Winners Find a Way
Trent Clark is a serial entrepreneur and three-time Major League Baseball World Series Coach who brings his business and sports insights to interview leaders of business and sport. His guests bring their stories of overcoming adversity, sacrificing for the greater good, and finding a Way to Win.
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The Future of Main Street: AI, Agentic Commerce & Retail Reinvention with Bryan Weisberg
09/11/2026
The Future of Main Street: AI, Agentic Commerce & Retail Reinvention with Bryan Weisberg
What if the biggest threat to your retail business isn't Amazon — it's an empty product listing? In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with Bryan Weisberg, founder of 1000 Oak Barrel Co. and founder/CEO of Merchwise AI, author of The Future of Main Street. Bryan built 1000 Oak Barrel Co. from a chance meeting with a father-and-son barrel maker in rural Mexico into a true omni-channel manufacturer, distributor, and OEM supplier — making close to 2 million barrels in 26 years for retailers from wine enthusiasts to Williams Sonoma. Four years ago, a family emergency (his wife's friend's gift shop closing) pulled him into brick-and-mortar retail, and he realized every part of the business, aside from the POS system, was still manual. That gap became Merchwise AI. Trent and Bryan dig into why e-commerce is still only 16% of retail sales despite decades of predictions, the ROPO effect (research online, purchase offline), and how AI can give independent retailers the same advantages as the big players — without retailers needing to run a full e-commerce operation themselves. This episode is a reminder that winners are not people who never face adversity. Winners are the ones who learn, adjust, grow, and keep finding a way. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Bryan built 1000 Oak Barrel Co. into a vertically integrated, omni-channel manufacturer Why brick-and-mortar retail still drives 84% of sales despite the e-commerce boom The ROPO effect and why "invisible losses" are the biggest hidden cost in retail Temporal commerce vs. agentic commerce — and why timing beats price How Merchwise AI automates product listings, merchandising, and social video for retailers Key Takeaways ✨ Retail's biggest cost isn't rent — it's onboarding new product Getting a product properly listed online (title, description, images, metadata) takes hours most retailers don't have. Merchwise AI does it in 20–30 seconds. ✨ You never see your losses, only your wins If a customer searches for your product online and can't find it, they buy elsewhere — and you never know that sale existed. ✨ Temporal commerce beats agentic commerce for meaningful purchases Agentic (automated) commerce works for commodities like toilet paper. But gifts, meaningful purchases, and one-off decisions need context and timing, not just automation. ✨ Change happens one component at a time Like building a winning team, retail transformation isn't instant. Bryan tells retailers to optimize one small piece of the business, then expand from there. Resources Mentioned The Future of Main Street by Bryan Weisberg — available at Merchwise AI — 1000 Oak Barrel Co. — mentioned on the show as "" (confirm exact URL before publishing) Connect with Bryan Weisberg LinkedIn: Merchwise AI: 1000 Oak Barrel Co.: [confirm exact URL — see Need to Confirm] Book: The Future of Main Street — Connect with Trent M. Clark Trent M. Clark is the CEO of Leadershipity, President of EOS Michigan, a global speaker, former Major League Baseball coach, and author of Leading Winning Teams. Website: Leadershipity: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Book: Leading Winning Teamshttps://leadingwinningteams.trent-clark.com/bookrecording79 Listen & Subscribe Listen to Winners Find A Way every week on YouTube and all major podcast platforms for conversations with leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers who know what it means to overcome adversity and keep finding a way.
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Relentless Reinvention: How Pat Miletich Became Superhuman
09/04/2026
Relentless Reinvention: How Pat Miletich Became Superhuman
What if the thing holding you back isn't a lack of willpower — it's what's actually going into your body? On this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with Pat Miletich — the first UFC Welterweight Champion, a coach behind 12 MMA world champions, a trainer to military and special forces for over 15 years, and founder of Cell Saviors and Soil Saviors. Pat grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa unable to breathe through wrestling matches and football games, with no doctor able to explain why. He went and found the answer himself — a search that carried him from kickboxing into the UFC, and eventually into 40 years of research on soil health, nutrient depletion, and cellular repair. In this episode, we discuss: How undiagnosed respiratory illness shaped Pat's path from wrestling to kickboxing to the UFC The 10-day protocol that took him from struggling through 3 rounds with a world-champion boxer to sparring a full 10 Why "genetic expression" works the same way in a plant and in a person What depleted, chemically farmed soil is doing to our food, water, and immune systems Why real change starts with fixing yourself before you can lead or help anyone else Connect with Pat Miletich: Website: Connect with Trent M. Clark: Website: Leadershipity: Book "Leading Winning Teams": Winners find a way. #WinnersFindAWay #Leadership #PatMiletich #UFC #TrentClark #Leadershipity
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Pressure, Purpose, and the Dream-Truth-Promise Framework: Lessons from Jenison High School
08/29/2026
Pressure, Purpose, and the Dream-Truth-Promise Framework: Lessons from Jenison High School
In this episode of Winning Ways, Coach Trent M. Clark shares lessons from his recent time with the athletes and coaching staff at Jenison High School—and breaks down a simple framework for turning potential into action. Trent explores three powerful steps: The Dream: Get clear on what you truly want and identify the big goal you're working toward. The Truth: Learn how to actually get there by finding mentors and people who have already achieved what you're pursuing. The Promise: Move from being interested to being committed. Make a clear promise to yourself about what you will do and by when. Trent also discusses handling pressure, preparing yourself to perform at your best, protecting your priorities, and taking intentional action every day. Key Takeaway: Winners don't just dream about what they want—they get the truth, make a commitment, and take consistent action to build their way toward it. Listen in and ask yourself: What is your dream? What is the truth about how you'll achieve it? And what promise are you willing to make to yourself?
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Acting Onbeat, Thinking Offbeat: Michael & Matthew Gardiner on Building a Global Brand Through Systems and Creativity
07/27/2026
Acting Onbeat, Thinking Offbeat: Michael & Matthew Gardiner on Building a Global Brand Through Systems and Creativity
What does it take to turn a childhood tradition into a platform with 1.5 billion views, without losing what made it real in the first place? In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with Michael and Matthew Gardiner, known as the Gardiner Brothers, five-time World Champion Irish dancers, global content creators, keynote speakers, and performers. Michael and Matthew were born in Denver to Irish parents and raised in Galway, Ireland, where their parents put them into Irish dancing to keep their culture alive. That decision became a full career: the brothers went on to become principal dancers with Riverdance, touring the world as lead performers. When the pandemic shut down live shows, they made a choice that changed everything. They started filming themselves dancing to unexpected music, from Michael Jackson to Eminem, and posted it online. That decision grew into a platform with over 9 million followers and 1.5 billion views, and eventually into their touring production, Unleashed, and a keynote and speaking business built around innovation and creativity. What stands out in this conversation is the system behind the art. Michael and Matthew break down their framework, "acting on beat, thinking offbeat": onbeat is your structure (your product, your goals, your process), and offbeat is the creative edge that turns good into great. Both brothers also hold degrees, Michael in architecture and Matthew in civil engineering, and they explain how that technical training shaped the systems now running their business. The conversation also moves into a topic every leader needs to think about right now: discernment, and why real, in-person experience is becoming more valuable as AI reshapes what audiences see online. This episode is a reminder that winners are not people who never face setbacks. Winners are the ones who learn, adjust, lead, and find a way. In This Episode, We Discuss: How a pandemic pause turned into a platform with 9+ million followers and 1.5 billion views The "acting on beat, thinking offbeat" system for building innovation into any business How Michael's architecture degree and Matthew's civil engineering degree shaped the systems behind Gardiner Brothers What it means to be a disruptor by combining things that "don't make sense" together Why discernment and real, in-person experience matter more as AI content grows Growing up as children of Irish immigrants in Denver, and what community and culture taught them about connection Key Takeaways ✨ Systems and creativity have to work together Michael and Matthew's "onbeat, offbeat" framework shows that structure alone will not make you innovative, and creativity alone will not scale. You need both, working in relationship with each other. ✨ Your background is never wasted An architecture degree and a civil engineering degree do not sound like tools for building a global content business. But Michael and Matthew show how that training gave them the systems thinking behind everything they do now. ✨ Discernment is a leadership skill, not just a talent As AI blurs the line between real and fake, knowing the difference between quality and mediocrity, or truth and noise, is becoming one of the most valuable things a leader can teach their team. ✨ Disruption comes from combining what doesn't seem to fit Irish dance and Smooth Criminal should not work together. That is exactly why it did. Innovation often starts by putting two things next to each other that nobody expected. Resources Mentioned Leading Winning Teams by Trent M. Clark: Connect with Michael & Matthew Gardiner Website: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: YouTube: LinkedIn (Matthew): LinkedIn (Michael): LinkedIn (Company): Connect with Trent M. Clark Trent M. Clark is the CEO of Leadershipity, President of EOS Michigan, global speaker, former Major League Baseball coach, and author of Leading Winning Teams. Website: Leadershipity: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Book: Leading Winning Teams — Listen & Subscribe Listen to Winners Find A Way every week on YouTube and all major podcast platforms for conversations with leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers who know what it means to overcome adversity and keep finding a way.
