Shows
Corporate Competitor PodcastPGIM Quantitative Solutions CEO Linda Gibson: Why EQ is your most valuable edge in the age of AIEp. 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 cultur...
2025-08-2039 minCorporate Competitor PodcastBose CEO Lila Snyder says risk-taking is a muscle— use it or lose itEp. 237: From the sidelines of Miami Football’s National Championship game to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, the first female CEO of Bose shares stories of how weekly discomfort built her confidence! Our 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...
2025-08-0639 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLincoln Equities Group CEO Lance Bergstein says: Keep your eyes up!Ep. 236: Tennis & racing cars shaped Lance’s belief that decisiveness is a leader’s most powerful tool. As a nationally ranked tennis player, he learned to make high-stakes decisions alone. That same mindset now fuels his success as a CEO and professional race car driver—where speed, risk, and preparation define every outcome. Don't miss: • His “eyes up” strategy for forecasting in business • A behind-the-wheel story that saved a race (and inspired a deal) • Our BONUS RESOURCE with quotes and reflection questions to apply today’s insights 📚Do you want to write a book? In my...
2025-07-2337 minCorporate Competitor PodcastDenny’s CEO Kelli Valade found her birth parents at 47— now she leads with vulnerabilityEp. 235: Softball shaped Kelli's belief that great leadership is about setting others up to win. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how her time as a scrappy leadoff hitter inspired a team-first mindset—and how embracing her adoption story became the key to building trust and loyalty as a leader. Don't miss: Her simple 1–10 check-in that helps leaders truly understand how their team is doing How Kelli scouts the competition by building authentic relationships with fellow CEOs Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode with my favorite quotes and reflection question so you can apply today’s insight...
2025-07-0948 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFlexjet CEO Mike Silvestro was teammates with Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana— now he’s revolutionizing private aviationEp. 234: Notre Dame Football and having “Rudy” as a coach shaped the way Mike views “grit” and “grind” today! In this episode, you will learn how to turn personal wins into shared victories. “If you have a great day, make it a point to share that feeling with your entire organization,” he shares. “That way everyone can enjoy it and feel proud.” 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 P...
2025-06-2541 minCorporate Competitor PodcasteXp World Holdings, Inc. CEO Glenn Sanford says: Opportunities are rarely missed, they are just given to someone elseEp. 233: This CEO’s high school was so tiny that it didn’t have a track team, so he started a squad from scratch, built up the roster and even coached them, all while running a swift 4:25 mile along the way. That mindset—identifying a challenge and pursuing a solution—never left him. Years after starring on the team, Sanford saw an opening in the real estate market. He realized that the future of the business was online. So, he acted. Today? 📈 85,000+ agents 🏆 Publicly traded 🏅 Named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work Our...
2025-06-1136 minCorporate Competitor PodcastCEO of EF World Journeys USA Heidi Durflinger on How to Stop Treating Customers Like TransactionsEp. 232: Training for her ultramarathon in Spain helped Heidi break big goals into small, achievable steps. Her approach offers a compelling blueprint for building trust, inspiring teams, and elevating the customer experience. Rooted in small-town Kansas values and shaped by global experience, you will learn in this conversation how to stop treating customers like transactions. 1. 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. 2. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher...
2025-05-2845 minCorporate Competitor PodcastThe New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark - Featuring Gen. Bernard BanksEp. 231: How does a moment become momentum? You will learn the model to capture, accelerate, and reverse momentum as featured in my new book with Gen. Bernard Banks. From commanding in Desert Storm to teaching at West Point and Rice University to transforming organizations, Bernie’s perspective is battle-tested, data-backed, and built to help leaders at every level create their own momentum shift. 1. Order your copy of the book here! 2. 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 i...
2025-05-2138 minCorporate Competitor PodcastAcrisure President John Tuttle encourages you to be a student of excellenceEp. 230: From college football to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, John Tuttle has always thrived in competitive arenas. Now as President of Acrisure, he leads 19,000 employees in one of the fastest-growing fintech companies on the planet. 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...
2025-05-1448 minCorporate Competitor PodcastKitson & Partners CEO Syd Kitson asks: Are you willing to drive in the storm?Ep. 229: Playing for The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys shaped the creator of Babcock Ranch—America’s first solar-powered town. You will learn: Why Syd requires every team member to sign a Team Agreement—and what happens when they don’t. How a quarterly Day of Service strengthens company culture and community impact. Why great leadership means turning observations into innovations. 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...
2025-05-0739 minCorporate Competitor PodcastTechnology Executive and Thoroughbred Owner Mark Kornegay encourages you to run your own raceEp. 228: Get excited for the Kentucky Derby with Spectrum Vice President Mark Kornegay! “Horses are like people—they can burn themselves out trying to keep up with the fastest ones, instead of running their own race,” he shared on this episode. Mark’s career also includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and he served as a Special Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. You will learn why preparation is everything and the best performers understand their strengths and craft a strategy that suits them. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this...
