Corporate Competitor Podcast
What do most Fortune 500 executives have in common? They learned important lessons on the fields and courts of their high school and collegiate sports teams. This is true for both men and women. Ernst & Young found that a whopping 94% of women holding a C-suite position, played sports. Join 13-time New York Times Best-Selling Author Don Yaeger on his journey to sit with some of the brightest executives in the world as we discuss how sports shaped their professional trajectory in life.
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Axon President Josh Isner on What His Mentor Bill Belichick Told Him That Still Runs His $45 Billion Company
07/08/2026
Axon President Josh Isner on What His Mentor Bill Belichick Told Him That Still Runs His $45 Billion Company
Ep. 267: Harvard Golf and playing at Whisper Rock alongside Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, and Max Homa shaped Josh Isner's understanding of what winning really requires — and it shows in how he leads one of the most competitive companies in America. Axon is the $45 billion public safety company behind body cameras and life-saving technology protecting law enforcement and first responders across the country. In this episode, you will learn: Why the best mentors are never assigned — and how Luke Larson, a Marine Corps officer just one year ahead of Josh at Axon, chose to invest in him and deliver the one line that transformed his leadership: "It's not what you say — it's what they hear." How the advice, “It’s not what you say; it’s what they hear,” reshaped the way he communicates, coaches, and leads. How playing alongside the world's top golfers at Whisper Rock revealed the mindset shift that separates good from great — and how Josh applied it to his leadership. Download of Don Yaeger’s new book on mastering The Business of Storytelling 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Lilly Mae Stewart and Abbie Brandt for making this episode possible.
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Deloitte US CEO Jason Girzadas on The Feedback Formula: 3 Things Every Leader Must Consider
06/24/2026
Deloitte US CEO Jason Girzadas on The Feedback Formula: 3 Things Every Leader Must Consider
Ep. 266: Long before he was CEO of Deloitte US, Jason Girzadas was on the pitcher's mound with the bases loaded, his team up by one run, and his coach walking out to deliver the kind of feedback that sticks for a lifetime. In this episode, you will hear the lesson he learned, PLUS: How to fight complacency inside a historically successful organization — and keep your people hungry Why "know yourself so you can be yourself" is not a soft idea but a leadership prerequisite How timely, direct, one-on-one feedback creates a domino effect of accountability across an entire organization 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: 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 Danielle Cadena and Abbie Brandt for making this episode possible.
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Guardian Life Executive Mike Perry teaches how to respond to a crisis without reacting to it
06/10/2026
Guardian Life Executive Mike Perry teaches how to respond to a crisis without reacting to it
Ep. 265: As Head of Client Solutions and Wealth Management at Guardian Life Insurance, Mike has learned that the most transformational moments in business look a lot like cycling: riders who trust each other, rotate leadership, and communicate constantly can cover ground together that no one could cover alone. In this episode, you will learn: How finding a coach — whether on a bike or in a boardroom — speeds up every kind of growth. Why the best response to a crisis is not reacting to the event itself, but locking onto what you can actually control. How making space for every voice in the room doesn't just improve morale — it produces better ideas and stronger teams. 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: 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 Guillermo Orellana and Johnathan Levin for making this episode possible.
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Papa John's CEO Todd Penegor on what the restaurant floor teaches that offices never will
05/27/2026
Papa John's CEO Todd Penegor on what the restaurant floor teaches that offices never will
Ep. 264: Playing high school golf in Michigan and winning the Upper Peninsula State Championship shaped this CEO who led Wendy's through a decade of global growth before stepping into the CEO role at Papa John's after a very brief retirement. Today, Todd Penegor brings that same team-first mentality to every leadership table he sits at — and in this conversation, he shares exactly how. In this conversation, Todd shares how he thinks about developing next-generation leaders, why he believes a CEO's job looks more like an offensive lineman than a quarterback, and what it really takes to earn both the heads and hearts of a franchise community. — 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: 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 Abigail Brandt and Danielle Cadena for making this episode possible.
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Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy Says: When FOMO Fear of Failure, You Move
05/13/2026
Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy Says: When FOMO Fear of Failure, You Move
Ep. 263: With a resume that includes StubHub President and Google President of Asia Pacific and Latin America, this technology exec joins the show talk about how tennis shaped her, and the way she now is involved in ownership of the Toronto Tempo! In this episode, you will learn: Why pre-morteming failure shrinks fear and drives real action Why the who you work for will always matter more than the what How modeling imperfection — not perfection — creates psychological safety on your team How to find passion in your work, not just find work you're passionate about 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: ? 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 Amelia Prieto and Johnathan Levin for making this episode possible.