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Building Businesses, Creating Jobs & Leading with Purpose with Gary Rabine
07/18/2026
Building Businesses, Creating Jobs & Leading with Purpose with Gary Rabine
What does it really take to build lasting businesses, create opportunities, and lead with impact? In this episode of Winners Find a Way, Trent Clark sits down with entrepreneur, business leader, and Rabine Group founder Gary Rabine. Having started more than 40 companies over four decades, Gary shares the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact through business. The conversation explores how strong leadership starts with serving customers, building winning teams, and surrounding yourself with people who strive for excellence. Gary also discusses his experience running for governor of Illinois, his passion for economic growth, and why he believes entrepreneurs have an important role in shaping the future. Whether you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or someone looking to make a greater impact, this episode is filled with practical insights on leadership, opportunity, and thinking long-term. In This Episode You'll Learn: How Gary Rabine built more than 40 companies over his entrepreneurial career. Why winning teams are built by finding the right people—not just the most talented. The importance of solving customers' biggest problems. How relationships and trust become a competitive advantage. Lessons learned from running for public office. Why entrepreneurs should focus on creating jobs and opportunities. How leadership and business principles can be applied beyond the workplace. Why adaptability will matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. The growing importance of communication, relationships, and emotional intelligence. Practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating today's changing economy. Key Takeaways Great businesses are built by solving real problems. Strong cultures are created by hiring people who share the mission. Relationships are one of the most valuable assets a leader can build. Entrepreneurs create opportunities by taking calculated risks. Leadership is about serving others and creating lasting impact. Technology will continue to evolve, but trust and human connection remain irreplaceable. Success comes from continually learning, adapting, and surrounding yourself with great people. Memorable Quote "The ability to build relationships of trust will become one of the most valuable skills in the future." — Gary Rabine Connect with Gary Rabine Podcast: Ditch Digger CEO LinkedIn: Gary Rabine Connect with Trent Clark Learn more about Trent Clark, Leadershipity, coaching, speaking, and leadership development through Leadershipity and the Winners Find a Way podcast.
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The Art of Angel Investing: How Tony Wilkins Went from Chrysler Layoff to Financial Freedom
06/26/2026
The Art of Angel Investing: How Tony Wilkins Went from Chrysler Layoff to Financial Freedom
What happens when everything you were told to do stops working — and you have to figure it out at 23? In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with Tony Wilkins, Northwestern and University of Chicago Booth graduate, longtime angel investor, executive coach, cancer survivor, and author of The Art of Angel Investing. Tony grew up as the oldest of six boys, built his career as an electrical engineer at Chrysler Corporation in 1979, and was laid off after just one year, along with 300 others. At 23, with everything he thought he had figured out suddenly gone, he made a decision that would shape the rest of his life — stop solving for a job and start solving for financial independence. From there, he went on to earn his MBA at Booth, build a career in high-level banking and finance, become a founding member of Hyde Park Angels in Chicago, and invest in early-stage companies like Spot Hero (acquired by Uber), Cameo, and Nutrasense. This conversation is about more than investing. Tony and Trent dig into what it really means to be the CEO of yourself — knowing what you are solving for, being ruthless about what you can control, and letting go of what you can't. Tony shares how the layoff that shattered his plans at 23 was actually the best thing that ever happened to him, why he secretly applied to Harvard Business School nine months into his dream job, and how a mentee half his age gave him one of the most powerful leadership phrases he's ever heard: "I am firm in my mission and flexible in my methods." This episode is a reminder that winners are not people who never face setbacks. Winners are the ones who learn, adjust, lead, and find a way. In This Episode, We Discuss: How getting laid off at 23 became Tony's most important life lesson Why you must know what you are really solving for — not just what you want right now The CEO of your mindset and owning your results completely Being ruthless about what you can control and letting go of everything you can't How to get started as an angel investor — even without Silicon Valley connections The concept of "triumph or tuition" and why every investment teaches you something How change, AI, and the next generation will shape the future of leadership Key Takeaways ✨ Know what you're really solving for It's not enough to want a good job or a big title. Tony asks every client: "What are you really solving for?" Keep asking why — five times if you have to — until you get to the truth beneath the surface answer. ✨ Be the CEO of yourself You are responsible for your results. No one is coming to save you. Tony learned this at 23 when Chrysler cut 300 people without warning. The sooner you take full ownership of your direction, the sooner your life changes. ✨ Be ruthless about what you can control Tony's rule: be ruthless about what you can control and ruthlessly ignore everything you can't. Gravity exists. Corporate layoffs happen. AI is here. Your energy goes toward what you can actually move. ✨ Triumph or tuition — just get in the water You cannot learn to swim from a book. You cannot become an angel investor without writing a check. Every investment either gives you a triumph or pays your tuition. Either way, you are learning. The key is to start. ✨ Firm in your mission, flexible in your methods A young mentee said this to Tony at the end of a coaching call, and it stopped him cold. Your mission is the non-negotiable. How do you get there? That can evolve. The best leaders hold both at once. Resources Mentioned The Art of Angel Investing by Tony Wilkins Hyde Park Angels — Chicago-based angel investing group Spot Hero — parking app, acquired by Uber Cameo — celebrity video platform Nutrasense — glucose monitoring and quantified self-tracking Connect with Tony Wilkins Instagram: @TonyWilkinChicago LinkedIn: Tony Wilkins 76 Connect with Trent M. Clark Trent M. Clark is the CEO of Leadershipity, President of EOS Michigan, a global speaker, former Major League Baseball coach, and the author of Leading Winning Teams. Website: Leadershipity: YouTube: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Book: Leading Winning Teams — Listen & Subscribe Listen to Winners Find A Way every week on YouTube and all major podcast platforms for conversations with leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers who know what it means to overcome adversity and keep finding a way.