2025-04-3031 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFormer Cal Rugby Player Robert Paylor asks: What is paralyzing you?Ep. 227: A devastating injury during the National Championship game left Robert paralyzed from the neck down. Told he’d never walk again, he began a new journey, one fueled by his three-word mantra: “Compared to what?” Robert shares how that question helped him shift from victimhood to victory—and how you can use the same mindset to lead through adversity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why asking “Compared to what?” cuts big challenges down to size. How to reframe your pain into purpose and lead from a place of strength. What it means to truly forgiv...
2025-04-2355 minCorporate Competitor PodcastAmway CEO Michael Nelson teaches you how to embrace changeEp. 226: Running marathons shaped this CEO’s 35-year rise from “Amway Project Intern” to the corner office. From his first days at Amway to overseeing 14,000 employees in 100 countries, Michael reflects on his journey to teach you: How to avoid creating a culture where people are panicked to fail Why raising your hand opens the door to leadership growth—and what it really means to say yes to opportunity What running marathons taught him about clarity and leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply...
2025-04-1643 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPART 2 - Legendary Turnaround CEO Alan Mulally Reveals How ‘Working Together’ Saved FordEp. 225: Our conversation explores powerful leadership lessons in radical transparency—revealing why honest reporting, even when the news isn’t good, is essential for real progress. Learn how the Ford executives brought challenges to the table to solve them together. If you missed part 1, listen here: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-224/ 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...
2025-04-0933 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPART 1 - Legendary Turnaround CEO Alan Mulally Reveals How ‘Working Together’ Saved FordEp. 224: Former Boeing and Ford CEO went to Kansas on a gymnastics scholarship and later competed in a semi-pro tennis circuit. Learn how sports shaped one of Fortune’s "World’s Greatest Leaders." To listen to PART 2 of the conversation, visit: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-224/ 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...
2025-04-0232 minCorporate Competitor PodcastCoach K shares two questions you should ask to elevate team performanceREWIND EPISODE: In celebration of March Madness, we are “rewinding” back to my conversation with 5-time National Champion Coach K! In his 42 seasons at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski built a dynasty that few programs in the history of the game can match. As the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Basketball Team, he brought home six gold medals. So you might say that Coach K knows a little something about getting “buy in” from his team. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can app...
2025-03-2635 minCorporate Competitor PodcastSummize CEO Tom Dunlop asks: How are you controlling the uncontrollables?Ep. 222: Europe’s top badminton player turned founder and CEO of the AI-powered platform revolutionizing contract management joins the show! You'll learn how to: - Use customer feedback wisely – Stay true to your vision without trying to please everyone. - Prioritize progress over perfection – Keep moving forward instead of getting stuck on minor setbacks. - Stay competitive – Track ideas, obstacles, and strategies to anticipate challenges before they happen. 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 wan...
2025-03-1939 minCorporate Competitor PodcastNucor Executive Tabitha Stine was taught, “Pick up your hammer and do your job.”Ep. 221: As an executive at the largest steel producer in the U.S., Tabitha brings her softball and volleyball experience to the world of structural engineering. 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 he...
2025-03-1238 minCorporate Competitor PodcastEmpower Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton shares practical tips to avoid burnoutEp. 220: Marta described herself as a “maniac about soccer,” but by her senior year of high school, she walked away from the game, a choice she later regretted. Years later, as an accomplished investment strategist, that lingering regret shaped a critical career decision—one that taught her the power of seizing opportunities, even when they feel overwhelming. Learn why elite leaders step up in defining moments—and how to recognize yours! 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.
2025-03-0537 minCorporate Competitor PodcastREI COO Cameron Janes’ coach told him, “If you have to dig a ditch, you might as well whistle while you do it.’’Ep. 219: Brown University’s rowing team shaped Cameron as he endured grueling six-day-a-week practices under the relentless watch of Coach Scott Roop. Exhausted and frustrated, he hit an all-time low. Then, during a brutal practice, as the crew rowed endlessly with no relief in sight, Roop’s words stuck with him for life: "If you have to dig a ditch, you might as well whistle while you're doing it." Learn how he applies that to his leadership today! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you c...
2025-02-2631 minCorporate Competitor PodcastCEO Coaching International Founder Mark Moses: Are you asking yourself the right questions?Ep. 218: This U.S. Squash National Champion and 12X IRONMAN teaches you how to “Think Big” in your business. You don’t necessarily have to write an 8,000lb elephant into a meeting like Mark did, but this episode will show you how to elevate your team’s vision, break down massive goals into achievable steps, and create a culture of execution that drives 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 ne...
2025-02-1934 minCorporate Competitor PodcastRestaurant Executive George Tinsley Sr. asks: What’s left on your customer’s plate?Ep. 217: After playing for the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA, George transitioned from professional basketball to business, learning from another Colonel – Founder of KFC Harlan Sanders. Sanders’ attention to detail was unmatched. He didn’t just talk to customers—he observed them, analyzing what they left uneaten, what made them smile, and what didn’t meet their expectations. His commitment to understanding his customers was one of the key reasons KFC became a global powerhouse. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode will help leaders in any industry understand their customers! Do you want to write a book...
