTER TO WIN SIGNED COPY: Subscribe to our to be entered to win a signed copy of The Senior and leave a comment on the YouTube episode with Mike Flynt to confirm you entered! We will pick three lucky winners on the day the movie hits theaters...
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PGIM Quantitative Solutions CEO Linda Gibson: Why EQ is your most valuable edge in the age of AI
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 238 Field hockey taught Linda to pause and ask "Why do you love the game?" That question has helped her transform both sports teams and billion-dollar organizations. Linda’s team manages $111 billion in assets and are part of the 1.4 trillion dollar investment arm of Prudential Financial. She began her career as a lawyer, but her love for math and problem-solving helped her rise to the top in the finance world. Don’t miss: Why EQ is leadership’s real X-Factor in the age of AI How eye rolls and emails reveal your culture The "color-dot" system Linda uses for decoding personalities ...
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Bose CEO Lila Snyder says risk-taking is a muscle— use it or lose it
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 237: From the sidelines of Miami Football’s National Championship game to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, the first female CEO of Bose shares stories of how weekly discomfort built her confidence! Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to...
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Lincoln Equities Group CEO Lance Bergstein says: Keep your eyes up!
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 236: Tennis & racing cars shaped Lance’s belief that decisiveness is a leader’s most powerful tool. As a nationally ranked tennis player, he learned to make high-stakes decisions alone. That same mindset now fuels his success as a CEO and professional race car driver—where speed, risk, and preparation define every outcome. Don't miss: • His “eyes up” strategy for forecasting in business • A behind-the-wheel story that saved a race (and inspired a deal) • with quotes and reflection questions to apply today’s insights 📚Do you want to write a book? In my...
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Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade found her birth parents at 47— now she leads with vulnerability
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 235: Softball shaped Kelli's belief that great leadership is about setting others up to win. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how her time as a scrappy leadoff hitter inspired a team-first mindset—and how embracing her adoption story became the key to building trust and loyalty as a leader. Don't miss: Her simple 1–10 check-in that helps leaders truly understand how their team is doing How Kelli scouts the competition by building authentic relationships with fellow CEOs Our for this episode with my favorite quotes and reflection question so you can apply today’s...
info_outlineEp. 227: A devastating injury during the National Championship game left Robert paralyzed from the neck down. Told he’d never walk again, he began a new journey, one fueled by his three-word mantra: “Compared to what?”
Robert shares how that question helped him shift from victimhood to victory—and how you can use the same mindset to lead through adversity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why asking “Compared to what?” cuts big challenges down to size.
- How to reframe your pain into purpose and lead from a place of strength.
- What it means to truly forgive—and how it frees your energy to focus forward.
Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights.
Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/
Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.