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How to Raise Champions: John O'Sullivan on Youth Sports, Coachability, and What Scouts Really Look For
06/12/2026
How to Raise Champions: John O'Sullivan on Youth Sports, Coachability, and What Scouts Really Look For
Are you building a champion — or just chasing a trophy? In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with John O'Sullivan, author, speaker, and founder of Changing the Game Project — one of the most influential voices in youth sports development today. John is a former Division I soccer player at Fordham University, a master's-level researcher, and the author of five books on youth sports, coaching, and athlete leadership. His work has been recognized by the US Olympic Committee and major sport governing bodies around the world. He co-hosts the Way of Champions podcast with Jerry Lynch — nearly 500 episodes with guests like Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr — and his latest book, Captain: The Athlete's Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader, is now available everywhere. This conversation covers the full landscape of what it actually takes to develop athletes — and what so many coaches and parents get wrong. John and Trent dig into the difference between information and knowledge, why curiosity is the number one trait of elite coaches, and how the "me culture" of college sports is trickling down to youth programs. They talk about parents, pressure, social media, NIL, and the moment a coach stops talking to an athlete — and what that silence really means. This episode is a reminder that winners are not people who never face setbacks. Winners are the ones who learn, adjust, lead, and find a way. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why the best coaches in the world share one common trait — curiosity What John's new book Captain teaches athletes about leading from any position How the "me culture" in college sports trickles down and why kids struggle to transition to team-first environments What scouts actually ask about when they watch your kid play The real role of parents in youth sports — and how to be the fan your child needs Why coachability is a decision, not a personality trait The inner voice: how to train the coach inside your head Individual sports vs. team sports — and why every athlete should experience both Key Takeaways ✨ Curiosity is the common denominator of elite coaches John has interviewed Hall of Famers, Olympians, and championship coaches for nine years. Every single one is still curious. The ones who plateau decided they already know everything. ✨ Great teammates are always in demand Scouts don't just watch the stats. They ask: How does this kid treat the worst player on the team? Character traits like humility, coachability, and selflessness are skills — and they carry into every team you'll ever be part of. ✨ When a coach stops talking to you, the end is near Coaches invest their energy where it counts. Three "yeah buts" and they redirect to athletes who are coachable and worth the oxygen. ✨ Train the voice in your head The late Jim Lehr said it best: the most influential coach in your life is the voice inside your head. If that voice was a person, would you be friends with them? ✨ Begin with the end in mind Before signing your kid up for a travel team, ask: What do I actually want sports to give them? Then find a coach and program that builds those things. Resources Mentioned: Captain: The Athlete's Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader by John O'Sullivan & Jerry Lynch Way of Champions Podcast Changing the Game Project — The Matheny Manifesto — referenced in conversation The Talent Code by Dan Coyle — referenced in conversation Connect with John O'Sullivan: Website: Podcast: Way of Champions Book: Captain — available on Amazon Connect with Trent M. Clark: Website: Leadershipity: YouTube: LinkedIn: Book: Leading Winning Teams —
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Suzie Hall on Blessed Disruption, Leadership, and Turning Trauma Into Triumph
06/05/2026
Suzie Hall on Blessed Disruption, Leadership, and Turning Trauma Into Triumph
What if the disruption you have been trying to avoid is actually the thing that could transform your life? In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Coach Trent M. Clark sits down with Suzie Hall, global entrepreneur, award-winning interior designer, Founder and CEO of The Cornerstone Collective, speaker, and author of Blessed Disruption: Transforming Trauma Into Triumph. Suzie grew up surrounded by elite athletics as the daughter of a major college football coach. From bowl games to college athletics to entrepreneurship, she learned early what performance, pressure, competition, and resilience look like. But behind the success and achievement, Suzie also experienced personal trauma, disconnection, and seasons of painful disruption that eventually led her to a powerful life reset. In this conversation, Trent and Suzie talk about athletics, entrepreneurship, faith, vulnerability, leadership, personal transformation, and what it means to become the head coach of your own life. This episode is a reminder that winners are not people who never face pain, failure, or setbacks. Winners are the ones who choose to heal, grow, adapt, and find a way forward. In This Episode, We Discuss: Suzie’s background growing up in a major college football family How athletics helped shape her confidence, risk tolerance, and leadership Why losing is part of life, business, and personal growth The meaning behind Suzie’s book Blessed Disruption How trauma can create disconnection when it is left unprocessed Why halftime can become a powerful reset point in life The difference between accidental disruption and intentional disruption How to stop playing victim and become the head coach of your life Why vulnerability can lead to freedom and healing The importance of discipline, morning routines, faith, and personal growth How parents and leaders teach more through how they show up than what they say Why people need to give themselves permission to play a bigger game Key Takeaways ✨ Disruption can become a blessing when you choose to grow through it. Suzie reminds us that painful seasons can become turning points when we use them to heal, reset, and transform. ✨ You win or you learn. Trent and Suzie talk about how sports teaches us that losing is not final. It is feedback. The lesson is what matters. ✨ Halftime is a chance to reset. When life feels like it has exploded, that may be the moment to pause, reflect, and choose how you want to show up moving forward. ✨ You are responsible for your own scoreboard. Suzie shares how she learned to stop standing on the sidelines and become the head coach of her own life. ✨ Healing starts with awareness. Before we can change our story, mindset, or patterns, we need to become honest about what is holding us back. ✨ Vulnerability creates freedom. Sharing our stories can feel scary, but it can also release the pain that has been holding us hostage. ✨ Small first downs matter. Instead of always going for the Hail Mary, growth often comes from daily discipline, small wins, and consistent action. About Suzie Hall Suzie Hall is a global entrepreneur, award-winning interior designer, Founder and CEO, speaker, and author. She published her memoir, Blessed Disruption: Transforming Trauma Into Triumph, in 2025. Growing up as the daughter of a major college football coach exposed her to elite athletics, competition, high stakes, and the mindset of leaving it all on the field. After transforming herself and her life after what she calls her “Halftime explosion,” Suzie now leads and inspires others through her story, faith, and lived experience. Resources Mentioned Blessed Disruption: Transforming Trauma Into Triumph by Suzie Hall Leading Winning Teams by Coach Trent M. Clark Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan The Dash Entrepreneurs’ Organization James 1:2 2 Timothy 1:7 Connect with Suzie Hall Website: Buy the Book: Book Suzie to Speak: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: TikTok: Listen & Subscribe Listen to Winners Find A Way every week for powerful conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and high performers who know what it takes to overcome adversity and keep moving forward. Subscribe on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
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Mindset, Sales and Building a Busines that Wins with Rob Velazques
05/29/2026
Mindset, Sales and Building a Busines that Wins with Rob Velazques
In this episode, Rob Velazquez and Trent Clark discuss the importance of personal growth, resilience, and mental preparation for success. They also share their experiences in overcoming adversity and scaling businesses, highlighting the need for a strong culture and process in place. They also discuss the psychological aspects of success, including visualization and mental preparation, and share their personal experiences in entrepreneurship and personal growth. Rob Velazquez is a serial entrepreneur and CEO based in Florida. Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, he grew up in a household of immigrant parents from Puerto Rico and Malta. At age 12, Rob was diagnosed with cancer in his leg but overcame it through visualization and positive thinking. Rob built a successful sales career starting in network marketing and door-to-door telecom sales. He rose to Director of Sales for a major logistics company in his early 20s. Rob has since founded his own SAS company and sales training firm. He leverages over 16 years of sales and business ownership experience to help companies scale through strategic growth. This interview is guaranteed to give you new strategies for winning in business and life - you won't want to miss it! JOIN US! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4643596462718976