2025-02-1231 minCorporate Competitor PodcastGFI CEO Eric Olson asks: What if everything you've done prepared you for this moment?Ep. 216: Instead of dwelling on the disappointment that his San Jose State Football career was cut short due to injury, this CEO chose to view his past experiences as preparation for his next chapter. He leaned into the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness learned on the field to build one of the fastest-growing organizations in the financial services industry. 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...
2025-02-0538 minCorporate Competitor PodcastSocure CEO and Founder Johnny Ayers says: Fuel Your Competitive Spirit—Have You Tried Underwater Hockey?Ep. 215: Boston College Football and Baseball shaped the founder of the world’s leading identity verification company. Learn how his athletic background influenced the leadership that earned him the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, helped Socure land on Inc.'s Best Places to Work list, and inspired his surprising new hobby—underwater ice hockey. 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...
2025-01-3035 minCorporate Competitor PodcastRed Roof President Zack Gharib shares the conversation that changed his careerEp. 214: College basketball in Lebanon played a pivotal role in shaping Zack’s leadership. With more than two decades of experience in the lodging industry, he now manages 700 properties and 60,000 rooms across the United States and Japan. 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...
2025-01-2232 minCorporate Competitor PodcastYum! Brands Co-Founder David Novak shares the secret weapon for every leaderEp. 213: The parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell thrives on a leadership philosophy rooted in recognition—a principle David Novak first learned from his dad while playing Little League. In this episode, you’ll get a masterclass in: The importance of heartfelt, consistent recognition and how simple gestures can significantly boost employee morale and performance. How David’s “aha moment” at Pepsi highlighted the critical need to acknowledge contributions and ensure every team member feels valued. The strategies David used to create cohesion across global brands while celebrating their unique identities. Our downloadab...
2025-01-1540 minCorporate Competitor PodcastOlympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulker teaches you how to shorten the cycle to successEp. 212: After starting her career in venture capital, Kristen discovered a new passion—cycling—and made the bold decision to leave her role to pursue the sport full time. Remarkably, just seven years after taking up cycling, she became a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first Team USA Women’s Road Race medalist in 40 years. In this episode and free PDF BONUS RESOURCE you will learn: How she balances her need to achieve with the patience to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments. How identifying and respecting unique qualities in each team member helps foster a positi...
2025-01-0842 minCorporate Competitor PodcastUnited Airlines CEO Scott Kirby asks: Is your team spending enough time together?Ep. 211: Baseball and football shaped this executive with 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. “Some of my favorite athletic memories were in our front yard,” Scott shares in this episode. “Playing sports forces you to count on others and have others count on you.” 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’r...
2024-12-1827 minCorporate Competitor PodcastESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro asks: Are you aligned when your team leaves the huddle?Ep. 210: Cornell Football shaped Jimmy Pitaro who honed his leadership skills as a wide receiver! If you ask him what he misses most about his playing days, it’s not the competition or the glory—it’s the huddle. Why? Because the huddle is where you come together, make decisions, and leave aligned. In this episode, Jimmy shares how he applies his “Discuss, debate, decide, and align” model to his weekly leadership meetings. Our free BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply toda...
2024-12-1133 minCorporate Competitor PodcastWaze Founder Uri Levine says: Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the SolutionEp. 209: Basketball, cycling, and skiing shaped this entrepreneur who founded two companies valued at more than $1 billion each. His secret? Concentrating on solving everyday problems that customers face. “When I was building Waze, if I had told you I was creating an AI crowd-sourced navigation system, you wouldn’t have cared,” he said. “But if I said I was going to help you avoid traffic jams, then you would. When you focus on the problem, it will serve as the North Star of your journey.” Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from...
2024-12-0531 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFormer United CEO Oscar Munoz says: It is never too late to do the right thingEp. 208: Football fields and marathon trails shaped this executive's approach to discipline, teamwork, and maintaining a competitive edge. These lessons became the foundation of his leadership at Coca-Cola, United Airlines, and now in his roles on the Board of Directors for Salesforce, CBRE, Archer, Fidelity Investments, and Televisa Univision. 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. Links mentioned in today’s episode: Order Oscar’s book here - Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and Its Employees i...
2024-11-2737 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLogitech CEO Hanneke Faber asks: What are you doing to fill your company’s scrapbook?Ep. 207: This 7-time Dutch National Diving Champion earned a full scholarship to the University of Houston and went on to lead growth at global giants like Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Today at Logitech, she is recognized as one of the "Most Influential Women in Business." 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...
2024-11-2035 minCorporate Competitor PodcastForbes Books CEO Adam Witty wants you to “die empty.”Ep. 206: Basketball shaped this executive who created a done-for-you system to simplify book publishing for busy business leaders. Adam’s innovative approach to publishing caught the attention of Forbes, leading to the creation of Forbes Books, where he helps prominent executives around the world become authors and establish greater authority in their fields. In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/d...
2024-11-1341 minCorporate Competitor PodcastCanva Chief Evangelist Guy Kawasaki says: Don’t make a mission statement, make a mantra.Ep. 205: Taking up hockey at 44 and surfing at 60, this exec embodies a lifelong drive for new challenges—a trait shaped during his years under Steve Jobs at Apple. As one of Apple’s original team members, he played a pivotal role in marketing the groundbreaking Macintosh. As Chief Evangelist at Apple and now at Canva, Guy has devoted his career to championing products that truly enhance people’s lives! 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...
