In this episode of The Athletics of Business, host Ed Molitor is joined by Jake Thompson, the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day. Jake takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial path, from starting his brand with t-shirts sold out of his car trunk to building a global movement worn by leaders in 62 countries. Jake discusses his books Compete Every Day, Lead Better Now, The Line, and his upcoming release, Beat Yesterday. He explores how competition and collaboration can be balanced to foster a high-performance culture in both sports and business.
Jake shares how we can use self-competition to drive personal growth, why comparison can be both helpful and harmful, and how organizations can implement a framework for sustained success. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and teams looking to thrive under pressure and build cultures that support lasting performance.
Join us at The Coaching Effect Summit on May 5-6, 2026, at the Tenaska Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where Jake Thompson will be the featured keynote speaker! Hosted by CoEffex, this summit will highlight the transformative power of coaching, driven by data and fueled by people. Jake, a renowned expert in leadership and performance coaching, will share his insights on how data can amplify coaching effectiveness and elevate both individuals and organizations. Don't miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the industry and take your coaching game to the next level!
Meet our Guest:
Jake Thompson is a keynote speaker and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, a brand he started in 2011 by first selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car and is now worn by leaders in over 62 countries.
Jake has spent more than a decade working with leaders and organizations worldwide on how to get better results for themselves and their teams. Through his entrepreneurial sales experience, client work, and research, Jake has built a proven C.O.M.P.E.T.E. framework that helps leaders improve their grit, productive habits, and leadership skills to create more positive influence within their organizations.
He has been featured in Forbes and Inc. Magazine, hosts a podcast with over two million downloads, and has directly impacted over 135,000 ambitious leaders. Jake holds an MBA, Mental Performance Master (MPM) Certification, and is one of only 17% of speakers globally to have earned his CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional) through the National Speakers Association.
Jake lives in Dallas/Fort Worth with his wife, Elena, and their five "kids," aka rescue dogs, Sugar, Donut, Snacks, Pop-Tart, & Cookie.
How to balance competition with collaboration to build a strong team culture
The importance of competing with yourself, not others
The impact of Beat Yesterday on personal growth and leadership
Why is self-awareness essential for leaders to build trust and create accountability
How to implement clear standards and expectations within your team
The dangers of unhealthy comparison and how to use it effectively
How to navigate the inevitable pressures of leadership and organizational growth
Jake's insights on leadership development and coaching for long-term success
Resources and Links
Jake Thompson
Ed Molitor
[00:00] – Why self-leadership and communication are key to great leadership
[03:15] – Introduction to Jake Thompson and the Compete Every Day brand journey
[06:20] – Jake reflects on his evolution as an entrepreneur and author
[09:00] – The power of internal competition and why competing with yourself is crucial
[12:45] – Jake talks about his books: Compete Every Day, Lead Better Now, The Line, and the upcoming Beat Yesterday
[17:00] – The importance of building a competitive culture while fostering collaboration within teams
[21:30] – The dangers of unhealthy comparison and how to use it to fuel growth
[25:30] – The Compete Every Day framework: Turning competition into a sustainable habit
[28:00] – How leaders can use accountability to drive results and improve team performance
[32:15] – Jake shares strategies to keep your team motivated and focused on growth
[35:30] – The role of self-awareness in leadership and building trust within teams
[39:00] – Jake's thoughts on handling external pressures and maintaining a growth mindset
[42:30] – The importance of defining clear standards and expectations within your team culture
[46:00] – Final thoughts on Beat Yesterday and how to approach continuous self-improvement