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Debrief Like a Fighter Pilot: The Hidden Habit Behind Continuous Improvement with Jeff “Bones” Bonner
05/15/2026
Debrief Like a Fighter Pilot: The Hidden Habit Behind Continuous Improvement with Jeff “Bones” Bonner
In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Trent Clark sits down with former combat fighter pilot, airline captain, keynote speaker, and author Jeff “Bones” Bonner to unpack one of the most powerful habits behind elite performance — the art of the debrief. Drawing from years in Marine Corps fighter aviation, combat missions, leadership training, and high-performance team culture, Jeff shares how structured reflection helps individuals and teams improve faster, adapt under pressure, and consistently perform at a high level. This conversation dives deep into continuous improvement, leadership, mindset, gratitude, elite team culture, and why experience alone does not create growth. Whether you're a business owner, athlete, leader, entrepreneur, coach, or someone simply trying to become better every day — this episode delivers practical lessons you can apply immediately. Episode Highlights Why fighter pilots debrief every mission — even successful ones The hidden danger of “experience without reflection” How elite teams create a culture of continuous improvement Why gratitude is the foundation of high performance The difference between reviewing failures vs reviewing wins How daily habits shape long-term success Why adversity creates stronger leaders and performers The connection between perspective and performance Applying the debrief method to leadership, parenting, marriage, health, and business The power of 1% daily improvement Powerful Quotes From The Episode “Experience alone doesn’t lead to improvement.” — Jeff Bonner “Perspective precedes performance.” — Jeff Bonner “We’re not assigning blame. We’re just trying to be better tomorrow.” — Jeff Bonner “Championship teams are hard. You have to continuously improve to stay there.” — Trent Clark “If we can improve just 1% every day, we’ll be in a completely different place 365 days from now.” — Jeff Bonner About Jeff “Bones” Bonner Jeff “Bones” Bonner is a keynote speaker, former combat fighter pilot and squadron commander, current airline captain, and Harvard-trained performance strategist. He is the creator of The Debrief Advantage™ System and author of The Daily Debrief™, a practical framework designed to help individuals and teams turn experience into continuous improvement. Jeff helps leaders, organizations, athletes, and teams build high-performance cultures through structured reflection, accountability, and elite-level habits developed from aviation and military leadership. Get Jeff’s Free Daily Debrief Framework Jeff is offering listeners access to his free 5-step Daily Debrief framework and 30-Day Challenge. 👉 Connect with Jeff “Bones” Bonner LinkedIn: Website: Connect with Trent Clark & Leadershipity 🌐 Website: 🎙 Winners Find A Way Podcast: 📺 YouTube: 🔗 LinkedIn: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode of Winners Find A Way, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to improve personally and professionally. Because Winners Find A Way. 🚀
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Former Poet to PR Expert: Why Most Press Releases Fail with Mickie Kennedy
05/08/2026
Former Poet to PR Expert: Why Most Press Releases Fail with Mickie Kennedy
In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Trent Clark sits down with Mickie Kennedy, founder and president of eReleases, to break down why 97% of press releases fail — and what successful businesses do differently. Mickie shares how storytelling, earned media, and strategic PR can help small and mid-sized businesses stand out in today’s noisy digital world. From building compelling headlines to using AI the right way, this conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, authors, and business owners looking to build credibility and visibility through media. The episode also dives into Mickie’s personal journey from poet and creative writer to building a nationally recognized PR company serving thousands of businesses. In This Episode Why most press releases never get picked up The difference between syndication vs earned media How journalists actually choose stories Why storytelling matters more than company announcements How to use AI effectively for press releases The power of surveys and industry data in PR Why great quotes can make or break media coverage How small businesses can compete for national attention Mickie’s journey from poetry to entrepreneurship Key Takeaways Storytelling Wins The best PR campaigns focus on human stories, transformation, and emotion — not just product features. Earned Media Matters Real credibility comes from journalists writing about your business, not just publishing your release on random websites. AI Is a Tool — Not the Strategy AI can help structure and improve writing, but businesses still need strategic angles and compelling narratives. Industry Surveys Create Authority Creating and publishing original survey data is one of the fastest ways to become a thought leader in your industry. Great Quotes Increase Pickups Strong, memorable quotes help journalists build better stories and increase the likelihood your company gets featured. Memorable Quotes “Most press releases fail because they read like ads.” — Mickie Kennedy “Stories sell. Data supports the story.” — Trent Clark “AI should help you write better — not decide what’s newsworthy.” — Mickie Kennedy “A great quote is your Trojan horse into the article.” — Mickie Kennedy About Mickie Kennedy Mickie Kennedy is the founder and president of eReleases, a PR distribution service helping small businesses, startups, and authors gain real media exposure through PR Newswire distribution and strategic press release campaigns. He is also the author of PR Strategy Manifesto and A Beginner’s Guide to Press Release Writing. Outside of business, Mickie is a creative writer and poet whose newest poetry collection, Worth Burning, reflects on life growing up in the South. Resources & Links Connect with Mickie Kennedy 🌐 Free PR Masterclass: LinkedIn: Facebook: Connect with Trent Clark & Leadershipity Winners Find A Way Podcast: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: Leadershipity LinkedIn: Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode of Winners Find A Way, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an entrepreneur or business owner who wants to grow their visibility and credibility through smarter PR. Winners Find A Way with Trent Clark features conversations with elite performers, entrepreneurs, and leaders sharing the lessons, adversity, and mindset that helped them reach the top 1% in their field.
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From Steel Shop to Pizza Empire | Andris Lagsdin Story
04/28/2026
From Steel Shop to Pizza Empire | Andris Lagsdin Story
In this episode of Winners Find A Way, Trent sits down with entrepreneur Andres Lagsdin, founder of Baking Steel, to break down what it really takes to build something meaningful. This isn’t just about pizza. It’s about: Walking away from comfort Listening to what’s not working And having the patience to build something that does About the Guest Andres Lagsten Founder of Baking Steel Built a multi-million dollar brand from a simple idea Blended culinary passion with manufacturing expertise Known for transforming home cooking into restaurant-level experience Built a loyal community around food, family, and craftsmanship Resources Mentioned Baking Steel Products: 72-Hour Dough Method Live Pizza Classes (via email list) Powerful Quotes “I couldn’t tell my son what I did—and be proud.” “Break the pattern before you find the path.” “Winners don’t start from scratch—they connect the dots.” “Trust your gut—but earn it through experience.” If this episode hit you, don’t just listen—apply it. 👉 Watch + Subscribe: 👉 More Episodes:
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WINNERS FIND A WAY *SPECIAL* - MENTAL TOUGHNESS & WINNING
04/03/2026
WINNERS FIND A WAY *SPECIAL* - MENTAL TOUGHNESS & WINNING
Coach Trent shares what it really takes to win—through discipline, daily choices, and mental toughness. Key Takeaways You choose daily: discipline or regret Discipline is short-term. Regret lasts longer Winners execute—no excuses Interested people talk. Committed people act What you repeat daily = who you become Coach Trent’s Core Message Winning isn’t about talent. It’s about the choices you make every day. If you want better results, you need better discipline—and consistency. Action Steps Choose one daily discipline Make it non-negotiable Remove one thing holding you back: → Stop it → Adapt it → Delegate it Quote of the Episode “Winners, when shown data that they are losing… find a way to win.” Resources & Links TEDx: The Pain Exchange Book a call: Email: Listen & Watch LinkedIn Live (Thursdays) YouTube (Leadershipity Channel) Spotify & Apple Podcasts About the Show Winners Find A Way helps leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs win—through discipline, mindset, and action.