2024-11-0637 minCorporate Competitor PodcastCentury 21 CEO Mike Miedler says: Success comes from consistent effort— do the work!Ep. 204: Football and IRONMAN Competitions shaped this executive who started from the bottom of Century 21 and worked his way up to CEO over two decades. 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 g...
2024-10-3038 minCorporate Competitor PodcastTouchstone Investments CEO Blake Moore says: If the play breaks down, go find somebody to block!Ep. 203: Playing in one of the coldest games in NFL History shaped this executive. From undrafted free agent to the Super Bowl, Blake Moore describes his journey and teaches us about the mindset of continuous improvement, the value of versatility, and the best way to empower your team. 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. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Do...
2024-10-2332 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPlanet Fitness (ECP) Board Member Omar Simmons explains why you can run faster in a relayEp. 202: Princeton Track shaped this executive who became the Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners (ECP) and expanded ECP Planet Fitness from 15 to 100 units. Omar serves on the boards of Urban Air, The Good Feet Store, and the International Franchise Association, embodying his belief that "no one creates value by themselves.” 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. Learn more about the Franchise Ascension Initiative Omar mentioned: https://pages.franchise.org/ifa-franchise-ascension-initiative/ Looking for a speaker...
2024-10-1642 minCorporate Competitor PodcastWorld Wide Technology CEO Jim Kavanaugh says working hard never goes out of styleEp. 200: Professional soccer shaped this executive who now leads more than 10,000 employees at WWT, a global powerhouse generating $20 billion in annual revenue. The company helps 80 Fortune 500 companies modernize their IT infrastructure and create cutting-edge digital experiences. Recently, Jim was named one of Glassdoor’s top 25 CEOs in America! 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. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don...
2024-10-0231 minCorporate Competitor PodcastTropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson says: Don’t “punt” your opportunity to be special!Ep. 199: Cornell Football shaped this executive, who still holds three of the six longest punts in the program's history, and his 'yards per punt' average still ranks in the top 10 all-time. 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. “When I went to Cornell, I walked over to the quarterback huddle with six or eight quarterbacks, but the coach grabbed me by the shoulder pad and said, 'Hey, Charles, we don't have a punter. Congratulations! You're the starting pu...
2024-09-2537 minCorporate Competitor PodcastGreat Clips CEO Steve Hockett says: Act like you’ve been there so when you arrive you’re never surprisedEp. 198: Growing up in small town South Dakota, this CEO learned to play golf on some of the roughest terrain: sand. While he cheerfully concedes he isn't the world's best golfer, Steve, who played on his high school’s team, took what he learned about persistence and applied it to his career at Great Clips. 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. Listeners looking to expand their operations will learn lessons including: How franchisees and franchisor...
2024-09-1834 minCorporate Competitor PodcastTunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller shares the unforgettable impact of a 9/11 heroEp. 197: New York firefighter Stephen Siller never showed up to his tee time with his brothers on September 11th, 2001. When he received news of the attack, Stephen turned around and drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot 1.7 miles through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others. Today his family continues to honor his memory by retracing Stephen’s steps in...
2024-09-1136 minCorporate Competitor PodcastAmerica’s Life Coach Tim Storey wants you to “go plural.”Ep. 196: Baseball and tennis influenced the life of the author Oprah calls “The Ultimate Comeback Coach.” Tim Storey has impacted millions of people in 75 countries through his keynote speeches and books. Whether he's working one-on-one with celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and Kanye West or sharing his wisdom on interviews like this one, Tim always inspires those around him. 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. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more t...
2024-09-0432 minCorporate Competitor PodcastDisney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro says: The best way to tell a story is to believe in itEp. 195: Basketball was Josh’s primary sport and he was good enough at it that in his senior year of high school he was invited to play in the Tri-Valley League All-Stars game in Massachusetts! He recounts how he initially felt somewhat out of place, but the game had an incredible ending! 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. In this episode, Josh shares valuable insights gained from his 26-year tenure at Disney, revealing how he leads a t...
2024-08-2832 minCorporate Competitor PodcastDeloitte Consulting CEO Dan Helfrich says: If you are choosing between you and the firm, choose you.Ep. 194: Georgetown Soccer shaped this executive who, after playing for the Hoyas, took on the role of the program's play-by-play announcer. Two decades later, he’s only missed one game. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Dan’s insights. In this episode you will learn: Why people with strong interests outside your company make your company better. How to tap into the unheard voices in your firm to get game-changing feedback. The one question Helfrich asks job candidates to assess se...
2024-08-2129 minCorporate Competitor PodcastEthan Allen CEO Farooq Kathwari asks: What did you do this week to improve your talent and service?Ep. 193: Cricket shaped the longest-tenured CEO ever featured on Corporate Competitor! Since 1988, he has managed to avoid burnout by "focusing on the most important things." Today, he diligently reviews weekly reports from his leadership team, posing questions such as, "What did you do this week to enhance your talent and service, expand your marketing within the team or community, improve technology, and advance social responsibility?" 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. Looking for a speaker for your...