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Emmy-winning Food Network Star Giada De Laurentiis Says: Know What You Need and Make It Non-Negotiable
05/06/2026
Emmy-winning Food Network Star Giada De Laurentiis Says: Know What You Need and Make It Non-Negotiable
Ep. 262: What conditions do you actually need to perform at your best? Emmy award-winning chef Giada De Laurentiis shares that knowing your non-negotiables is the key ingredient. Don’t miss these amazing stories on this episode: Food is connection. When Giada moved to the US from Italy, she struggled with the language barrier. But food became the great translator. “Food was the thing that could connect me to other people and maybe start to forget some kind of community,” she said. Keep your recipes. As an Italian-born chef living in the US, Giada wonders how to balance being herself with preserving culture. “How do I gain my independence but still hold onto what I feel like is my identity and my grounding?” she said. Ultimately, she tries to put it all in the food. A kitchen is like a ballet. The best teams feel as if everyone is on a string, like each person is moving in unison together. Giada likens that to a dance. “The kitchen is like a dance, right? It’s like a ballet—it really takes precision,” she said. 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: 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.
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No Finish Line: How IndyCar Legend Sam Schmidt Turned Paralysis Into Purpose
04/29/2026
No Finish Line: How IndyCar Legend Sam Schmidt Turned Paralysis Into Purpose
Ep. 261: Just months after winning his first IndyCar race, Sam Schmidt hit a wall at nearly 200 miles per hour during preseason testing. He was paralyzed from the neck down at 35 years old. Doctors told his wife he wouldn't make it through the night. Twenty five years later, Sam has co-founded championship racing teams, driven a car at 107 miles per hour using only his head, stood in an exoskeleton to on her wedding day, and helping thousands of others get the rehabilitation they would never otherwise receive. In , his new memoir—which I had the honor of co-authoring with him—Sam shows what resilience looks like when life refuses to follow the script. ——— 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: 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.
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Dutch Bros CEO Christine Barone says: It's not about being the most valuable player. It's about creating the most valuable team.
04/22/2026
Dutch Bros CEO Christine Barone says: It's not about being the most valuable player. It's about creating the most valuable team.
Ep. 260: The Harvard water polo co-captain, who had never played the sport before joining the team,now leads one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the countrywith the same philosophy that earned her that captaincy: it's not about being the most valuable player. It's about creating the most valuable team. In this episode, you will learn: • Why the "zone of discomfort" is where real leadership growth happens • How to set goals just beyond what seems possible—and why trust makes them achievable • Why the jobs we don't like are often the ones with the most to teach us 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: 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.
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Calero President & CRO Eric Martorano says: Data tells you what’s happening, stories tell you why it matters.
04/15/2026
Calero President & CRO Eric Martorano says: Data tells you what’s happening, stories tell you why it matters.
Ep. 259: After a decade at Microsoft where he was responsible for more than $17 billion in revenue, Eric used lessons from the baseball field—failure, resilience, and belief—to build award-winning cultures at Nextiva, Accordo, and Calero. You will learn: • Why people commit to stories—not spreadsheets • How to build belief in your team after failure • Why clarity—not control—is the foundation of great leadership 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
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TruGreen CEO Kurt Kane says: To elevate your game, stop protecting your spot and start improving it.
04/08/2026
TruGreen CEO Kurt Kane says: To elevate your game, stop protecting your spot and start improving it.
Ep. 258: Former Wendy’s U.S. President and now CEO of the nation’s largest lawn care company, Kurt Kane, shares a powerful truth: “We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.” In this episode, you will learn: • Why protecting your position can hold back your growth • How great leaders use questions to focus an entire organization • The power of simplifying complexity to drive results 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: 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.
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The Film Room: 5 Ways to Make Your Processes More Efficient
04/01/2026
The Film Room: 5 Ways to Make Your Processes More Efficient
What if your biggest leadership problem isn’t results—but process? In this new mini series, we break down lessons from leaders at Ritz-Carlton, Aflac, and more who transformed performance by refining the details. In this episode you will learn how to identify friction, improve systems, and build repeatable excellence. To listen to each guest’s FULL episode click below: 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
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Gas South President & CEO Kevin Greiner says: Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
03/25/2026
Gas South President & CEO Kevin Greiner says: Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
Ep. 256: What if culture isn’t built by slogans, but by what you reward? In this episode, you will learn: How Kevin makes values account for 50% of performance on his team When walking away from a deal is the smartest move a leader can make Why calm leadership matters 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Johnathan Levin and Vincent McClellan for making this episode possible.