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Compete Better Now: Turn Feedback Into Action
03/27/2026
Compete Better Now: Turn Feedback Into Action
Most people wait to feel ready. Winners dive in—even if it’s a belly flop. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Gardner, a competitive performance expert who doesn’t just teach winning—she’s lived it at the highest level. At 66 years old, Deborah became the oldest woman to swim the 21-mile Catalina Channel, earning a Guinness World Record and proving something most people miss: 👉 Mindset beats circumstance. Every time. We talk about what it really takes to compete—whether you're on a stage, leading a team, or fighting through uncertainty. This is about: Turning “belly flops” into breakthroughs Owning your lane instead of comparing your path Why engagement—not likability—is the real standard of leadership How to build an unsinkable mindset in pressure moments About the Guest Deborah Gardner is a competitive performance expert, global keynote speaker, and six-time bestselling author who challenges leaders to take action—not just take notes. At 66, she became the oldest woman to conquer the Catalina Channel, earning a Guinness World Record and redefining what’s possible at any stage of life. Her philosophy is simple and powerful: YOBO — You Only Breathe Once. She’s known for her no-fluff, high-energy delivery and has been called a “pit bull in a skirt” for her relentless focus on driving results. Deborah is also the author of the upcoming book “Own Your Lane” (2027), where she challenges individuals to stop comparing—and start competing where they are strongest. Resources & Connect with Deborah Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: X (Twitter): If you’re serious about winning—personally or professionally—don’t just listen. Execute. 👉 Watch on YouTube: 👉 More episodes: 👉 Work directly with Coach Trent:
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WINNING WAYS - Part 2 of 2 with Host: Coach Trent, HOW TO WIN
03/20/2026
WINNING WAYS - Part 2 of 2 with Host: Coach Trent, HOW TO WIN
Winners don’t guess their way to success—they execute with intention. In Part 2 of Winning Ways: How to Win, Coach Trent brings it back to fundamentals: Win the day Stack the days into weeks Stack the weeks into months And build a life—and business—that wins consistently Execution isn’t occasional. It’s daily. 🧠 The Daily Discipline That Separates Winners Most people stay busy. Winners stay focused. 👉 The standard: Write down your Top 5 priorities daily Execute the Top 3 that move the needle Schedule them into your calendar intentionally Multiply that across a team—and now you’re operating at a completely different level. Consistency compounds into elite performance. 🧩 Clarity Creates Execution 🏗️ The Pyramid of Leadershipity Elite teams are built on a strong foundation: Foundation Integrity Humility Core Strength Stability Spiritual alignment (values-driven leadership) Quality standards Team DNA (ACES) Coachability Adaptability Responsibility Dependability Leadership Execution Accountability Communication Visibility Authenticity Get this right, and you don’t just build a team—you build a winning culture. 👥 Great Teams Don’t Need the Best Players—They Need the Right Ones Effort Multiplies Everything The Five Behaviors of Winning Teams Alignment Over Agreement Simplification is the Real Superpower If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or your team isn’t executing at the level you need— 👉 Book a 15-minute call with Coach Trent 👉 Get clarity. Build alignment. Start winning again. 📺 YouTube: 🎧 Podcast:
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Winning Ways - How to Win
03/13/2026
Winning Ways - How to Win
The difference between people who talk about winning… and people who actually win. In this Winning Ways solo episode, host Trent M. Clark breaks down the habits, mindset, and daily disciplines that separate high performers from everyone else. Drawing from decades in professional sports, entrepreneurship, and leadership coaching, Trent shares lessons learned from championship environments—lessons that apply directly to business, leadership, and life. From the power of hyper-learning to the reality of the Pain Exchange, this episode challenges listeners to take ownership of their habits, their discipline, and their results. Because winners don’t stumble into success. They train for it daily. Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Champions Are Hyper-Learners 2. Coaching Accelerates the Journey 3. The Pain Exchange: Discipline vs Regret 4. Beware the Four Losing Behaviors 5. Winners Take Responsibility for Results 6. Interested vs Committed 7. Winning Starts with the Day Trent’s Weekly Challenge Ask yourself one simple question: What is one habit you need to stop doing immediately? It might be: Sleeping in Procrastinating Poor preparation Lack of communication Remove that one behavior this week. Small habit changes create massive long-term results. Support the Olympic Mission Trent also highlights the journey of USA Skeleton athlete Andy Whittier, who is pursuing his Olympic dream while serving in the U.S. Army. Support Andy and learn more about his upcoming book “Life Head First.” Resources Mentioned Leading Winning Teams – Trent M. Clark Bloom Growth Coaching System Andy Whittier Olympic Support Mission Connect with Trent M. Clark Podcast: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: YouTube: Website: LinkedIn: 🎁 FREE RESOURCE – Download Trent’s Pyramid of Leadershipity here:
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Give a Damn: Why Caring Companies Win in Business | Justin Ricklefs
03/07/2026
Give a Damn: Why Caring Companies Win in Business | Justin Ricklefs
The Brands That Win Care More. In baseball, you can feel when a team cares. You walk into the clubhouse… You watch how players treat the equipment manager… You see the energy in batting practice. You know immediately. The same thing happens in business. Customers can feel when a company actually gives a damn. And when they do… they become your biggest promoters. In this episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, Trent Clark sits down with Justin Ricklefs, founder of Guild Collective and author of Give a Damn, to talk about the real competitive advantage in business today: human connection. Justin shares how brands win when they stop shouting about their products… and start telling stories that connect with people. This conversation covers: • Why your brand story matters more than your marketing budget • The biggest mistake companies make when communicating with customers • Why Chick-fil-A, Nike, and Apple dominate through emotional connection • How great leaders build companies that people actually care about • The power of customer delight in a noisy marketplace As Justin says: “Your brand is the story people tell about you when you're not in the room.” Winners Find a Way_ Guest-Justi… The question every leader should ask is simple: What story are people telling about your company? ABOUT THE GUEST Justin Ricklefs is the Founder and CEO of Guild Collective, a Human-First brand agency helping organizations grow through clarity, connection, and creativity. Before launching Guild Collective, Justin spent years working in sports organizations including the Kansas City Chiefs, helping build partnerships and revenue through strategic storytelling. Justin is also the author of Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies, a book that challenges businesses to rediscover the power of caring about customers, employees, and community. He lives in Kansas City with his wife Brooke and their five children. RESOURCES MENTIONED Justin Ricklefs Website: Book: Give a Damn Connect with Justin LinkedIn: WATCH / LISTEN TO THE EPISODE 📺 YouTube 🎧 Podcast Page Our friend Andy Whittier is chasing his Olympic dream in Skeleton for the 2026 Winter Olympics — a sport where athletes race head-first down an ice track at nearly 80–90 mph. Olympic athletes often fund much of this journey themselves. If you'd like to support Andy and the mission, you can contribute here: 👉 Support the Olympic Journey
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Baseball Hall of Fame: Fixing a Broken Voting System |DAVID GUE
02/27/2026
Baseball Hall of Fame: Fixing a Broken Voting System |DAVID GUE
Baseball is generational. I grew up listening to Tigers games on the radio. The game meant something. It still does. So when the Hall of Fame misses on greatness — it matters. In this episode, I sit down with baseball historian and author David W. Gue to challenge the current voting system and ask a bold question: Are we honoring excellence… or protecting narratives? 🧠 What We Cover The Voting Problem The Barry Bonds Debate Tommy John & The Forgotten Greats 🔥 Leadership Takeaway If a system doesn’t reward performance, it loses credibility. That’s true in baseball. That’s true in business. Leaders fix broken systems. Winners find a way. 👤 About the Guest David W. Gue is the author of The Baseball Hall of Fame: A Fan's Statistical Analysis, advocating for a fair, measurable Hall of Fame voting process. 🎧 Watch or Listen 📺 YouTube: 🎙 Podcast: 👉 Learn more about Trent’s Bloom Growth coaching framework here: Support the Olympic dream: 👉
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The Wild World of Youth Sports & Raising Resilient Kids | Gary Thrapp
02/20/2026
The Wild World of Youth Sports & Raising Resilient Kids | Gary Thrapp
We’ve built elite athletes. But are we building strong humans? In this episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, I sit down with Gary Thrapp — youth sports advocate, author, and owner of Beyond The Baseline — to talk about where youth sports is headed… and what it’s costing us. This conversation isn’t soft. It’s real. About Gary Thrapp With over 40 years in youth sports, Gary Thrapp has facilitated more than 50,000 games at his facility in Davenport, Iowa 9a8ef877-a0eb-478f-9c46-23d2842… . He’s the owner of Beyond The Baseline, a premier basketball and volleyball event center, and author of The Wild World of Youth Sports. Gary focuses on: Leadership development Character formation Community engagement Creating equitable opportunities for kids He works on the front lines of youth development every single day 9a8ef877-a0eb-478f-9c46-23d2842… . And what he’s seeing should get every parent’s attention. What We Covered 1️⃣ NIL & The Business of Youth Sports The money conversation isn’t going away. But when recruiting replaces development… When metrics replace fundamentals… When ego replaces effort… We have a problem. We talked about: NIL filtering down to youth levels The transfer portal mindset Winning vs. developing Recruiting talent vs. building skill 2️⃣ The Hidden Epidemic: Phones & Attention Gary told a story that hit me hard. A third grader asked him: “Why are you making us work while the adults are staring at their phones?” That’s leadership. From a third grader. We discussed: Attention spans collapsing Coaches competing with TikTok Parents missing the moments The competitive edge of focus If you want your child to have an advantage? Put the phone down. 3️⃣ Developing a Success Map Gary’s book Developing Your Success Map centers on one powerful idea: Ask kids what matters to them. Not what matters to you. We talked about: Purpose Dreams Monthly and daily goals Asking questions instead of lecturing You don’t build resilience by talking at kids. You build it by engaging them. 4️⃣ Character > Highlight Reels You can recruit talent. Or you can develop it. You can chase wins. Or you can build people. The scoreboard isn’t the ultimate measure. Character is. Resources Mentioned GaryThrapp.com BeyondTheBaseline.net The Wild World of Youth Sports (Available on Amazon) 9a8ef877-a0eb-478f-9c46-23d2842… Leading Winning Teams (Trent M. Clark) 🎧 Watch & Listen 📺 YouTube: 🎙 Podcast Page: And if you believe in building disciplined, resilient athletes — support the Olympic journey here: 👉 https://trent-clark.com/olympic--2026 If you care about your kids. If you coach. If you lead. This one’s for you. Because winners don’t drift. Winners Find A Way.