2024-08-1431 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLumen CEO Kate Johnson says: Feedback is not criticism, it is unlocking the next level.Ep. 192: Tennis and track shaped former Microsoft US President and current CEO of Lumen – the company that owns and operates one the world’s biggest, most connected fiber networks. 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. 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 th...
2024-08-0743 minCorporate Competitor PodcastBroadridge CEO Tim Gokey asks: Are you willing to take yourself out of the boat if it makes the team better?Ep. 191: This financial services company hired eight of the women on the US Olympic rowing team. This partnership is led by Tim who went to Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship while captaining his Boat Club to its most successful season in 40 years. 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. Listeners will appreciate the specific sports-to-business analogies and lessons he has implemented to keep his widely distributed workforce of 15,000 associates in 23 countries locked onto a common vision...
2024-07-3126 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLogicMonitor CEO Christina Kosmowski encourages you to form a personal board of directorsEp. 190: Northwestern University Soccer shaped this executive who held leadership roles at Salesforce and Slack before taking on the role of CEO at LogicMonitor, which helps companies monitor, manage, and maintain IT infrastructure. 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. Listeners seeking to engage their teams more fully will enjoy her varied and sometimes humorous approach to communicating this mission-critical knowledge, including: Using values-based recruiting methods to build strong cultures. Engaging product-sales-service teams to transform customer sati...
2024-07-2430 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPresident of ERA Real Estate Alex Vidal shares four business lessons from completing an IRONMANEp. 189: Alex shares 4 lessons that remain the same whether you devoting 500 hours to IRONMAN training or overseeing operations for more than 40,000 affiliated brokers and sales associates across 2,400 offices worldwide. 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. --- 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 professi...
2024-07-1731 minCorporate Competitor PodcastGuild Chief Product & Technology Officer Rohan Chandran asks: Will you be ready when a momentous opportunity arises?Ep. 188: Cricket shaped this executive’s decision to attend Stanford University. Rohan became a founding member of the cricket media site Cricinfo, which was later acquired by ESPN, and a member of the Stanford Supernovas Cricket Team, an alumni team that recently hoisted a league trophy. Today, he works at Guild – an education benefits company that collaborates with large employers like Target, Chipotle, Hilton, and PepsiCo to train their workforces and create career mobility for employees – and will teach you how to harness momentum in business. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite...
2024-07-1045 minCorporate Competitor PodcastU.S. Navy Blue Angels Commander Alex Armatas shares how to build your high-trust organizationEp. 187: Absolute faith in each other is imperative among members of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels precision flying team, where soaring canopy-to-canopy at 500 mph is all part of a day’s work. In this episode, “Boss” Armatas – a former lacrosse and basketball player— teaches you how to build trust, repair trust, resist micromanaging, and debrief effectively! 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. -- Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 ye...
2024-07-0333 minCorporate Competitor PodcastAmeriLife Executive Brian Peterson says: When you think you have communicated enough, communicate one more time.Ep. 186: Basketball shaped Brian, who was the President and CEO of TruChoice Financial Group. He was the architect behind its construction before accepting his role at AmeriLife. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Brian’s insights. --- 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. Sp...
2024-06-2626 minCorporate Competitor PodcastEY Global CEO Carmine Di Sibio teaches how to develop a mentoring cultureEp. 185: Baseball shaped this leader originally from Italy, who manages a global workforce of 400,000 team members serving clients in 150 countries and generated an impressive $50 billion in revenue last year. You will learn lessons in: Turning mentorship into an expectation in your organization’s promotion structure. Using onboarding to hire employees who demonstrate a high probability of cultural fit. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Carmine’s insights. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than...
2024-06-1935 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLKQ Corporation Executive Genevieve Dombrowski wants to help you “steal” a victoryEp. 184: Ashland University basketball shaped this HR exec who learned a lesson in preparation while racking up double digit steals game after game. “I would study film of the point guard as she was running down looking over to the coach and calling the play, so I knew exactly where they were going to pass it,” she shared. Now she’s studying what happens at LKQ, where she never misses an earnings calI and the chance to meet with investors or to walk the floors of departments outside of HR to better understand the business and how she can...
2024-06-1236 minCorporate Competitor PodcastDimensional Fund Advisors Co-CEO Dave Butler says: Take something off your boss’ desk and bring it back better than expectedEp. 183: Cal Basketball shaped Dave who was drafted by the Boston Celtics, only to be denied an NBA career because of a player’s strike and injury. But he pivoted to a career in finance and now serves as Co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors. In the 25 years since he joined, the firm has grown from $10 billion in assets under management to nearly $700 billion. You will learn: How to use powerful storytelling to effect changes in corporate culture. How to hire “characters with character” rather than clones in your organization. The case for involving your most junior people...