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2-Time NBA Champion Shane Battier on the Secret to Winning: Study the Competition’s Weakness
03/18/2026
2-Time NBA Champion Shane Battier on the Secret to Winning: Study the Competition’s Weakness
Ep. 255: The original "No-Stat All-Star" won Teammate of The Year playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Here he teaches you why being selfless and studying your opponent are the two secrets to success. 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Johnny Levin and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
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Gallagher Insurance Executive Shannon Gallagher on Mentorship That Works
03/11/2026
Gallagher Insurance Executive Shannon Gallagher on Mentorship That Works
Ep. 254: A black eye in her first Cornell rugby match taught Shannon she could do hard things—and that lesson still shapes her leadership today. A four-time New York City Marathon finisher, she believes leadership isn’t about forcing people into the same mold. Like rugby, every role matters, every player brings strengths, and every stride counts. Don’t miss: The two questions she asks every mentee Why joy and laughter belong in leadership 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 get started: 🎤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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
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Mindset Expert David Yeager on How to Make Comparison Your Superpower
02/25/2026
Mindset Expert David Yeager on How to Make Comparison Your Superpower
Ep. 253: Baseball shaped this researcher who led the largest growth mindset experiment in history. His work spans from sports teams to global corporations like McDonald’s and Walmart, where mindset shifts are boosting performance and reducing turnover. In this episode, you will learn: Strategies for building teams where curiosity, not fear, drives improvement. A two-part mindset shift that can turn performance anxiety into peak performance. How to turn comparison into a catalyst for personal and team growth. 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
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Renegade Global CEO Amy Jo Martin: Go from busy to effective with calendar integrity
02/11/2026
Renegade Global CEO Amy Jo Martin: Go from busy to effective with calendar integrity
Ep. 252: What do black diamond ski slopes and working with Shaquille O’Neal have in common? For Amy Jo Martin, both became defining lessons in bravery, brand, and leadership. In this episode, you will learn: How to practice “calendar integrity” so your time matches your values. Why deleting, delegating, and divesting are the keys to capacity. A simple strategy for manufacturing bravery in high-stakes moments. 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 get started: 🎤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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
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Super Bowl Special: How Tom Brady and Doug Flutie Influenced Lisa Borges’ Approach to Pressure
02/08/2026
Super Bowl Special: How Tom Brady and Doug Flutie Influenced Lisa Borges’ Approach to Pressure
Ep. 251: As longtime Executive Director of the TB12 Foundation, Lisa helped carry forward Tom Brady’s mission to redefine health and longevity. Before that, she spent 18 years leading the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, guiding families through some of life’s hardest challenges and helping turn advocacy into action. In this episode, you’ll learn: How genuine curiosity builds trust and unlocks performance Why elite leaders redirect quickly instead of dwelling on setbacks How mental fitness becomes the foundation for sustainable leadership 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 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Andrew Levin and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
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SailPoint CEO Mark McClain says: Spend 90% of your time at work on your job, and 10% on your career.
01/28/2026
SailPoint CEO Mark McClain says: Spend 90% of your time at work on your job, and 10% on your career.
Ep. 250: As captain of his HS baseball and basketball teams, Mark McClain began building a leadership playbook that would one day guide him as founder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies—recently named to Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to balance executing in your role with building your career with his 90/10 rule. How to recalibrate goals before you drift too far off course. The three traits Mark looks for in every hire. 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Chase Nagel for making this episode possible.
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Torchy’s Tacos Founder Mike Rypka shares his journey from addiction to influence— an inside look at the rise of the beloved taco brand
01/14/2026
Torchy’s Tacos Founder Mike Rypka shares his journey from addiction to influence— an inside look at the rise of the beloved taco brand
Ep. 249: Before food trucks were cool, Mike Rypka had a used trailer, a red Vespa for deliveries, and a bold dream of building a taco joint. In this raw and inspiring conversation, he shares how overcoming addiction—and earning respect by leading from the line—shaped the culture behind one of America’s most beloved taco brands, now with more than 100 locations. Read our book The Devil Is In the Details: Mike Rypka and the Torchy's Tacos Story: 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
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World Class Executive Coach Jack Daly asks: You can make more money, but not more time— how are you using yours?