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Why Direct Response Marketing Still Wins (and Scales Fast) John Dwyer
01/30/2026
Why Direct Response Marketing Still Wins (and Scales Fast) John Dwyer
Most companies don’t have a marketing problem — they have a response problem. In this episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, Trent Clark sits down with direct-response master John Dwyer to unpack why incentives, personalization, and execution still outperform brand-only marketing — and how even small businesses can scale fast without massive budgets. About the Guest John Dwyer is a world-renowned direct-response marketer and Founder of The Institute of Wow. His work spans global brands like Disney, McDonald’s, Kellogg’s, Hilton, and challenger brands that needed fast, measurable growth. He’s also known for his legendary campaign that featured Jerry Seinfeld for an Australian financial institution — built not on branding fluff, but bold response-driven strategy. John’s philosophy is simple: 👉 Don’t make people fall in love with your brand first — 👉 Get them to experience value, then loyalty follows. Key Moments & Ideas Why direct response ≠ infomercial marketing Disney’s “Plus One” philosophy and how it applies to leadership How personalization turns customers into advocates The psychology behind incentive-based marketing Facebook lead contests that generate red-hot, self-qualified leads Why most businesses hear great ideas — but never implement them The difference between branding spend and measurable ROI How Seinfeld said “yes” after relentless (and smart) persistence Resources Mentioned 🌐 🌐 John Dwyer media & bio: 🎯 If your growth feels stuck, stop guessing and start responding. ▶️ Watch on YouTube: 🎧 Listen on the Podcast:
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Trust, AI, and Beating Goliath in Business | Gal Borenstein
01/23/2026
Trust, AI, and Beating Goliath in Business | Gal Borenstein
Trust is the real currency of leadership—and most leaders are bankrupt. About the Guest Gal Borenstein is the Founder of the Borenstein Group and a globally respected voice in branding, digital strategy, and trust-based leadership. A former military journalist, immigrant entrepreneur, and author of multiple books—including Don’t Believe the Hype and Beating Goliath with AI—Gal brings uncommon clarity to what really drives growth in a noisy, AI-driven world. In this conversation, Coach Trent and Gal go deep on: Why trust builds brands—not marketing How COVID and remote work fractured leadership credibility Why AI is a tool, not a replacement for judgment How small businesses beat giants by staying nimble What leaders must do now to re-earn trust internally and externally This episode is a masterclass in leadership reality—no hype, no fluff, just truth. Resources Mentioned Don’t Believe the Hype – Gal Borenstein Beating Goliath with AI – Gal Borenstein Activate – Gal Borenstein What Really Counts – Gal Borenstein The Borenstein Group LinkedIn (connect with Gal to receive a free ebook) If this episode challenged your thinking: 📺 Watch on YouTube: 🎧 Listen to all episodes: 📞 Book a and get the Flourish Growth Playbook Winners don’t wait. Winners find a way.
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Sleep is a Skill with Mollie Eastman
01/19/2026
Sleep is a Skill with Mollie Eastman
You don’t rise to your potential—you recover to it. Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a skill. On this episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, Trent M. Clark sits down with Mollie Eastman, founder of Sleep Is a Skill and host of one of the top sleep podcasts in the world, to tackle one of the most overlooked performance levers in leadership, entrepreneurship, and elite athletics: sleep and recovery. From HRV and wearables to circadian rhythm, wake-ups at 3am, sleep anxiety, and data overload, this is a masterclass in how top performers actually win—by mastering the downshift. This conversation isn’t theory. It’s practical, real-world, and immediately actionable. About the Guest Mollie Eastman is a leading voice in sleep optimization, founder of , and creator of the Sleep Obsessions newsletter. She works with entrepreneurs, Special Forces operators, high-stakes performers, and professional athletes to transform sleep from a liability into a competitive advantage. Her work bridges cutting-edge science with practical implementation—without fragility, gimmicks, or excuses. Key Topics Covered Why sleep is a trainable skill, not a genetic sentence The difference between stress vs. distress in performance HRV, wearables, and when data helps—or hurts The real reasons people wake up at 3–4am Circadian rhythm > night routines alone Why elite performers must master day mode vs. night mode How leaders unknowingly model poor recovery for their teams Resources Mentioned Sleep Is a Skill – Sleep Obsessions Newsletter Books: The Power of the Downstate Mind After Midnight The Upside of Stress Tools & Concepts: HRV Tracking Oura Ring / WHOOP Circadian Rhythm Intermittent Fasting CBT-I & ACT-I approaches to insomnia 🎧 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: 🎙️ Listen to the full episode here: For information and a discount to Mollie’s new course SLEEP IS A SKILL, please email and mention the WINNERS FIND A WAY podcast or WFAW! 📩 Want help optimizing your performance? and get on the schedule.
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The Professional Grinder: Why Winners Never Stop Working with Tyler Morris
01/09/2026
The Professional Grinder: Why Winners Never Stop Working with Tyler Morris
Success doesn’t come from flashy moments. It comes from showing up—every day—long after most people quit. In this episode, Trent sits down with Tyler Morris—entrepreneur, investor, and what Trent calls a professional grinder. Tyler didn’t come from privilege or shortcuts. He grew up in a small town, learned early how to work without recognition, and built his career by outworking, outlasting, and out-learning the competition. After a successful eight-figure exit, Tyler didn’t slow down—because grinding isn’t a phase, it’s who he is. Together, Trent and Tyler unpack: Why being underestimated can be a competitive advantage The difference between grinding and burning out Why alignment beats talent every time How delegation separates small business owners from real operators Why adding value to others is often the fastest way out of a personal or professional low point This is a masterclass in discipline, humility, and long-term thinking. Key Themes & Lessons Winners don’t wait for perfect conditions—they prepare Confidence comes from preparation, not ego Teams win championships, not individuals The grind never ends—you just get better at it When you’re down, go help someone else Resources Mentioned M2 Digital Marketing Group – Website strategy & growth-focused digital marketing Concept: Minders, Finders, and Grinders (knowing your lane) Athletic mindset applied to entrepreneurship Long-game execution over short-term wins Connect with Tyler Here - If this episode challenged you, don’t keep it to yourself. 📺 Watch more episodes on YouTube: 🎧 Listen to all episodes: Subscribe, share it with someone who’s in the grind, and remember—winners always find a way.