2024-06-0541 minCorporate Competitor PodcastTarget CEO Brian Cornell asks: How can you immerse yourself with your team?Ep. 182: As a four-sport athlete, sports was one area that provided a level-playing field for Brian who grew up in Queens raised by his mom and grandparents. Coaching high school football helped pay his way through UCLA and now the chair and CEO of one of America’s most iconic companies, nearly 2,000-store Target, just shakes his head in wonder as he thinks about just how much he learned from watching UCLA’s John Wooden. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Br...
2024-05-2940 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFlorida Blue President and CEO Pat Geraghty wants you to “Make it a great day!”Ep. 181: Colgate Football shaped this leader whose family of companies serves more than 38.5 million people. You will learn how to model calm presence and total responsibility to your team when these qualities are needed most. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Pat’s insights. --- 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...
2024-05-2241 minCorporate Competitor PodcastNetflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph reveals the four words behind every company policy he createdEp. 180: Baseball shaped the founder of the company that grew to more than 250 million subscribers and fundamentally altered how the world experienced media. Lessons include: What playing second base taught Marc about the importance of good daily habits. Why Netflix decided to have no vacation policy or travel policy. How to develop managers to be excellent evaluators of talent. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Marc’s insights. --- Looking for a speaker for your next event...
2024-05-1546 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastGood Sports CEO Melissa Harper asks: Can you reduce your mission to a bumper sticker?Ep. 179: Field Hockey at the University of Pennsylvania shaped this non-profit leader. Good Sports – “a food bank for sporting goods” – just hit their $100 million donation milestone. If you are a leader who wants to learn how to make a larger impact through your clearly defined mission, you have much to learn from Melissa’s experience building Good Sports! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Melissa’s insights. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years...
2024-05-0831 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastGoogle Executive Sarah Madden Armstrong says: Nobody can honor boundaries they don’t know aboutEp. 164: Georgetown Volleyball shaped this leader’s career, which includes 20 years at The Coca-Cola Company, where she led Worldwide Agency Operations across 200 countries and was recognized as one of Advertising Age’s “Women to Watch.” In order to create a positive work-life balance, she learned how to set boundaries — but with one proviso. “Boundaries aren’t of any value if you don’t share them,” she noted. “People can’t honor boundaries they don’t know about.” Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resour...
2024-01-0337 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastBest-Selling Author Daniel Pink says: We overvalue intensity and undervalue consistency.Ep.159: “Being a professional is doing what you love to do even on days you don’t love doing it,” Daniel shared. This motto has netted him seven New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resource. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of intervie...
2023-10-2537 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastChicago Cubs Co-Owner Todd Ricketts says: Never expect anything you don’t earn.Ep. 153: This prominent businessman serves on the board of directors at TD Ameritrade, a company founded by his father, and acquired by Charles Schwab in 2020. Whether it is financial services or sports, Ricketts is a big believer in the power of culture, a belief that was reinforced after he donned a fake beard and glasses on Undercover Boss. Working odd jobs around Wrigley field, Ricketts discovered something that vindicated his family’s focus on culture: “a contagious love for the organization.” The leadership lesson, said Ricketts, is as clear and crisp as a walk-off homer: “People sho...
2023-08-0226 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastPerformance Psychologist Jim Loehr says: Know your stress limit so you don’t come apartEp. 152: Baseball and tennis shaped this co-founder of the Human Performance Institute. In the episode and BONUS RESOURCE Jim shares his philosophy and practical approaches to building healthy and high-performance teams, including: Listening to the most important coach no one hears but you. How to reset your energy to be fully present and positive at work and at home. Keeping that engagement-promoting hormone oxytocin flowing through your team. If these lessons resonated with you, connect with me and my team at maxwellleadership.com/don and together we can next-level your company culture! Special thanks to Cade...
2023-07-1939 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastSavannah Bananas Owner Jesse Cole says: At heart I am still a kid just trying to make my dad proud.Ep. 144: Jesse is BACK as our first repeat guest to talk about our new book Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas. Whether at the ballpark, on social media, onstage delivering keynotes, or in features for ESPN, Jesse continues to create fans all over the world. The Bananas have sold out every game since their first season and have a waitlist for tickets in the thousands. They have entertained millions of fans in Savannah and at ballparks all over their country on their Banana Ball Tour. Listen now and take notes on our free B...
2023-05-0339 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastLongtime Apple and Burberry Executive Angela Ahrendts reminds us we are all in the "people business.”Ep. 140: Tennis and gymnastics shaped Angela who has been named to the Forbes Most Powerful Women list an incredible EIGHT times. Today she serves on the Board of Ralph Lauren, AirBnb, and Save the Children International, a charity focused on improving the lives of at-risk children worldwide. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. +If these lessons resonated with you, connect with me and my team at maxwellleadership.com/don and together we can next-level your company culture! Special thanks to Kyle Smedley and Samantha Clark for making thi...
2023-04-0534 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastEquitable President Nick Lane asks: How do you keep score?Ep.139: Princeton Lacrosse shaped this leader who won two national championships under legendary coach Bill Tierney. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resource. You will learn: 8:00 How to emphasize the power or "we" on your team. 15:00 The level of employee interaction required to achieve success. 18:30 The difference between being accountable and responsible. 27:00 How to identify a meaningful friend or mentor. If these lessons resonated with you, connect with me and my team at maxwellleadership.com/don and together we can next-level your company cul...
