In this episode of Blue Collar Startup, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jason and Stacy Spector to explore how growth mindset, resilience, and mindset coaching can transform students, athletes, and blue-collar workers alike. Tune in as they share personal stories from wrestling and education, practical strategies for leadership in the trades, and how mindset shifts can help businesses overcome hiring and training challenges.
Learn more about Jason and Stacy’s work with Catamount Consulting at catamountconsultingllc.com.
0:15 Host Introduction: Mike Nelson opens the show, Derek absent
0:29 Sponsor Shoutouts and Trade School Support
1:35 Guest Introduction: Jason & Stacy Spector join the podcast
2:23 Origins of Sweethearts & Heroes and Anti-Bullying Movement
3:38 Jason’s Personal Bullying Story and Wrestling Transformation
7:56 Teaching, Coaching, and Creating Positive School Culture
10:36 Transition into Mindset Coaching & Certification Background
12:27 Negative Self-Talk, Self-Doubt, and Student Athletes
15:00 Breathwork, Performance, and Mental Health Awareness
18:22 Wrestling, Growth Mindset, and Building Resilience
22:00 Competing at the College Level and Lessons Learned
25:00 Applying the “3 E’s” Process to Sports and Business
28:07 Growth Mindset in the Trades: Training New Hires
31:06 The Devin Story: Belonging, Esteem, and Wrestling Breakthrough
35:00 Maslow’s Hierarchy, Workforce Belonging & Leadership
38:10 Importance of Clear, Granular Communication for Teams
41:01 Reframing: Winning, Learning, and Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
45:00 Process-Based Focus and Avoiding Outcome-Driven Identity
53:57 Parenting, Youth Sports Culture, and Growth Mindset Lessons
58:45 Leadership, Trust, and Psychological Safety in Business
1:03:39 Three Levels of Growth Mindset: Reframing, Process, and Neuroplasticity
1:05:00 Using “Good” as a Self-Talk Reframe in Business and Life