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From $60M Lawsuit to 700 Brands: Shane Barker’s Relentless Rise
12/12/2025
From $60M Lawsuit to 700 Brands: Shane Barker’s Relentless Rise
Most people quit at the first punch. Shane Barker got hit with a $60M lawsuit — and still found a way to win. In this episode of Winners Find A Way, we break down Shane’s journey through entrepreneurship, influencer marketing, Amazon warfare, personal branding, and the gritty truth of building something valuable when no one believes in you. Shane Barker is the CEO and Founder of TraceFuse, the first Amazon-compliant negative review removal system designed to protect brands and restore digital trust. With 25+ years in digital marketing, Shane has influenced Fortune 500 brands, built global influencer strategies, spoken internationally, and now leads one of the most disruptive tools in e-commerce. He’s also taught influencer marketing at UCLA, built seven-figure online systems, and helped hundreds of Amazon sellers recover revenue once lost to fraudulent or off-TOS reviews. Shane Barker did not take the traditional path. He took the hard one — the one where: You build businesses with no roadmap. You spend two years solving an “impossible” Amazon problem while everyone tells you it can’t be done. Untitled recording_otter_ai You get hit with a $60 million lawsuit from the California Attorney General… and fight it for years until you win. Untitled recording_otter_ai You learn that perseverance isn’t inspirational — it’s survival. Resources Mentioned TraceFuse Amazon Review Checker (Free Tool) Shane’s Website: LinkedIn: UCLA Influencer Marketing Coursework (Referenced) 👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: 👉 Listen to every episode on our podcast page: More from Trent M. Clark + WINNERS FIND A WAY Podcast: Spotify: Apple: YouTube: Website: LinkedIn: 🎁 FREE RESOURCE — Download Trent’s Pyramid of Leadershipity: #WinnersFindAWay #Entrepreneurship #AmazonSellers #DigitalTrust #Leadership #TrentMClark
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The Courage to Lead Differently | Matthew Cox
11/28/2025
The Courage to Lead Differently | Matthew Cox
What if the very thing you thought was your weakness… was actually your greatest weapon? In this powerful conversation, Trent sits down with Matthew Cox — entrepreneur, healthcare leader, author of The Courage to Learn Differently, and one of the sharpest minds in company acceleration. Matthew opens the door to his childhood experiences with learning disabilities and how he transformed those challenges into a genuine superpower in leadership, communication, and culture-building. From decoding struggles to public speaking stages, from healthcare systems to scaling companies, Matthew brings a raw, honest look at what leaders get wrong — and what they must get right — to grow past their ceilings. Together, Trent and Matthew break down: Why leaders become their own bottleneck How systems (not heroics) scale organizations The hidden cost of wearing all the hats Coaching, humility & stripping away ego Continuous learning in a noisy, AI-driven world Why great companies collapse without behavior alignment How Bloom software shifts a company from chaos to clarity Reps, communication, and the reality of high-performance execution This is a masterclass in leadership behavior, operational discipline, and the courage to learn differently. Key Themes Leadership is behavior, not title Systems drive growth — emotions destroy it Letting go of hats to build a real organization The power of coachability & humility Turning disabilities into competitive advantages The danger of advice from unqualified voices Communication: the true separator The CEO’s loneliness and the need for trusted guides Bloom Growth as the “air traffic control” system for business About the Guest Matthew Cox is a seasoned entrepreneur, healthcare expert, author, and company accelerator helping leaders scale from chaos to clarity. Despite growing up with learning disabilities, Matthew built and exited multiple companies, became a high-level speaker, and co-authored The Courage to Learn Differently. His mission: help organizations adopt the systems and leadership behaviors that drive real, sustainable growth. Resources Mentioned The Courage to Learn Differently – Matthew Cox Bloom Growth Software Matthew’s LinkedIn – Matthew Leland Cox Email: Watch + Subscribe 📺 YouTube: 🎙️ Podcast Page:
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$400M Success Without Employees | Trevor G. Blake
11/21/2025
$400M Success Without Employees | Trevor G. Blake
Trevor G. Blake is living proof that you don’t need hustle, chaos, or a massive team to build extraordinary success. Growing up in a tough Liverpool neighborhood, Trevor refused to accept the limits around him. He joined the Royal Navy, came to the U.S., and went on to build seven companies—exiting for over $400 million, all without a single employee. In this episode, Trent and Trevor dig into the mindset, clarity, and intention that shape success. Trevor breaks down why action beats perfection, how the 5-hour workday unlocks performance, and why the “hub model” helps founders stay agile and stress-free. You’ll also hear the heartfelt story of the animal sanctuary he ran with his late wife—and how compassion led to serving challenged youth in surprising ways. This conversation blends neuroscience, intention, and practical structure into a roadmap for building a deeply successful—and deeply meaningful—life. Inside the Episode: Escaping a predetermined path and redesigning a life with intention How Trevor built seven companies and sold them without employees The 5-hour workday model and “Business Without Hustle” The hub model vs. traditional hiring Neuroscience, intention, and manifesting transformational outcomes Lessons from the animal sanctuary and community impact About Trevor: Trevor Blake is the New York Times bestselling author of Three Simple Steps, creator of online programs teaching the science of manifestation, and founder of a $500M cancer-research company. Connect with Trevor G. Blake: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: YouTube: Don’t Miss a Single Episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY If this conversation pushed your thinking, you’ll want to stay plugged in. 🎧 Subscribe to WINNERS FIND A WAY: Spotify: Apple: YouTube: All Episodes: 👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a spark of intention-driven leadership today.