2023-03-2935 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastLongtime Retirement Advisors of America CEO Ron Simmons says: To build trust have “no agenda” meetingsEp. 138 Football and baseball shaped Chairman of Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Ron Simmons developed the practice of holding a 20-minute meeting with each of his team members with “no agenda other than getting to know each other.” “I learned early on that if I wanted to be able to accomplish things, I needed to have my colleagues trust me,” Simmons said. “If you can develop a personal bond with someone, then when some conflict arises, you can melt it away a lot better by drawing on your understanding of the person.” +Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode...
2023-03-2242 minCorporate Competitor PodcastWD-40 President & CEO Steve Brass asks: Are you listening with the intention of being influenced?Ep. 137: Cricket shaped the leader who grew up in Yorkshire, England where “the humans were outnumbered by the sheep.” Leave it to the CEO of WD-40 to figure out a way to smooth out the squeaks in his company’s culture, but that’s exactly what the company’s new boss Steve Brass did on day one of becoming the leader of a brand whose name has become synonymous with making things operate better. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resource. If these lessons res...
2023-03-1533 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastMOD Pizza Co-Founder and CEO Scott Svenson reminds us that culture travels through stories.Ep. 136: Harvard Football shaped this "business athlete" who bakes his company's purpose into his product while leading his 12,000 employees. Scott founded Seattle Coffee Company in London before selling it to Starbucks and serving as the President of Starbucks Europe. In 2008, Scott and his wife Ally founded MOD Pizza in Seattle, a fast-casual restaurant chain that offers artisan-style pizzas and salads, and today they have 500 locations across America. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resource. +If these lessons resonated with you, connect wi...
2023-03-0845 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastLeadership Expert John C. Maxwell asks: Do you know the top time-waster in leaders’ lives?Ep. 135 REWIND EPISODE: To celebrate John’s new book The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, we are throwing it back to one of our first episodes. John began practicing leadership as a sophomore on the Circleville, Ohio High School basketball team, when was named captain. “He might be the youngest,” his coach said to the team, “but there is nobody here that wants you to succeed as much as John.” It’s no stretch to say that what was true then remains true of his team at Maxwell Leadership, as well as the countless teams they have coached and inspired...
2023-03-0141 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastSiriusXM CMO Denise Karkos shares how to coach confidenceEp. 134: Notre Dame Soccer Captain and Ad Age CMO of the Year encourages you to keep a “happy folder” of nice notes and projects you are proud of so that when you exerpience low points you can revisit the folder and get a little boost. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is “Build Trustworthy Relationships” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions for this episode. Click here to download the bonus resource. Bring Don Yaeger’s inspiration and tools for culture transformation to your team! Connect with us here. Special thanks to Haley Rose and Sam...
2023-02-2244 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastBridgewater Associates Chief Legal Officer Tracey Brady Yurko says: Learn to figure it out.Ep. 133: Johns Hopkins Lacrosse shaped Tracey who offers insights into skills that may not fit naturally on the resumé but belong in any true leadership toolkit. These include: How to give honest feedback that promotes learning without hurting people’s feelings. Why learning to flex your “feedback muscle” is critical to mentoring in today’s workplace. The real reason effective leaders ought to practice being calm in times of crisis. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions. Click here to download the bonus resource. If these lessons resonated with you, connect w...
2023-02-1532 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastCigna’s Mike Triplett says: As you advance, reach back and bring someone with you.Ep. 132: Football shaped the leader in charge of Cigna’s U.S. employer group business market strategy, sales, and local community engagement initiatives. Some people view corporate success as climbing a ladder, Mike Triplett views it as crossing a bridge, and he takes special care never to cross a bridge without bringing someone along who contributed to his success. Our BONUS RESOURCE includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions for this episode Click here to download the bonus resource. +You can now bring host Don Yaeger’s inspiration and tools for culture transformation to your team! Conn...
2023-02-0841 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastThe Wonderful Company CFO Stephen Howe asks: Are you aware of what happens when you walk in the room?Ep. 131: Oxford Basketball shaped Stephen whose portfolio includes brands like FIJI Water, Halos Mandarins, POM Wonderful, and JUSTIN Wines. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is “What Happens When You Walk in the Room?” which includes fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions from today’s episode. Click here to download the bonus resource. If these lessons resonated with you, connect with me and my team at maxwellleadership.com/don and together we can next-level your company culture! Special thanks to Brian Schnorr and Haley Rose for making this episode possible.
2023-01-2535 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastIBM Global Executive Stacie Mason asks: How do you know what to say if you haven’t listened?Ep. 130: When Stacie asks a client, “How do we compare to the competition,” she’s not going through the motions or being polite. She’s showing interest and creating a respectful environment in which honesty can develop—and she’s not afraid of what she might hear. Listeners to this episode will learn: 9:00 Growth questions every leader should ask themselves. 14:30 How to determine if you are a leader or a manager. 20:00 How to blindspot-proof your leadership team. 24:00 Three leadership qualities every mentor should develop with their mentees. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is “How to Receive Feedb...