12/31/2025
World Class Executive Coach Jack Daly asks: You can make more money, but not more time— how are you using yours?
Ep. 248: “Sports teams are run better than most businesses,” Jack Daly shares. “They practice more than they play—and they never play without a playbook.” With 100+ marathons across all 50 states and 7 continents, multiple Ironman finishes, and a business career that scaled companies into the hundreds of millions, Jack brings an unmatched resume—and a powerful message. This episode will challenge you to be intentional about every hour of your week. 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Chase Nagel and Lilly Mae Stewart for making this episode possible.
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Hugh & Grace Founder Sara Jensen on "When Mentors Are Miles Away" – The unexpected inspiration that drove her wellness company
12/17/2025
Hugh & Grace Founder Sara Jensen on "When Mentors Are Miles Away" – The unexpected inspiration that drove her wellness company
Ep. 247: Swimming and diving instilled a discipline in Sara that she carried into marathon running—qualifying for Boston the year of the bombing, then digging deep to requalify under even tougher standards. That same grit now fuels her approach to business, helping her navigate setbacks and drive purpose-driven growth. Sara is offering a 10% discount to all of our listeners when you visit her website through this link: 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Joey Morris for making this episode possible.
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Former World No. 1 Tennis Player Stan Smith and Business Partner Gary Niebur on Winning Trust: How to Create Moments That Matter
12/10/2025
Former World No. 1 Tennis Player Stan Smith and Business Partner Gary Niebur on Winning Trust: How to Create Moments That Matter
Ep. 246: Tennis champion and Adidas shoe icon is joined by the President of Stan Smith Events, to share how leaders can Win Trust. With clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to Olympic legends and Michelin-starred chefs, they reveal how thoughtfully crafted moments create lasting impact. 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
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NVIDIA’s Anthony Robbins on what makes Jensen Huang unlike any other CEO
11/26/2025
NVIDIA’s Anthony Robbins on what makes Jensen Huang unlike any other CEO
Ep. 245: From Jacksonville State Basketball to leading teams at AT&T, Oracle, and NVIDIA, he shares how a coach, a friend-turned-mentor, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang helped shape his leadership mindset, including: Why mentorship that starts with friendship builds trust and momentum How to create a leadership culture where curiosity and vulnerability are rewarded How mission quietly shapes behavior—long before it shows up in performance 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to T.J. Percell and Arianna Aly for making this episode possible.
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Cisco Leader Sophie Stevens on Turning the “Competitive Cauldron” into Corporate Momentum
11/12/2025
Cisco Leader Sophie Stevens on Turning the “Competitive Cauldron” into Corporate Momentum
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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abigail Brandt, Andrew Levin, and Sharon Pooley for making this episode possible.
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Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel: Why Deliberate Practice Beats Just Putting in the Hours
10/29/2025
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel: Why Deliberate Practice Beats Just Putting in the Hours
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 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.
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NewsNation Anchor Leland Vittert shares his journey with autism in our new book “Born Lucky”
10/15/2025
NewsNation Anchor Leland Vittert shares his journey with autism in our new book “Born Lucky”
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 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
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Perspire Sauna Studios CMO Caroline Linton asks: Do you turn pressure into preparation?
10/01/2025
Perspire Sauna Studios CMO Caroline Linton asks: Do you turn pressure into preparation?
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 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
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PNC Executive Cressman Bronson shares how he turned one chance into a 30-year career
09/17/2025
PNC Executive Cressman Bronson shares how he turned one chance into a 30-year career
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 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: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Joey Morris for making this episode possible.
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The Senior: How Mike Flynt turned Regret to Redemption — Now a Major Motion Picture
09/03/2025
The Senior: How Mike Flynt turned Regret to Redemption — Now a Major Motion Picture
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 on September 19th and send you a message. 📋 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
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PGIM Quantitative Solutions CEO Linda Gibson: Why EQ is your most valuable edge in the age of AI
08/20/2025
PGIM Quantitative Solutions CEO Linda Gibson: Why EQ is your most valuable edge in the age of AI
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 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 get started: 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 built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Lilly Mae Stewart for making this episode possible.
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