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Holiday Magic, Million-Dollar Mindset | Mitch Allen
11/12/2025
Holiday Magic, Million-Dollar Mindset | Mitch Allen
WINNERS FIND A WAY, host Trent M. Clark sits down with Mitch Allen — founder of Hire Santa, Shark Tank deal-maker, and serial entrepreneur behind 12 businesses — for a fun, insightful, and deeply practical conversation on turning big ideas into lasting impact. What started as a simple act of Christmas cheer evolved into a thriving enterprise — connecting Santas around the world and spreading holiday joy year-round. But behind the red suit and laughter lies a masterclass in leadership, preparation, and purpose. From building and selling companies to mentoring leaders in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Mitch shares candid lessons about scaling, learning from failure, and leading leaders — the toughest role of all. Together, Trent and Mitch dive into: 🎅 The Birth of Hire Santa — how a single Santa suit sparked a national business and a Shark Tank deal. 💼 Lessons from 12 Businesses — wins, losses, and how to bounce back stronger after setbacks. 🧭 Leading Leaders — the art of mentoring high performers and why great leadership drives retention. 🧠 Preparation Beats Pressure — the behind-the-scenes story of Shark Tank and the discipline it takes to seize opportunity. ✍️ Lifelong Learning Habits — Mitch’s annual notebooks, re-reading classic business books, and choosing a Word of the Year (for 2025, it’s NOW). 🏔️ Man Trips & Mountains — the power of unplugging on adventures like Kilimanjaro and Fuji to reconnect and reset. 🎄 Bringing the Magic Home — how Mitch’s family adapted to a 24/7 Christmas business and found joy in the chaos. Mitch’s story isn’t just about business growth — it’s about personal discipline, creative courage, and the relentless pursuit of joy through leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation will remind you that preparation and purpose turn ordinary moments into extraordinary success. 🔥 Don’t miss this one — it’s live Thursday at 10AM EST! Join us for stories, laughter, and a few surprises (including a possible visit from the real Santa). 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Mitch Allen 🌐 Website: 🎅 LinkedIn: 📌 More from Trent M. Clark + WINNERS FIND A WAY: Podcast: Website: LinkedIn: Book: Leading Winning Teams 🎁 FREE RESOURCE – Download Trent’s Pyramid of Leadershipity here: #WinnersFindAWay #MitchAllen #HireSanta #SharkTank #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #EONetwork #BusinessGrowth #TrentMClark #LeadingLeaders #Preparation #Discipline #HolidayBusiness #WinningTeams #Leadershipity
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Return on Energy | Mike Rose on WINNERS FIND A WAY
10/25/2025
Return on Energy | Mike Rose on WINNERS FIND A WAY
In this week’s insightful episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, host Trent M. Clark sits down with Mike Rose — President of EO Dallas, serial entrepreneur, and author of ROE Powers ROI (Return on Energy) — for a deep dive into the power of energy-driven leadership and how it transforms both people and performance. From his early entrepreneurial days to leading top-performing teams, Mike shares his journey of discovering how clarity, alignment, and purpose create measurable returns — not just on investment, but on energy. Through candid stories and proven frameworks, Trent and Mike unpack what it means to truly lead with energy, teaching leaders how to multiply their impact by focusing on culture, mindset, and behavior. Together, they explore: ⚡ The “Return on Energy” Framework — how purpose, vision, and execution align to drive performance. 💼 Financial Literacy & Empowerment — teaching open-book management and its ripple effect on employees’ lives. 🧠 Mindset + Energy = Success — why great leadership starts with how you show up, not just what you do. 🌱 Culture & Vision in Action — balancing scorecards, accountability, and trust in modern organizations. 🧭 Leading Through Crisis — how clarity and authenticity guided Mike’s team through COVID challenges. 🪞 Mentorship Over Management — the shift from micromanaging to micro-mentorship that builds winning teams. Mike’s philosophy goes beyond business — it’s about returning on energy invested in people, creating workplaces where clarity fuels confidence and leadership becomes contagious. Trent also reflects on how leaders can better manage their energy, not just their time, and why the best teams measure progress by purpose, not just profit. This conversation will challenge you to rethink what truly powers performance — and inspire you to lead with energy that multiplies. 🔥 Don’t miss this one. Listen and share it with someone ready to lead with purpose. 🎧 Available now on: Apple Podcasts All Episodes 🔗 Connect with Mike Rose 🌐 Website: 💼 LinkedIn: 📚 Book by Mike Rose ROE Powers ROI: The Ultimate Way to Think and Communicate for Ridiculous Results at Work and in Life Take the free “Where’s Your Energy?” assessment → Join the Energy Map Webinar on November 20 to explore how to apply the ROE framework in your business. 📌 More from Trent M. Clark + WINNERS FIND A WAY: Podcast: Website: LinkedIn: Book: Leading Winning Teams 🎁 FREE RESOURCE – Download Trent’s Pyramid of Leadershipity here: #WinnersFindAWay #MikeRose #ReturnOnEnergy #Leadership #TrentMClark #EODallas #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCulture #EnergyDrivenLeadership #WinningTeams #GrowthMindset #OrganizationalPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenBusiness #Mentorship
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Finding the Leader We Need| Dr. Malik Muhammad
10/20/2025
Finding the Leader We Need| Dr. Malik Muhammad
In this week’s powerful episode of WINNERS FIND A WAY, host Trent M. Clark sits down with Dr. Malik Muhammad — leadership speaker, author, and founder of — for a deep, heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to be the leader we need in today’s divided world. From the classroom to the boardroom, Malik brings decades of insight as a school founder, international speaker, and author of The Restorative Journey and We Can Save Our Boys of Color. His upcoming book, Being the Leader We Need, explores how leadership begins with humanity, connection, and belonging. Together, Trent and Malik dig into: Why moral authority and followership are essential to real leadership. How “Connection + Challenge = Change” becomes a life formula for growth. The 4 R’s of Ubuntu — Rituals, Roles, Rhythms, and Repair — and how they build belonging. Why we should replace “problems” with “challenges” to inspire progress, not paralysis. What global travel teaches us about humility, leadership, and shared humanity. How hip hop, literature, and culture reflect both pain and purpose. Malik’s stories — from transforming a failing school to redefining what leadership looks like in modern communities — will challenge how you think about power, purpose, and connection. Trent also shares his reflections on drift — how easy it is to get one degree off course as leaders — and the importance of having truth-tellers around you who “chin-check” you back to center. This one’s for every leader, parent, and builder of people who believes we can still create a world led by principle, purpose, and people who care enough to do the hard work of repair. 🔥 Don’t miss this one. Listen and share it with someone who’s ready to grow. 🎧 Available now on: Apple Podcasts All Episodes 🔗 Connect with Dr. Malik Muhammad 🌐 Website: 💼 LinkedIn: 📚 Books by Dr. Malik Muhammad The Restorative Journey We Can Save Our Boys of Color Being the Leader We Need (Coming 2026) 📌 More from Trent M. Clark + WINNERS FIND A WAY: Podcast: Website: LinkedIn: Book: Leading Winning Teams 🎁 FREE RESOURCE – Download Trent’s Pyramid of Leadershipity here: #WinnersFindAWay #Leadership #MalikMuhammad #TrentMClark #Ubuntu #TeamCulture #GrowthMindset #WinningTeams
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The Power of Accountability: Building Winning Teams & Raising the Leadership Bar
10/11/2025
The Power of Accountability: Building Winning Teams & Raising the Leadership Bar
In this impactful episode of "Winners Find a Way," host Trent Clark delivers a candid rant packed with personal anecdotes, real-world leadership lessons, and actionable strategies for organizations seeking to deliver excellence and high performance. Broadcasting from the serene lakeside of West Michigan, Trent shares recent frustrations with customer service—from losing his wallet at TSA to awkward coffee shop encounters—and draws powerful parallels between these challenges and organizational leadership. Key themes and topics: Overcoming setbacks: Trent’s personal story of lost items highlights resilience and proactive problem-solving. The state of customer service: Why "sorry" isn’t enough and how taking true responsibility fosters loyalty. The importance of clarity: How lack of communication in organizations breeds confusion, inefficiency, and mediocrity. Sports as a metaphor for business: Immediate accountability, the cost of letting up, and learning from mistakes in real time. Empowering employees: Lessons from the Ritz Carlton playbook on enabling staff to solve problems—fast. Building high-performance teams: The exponential impact of clear daily huddles, weekly alignment, and rewarding contribution over empty apologies. Mediocrity vs. excellence: Insights on what happens when high performers and mediocre performers collide within organizations. Encouragement for entrepreneurs: Recognizing the uphill battle and spotlighting the rare achievements of businesses that break through to seven figures. Notable Quote: “Mediocre people don’t like high performers, and high performers don’t like mediocre performers.” — Nick Saban Action Items & Takeaways: Start 10-minute daily team huddles to align on goals and priorities Implement weekly leadership meetings for big-picture problem-solving Empower teams to take ownership and actively remedy challenges Foster a culture of accountability—reward execution, not just apologies Are you ready to build a team that wins—and keeps on winning? Reach out to Trent Clark for coaching, facilitation, or to double the value of your organization. Connect with Trent: Email: Book a call Tune in every Thursday at 10am Eastern/7am Pacific for fresh episodes of “Winners Find a Way”—your weekly roadmap to elevating leadership, sharpening execution, and unleashing championship teamwork.
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