2023-01-1833 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastTrend Micro COO Kevin Simzer says: Make Your Employees Feel Like SuperheroesEp. 129: Hockey shaped this cybersecurity executive, an industry with zero unemployment and three million open jobs on any given day. Download our “Make Your Employees Feel Like Superheroes” BONUS RESOURCE for this episode! If these lessons resonated with you, connect with me and my team at maxwellleadership.com/don and together we can next-level your company culture! Special thanks to Samuel Manley and Nico Finol for making this episode possible.
2023-01-1129 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastBest of 2022: Formulas for Success with Maxwell Leadership Executive Vice President Chris GoedeReflection episode: After more than 100 conversations with leaders from companies like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Google, I've learned that sports not only taught our guests great lessons that translate to business, but it is a common denominator that makes them more relatable. For our last episode of 2022, I invited Maxwell Leadership Executive Vice President Chris Goede to our reflection episode to talk about his favorite episodes and specifically the formulas shared. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is “Formulas For Success” which includes six formulas and one reflection question. Click here to download the bonus resource.
2022-12-2829 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastThe Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Co-Founder Horst Schulze (Part 2)Ep. 124: We’re back for part 2 with the leader behind the phrase “Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” Download our free BONUS RESOURCE for reflection questions that will empower your team and listen for lessons in: 5:30 The difference between mission and vision 7:00 How to hire for purpose, not function. 8:00 How to frame a common objective in a way that unifies people. 9:00 Horst Schulze’s definition of a team. 12:00 What you gain by “selecting” people to work with you rather than “hiring” them. 13:30 The one thing that must b...
2022-12-0722 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastThe Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Co-Founder Horst Schulze (Part 1)Ep. 123: Become the best in a world of compromise in the first of our two-part series with longtime COO and President of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Download our free BONUS RESOURCE for reflection questions that will empower your team and listen for lessons in: 7:00 How to next-level your organization’s purpose statement. 10:30 The difference between management and leadership. 13:45 Three things every customer expects. 15:00 The fastest way to develop customer loyalty. 18:00 The non-negotiables that form the backbone of Ritz-Carlton’s culture. If these lessons resonated with you, connect with Don and his team at maxwellleadership.com/don a...
2022-11-3028 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastWarrick Dunn, NFL Running Back and Florida State legend, says: Use adversity as fuel.Ep. 118: REWIND EPISODE: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of his charity, Homes for the Holidays, we are throwing it back to one of the first episodes we recorded. Warrick Dunn has now given homes to more than 200 single parents, and Don began sharing Warrick’s story to audiences all around the world as part of his keynote speech that teaches the 10 Elements of Well-Told Story. Don takes each audience member through a journey from their scribbled-down ideas to a place where they can tell their story in a way that provides lasting impact and deeper relationships. +If yo...
2022-10-2640 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastHarvest Restaurant Group CEO Chip Grabowski asks: Is your culture hug-worthyEp. 107: New Jersey’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year shares 3 questions every leader needs to ask their employees weekly – a lesson he learned from his Hall of Fame Hockey Coach Jacques Lemaire. Visit CorporateCompetitorpodcast.com/107 for Don's episode notes and reflection questions. 9:00 How to be a consummate learner, not only from your industry but also from others. 13:30 How to better communicate to your internal team. 14:30 Three questions every leader needs to ask their teams weekly. 18:30 How to determine if your culture is “Hug-Worthy?” 21:30 How to increase the level of belief wi...
2022-08-1036 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastMammoth President Jake Farrant asks: Do you have the courage to eliminate dysfunction from your team?Ep. 90: Jake is the founder of one of the fastest-growing sports construction companies with clients that include the NFL, SEC, Big 12, and hundreds of high schools around the country. “Above all,” he shares, “If you aspire to leadership, don't just perform well yourself, bring out the best in other people." You will learn: How the New Orleans Saints’ field made its way to Jake’s High School in Kansas. How Mammoth uses “small-town” values to generate big-time results. How to be optimistic and opportunistic. Visit https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-90/ for a free gift and today’s show n...
2022-04-0637 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastWNBA All-Star and Nike Leader Michelle Snow says: Playing for Pat Summitt changed how I communicate.Ep. 84: Tennessee Basketball shaped the first woman to dunk in a nationally televised basketball game. At six-foot-five inches tall, the Pensacola native commands a sweeping view of the impact sports can have on business leadership. “As you progress in your life, you’ll only be alone if you don't bring someone along with you,” she observed. Michelle has been mentored by some of the best and she constantly reaches back to make sure that she is bringing others along. Visit https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-84/ for free access to Michelle’s Brilliant Brainstorming workbook! Episode breakdown...
2022-02-2351 minCorporate Competitor PodcastSpecial Edition: John C. Maxwell takes over as host to interview Don YaegerEp. 81: Football and basketball shaped Don Yaeger! This episode caps off a month of podcasts featuring John C. Maxwell’s League of Extraordinary Leaders: Joel Manby, Valorie Burton, Tim Elmore, and Jeff Henderson. In this episode, you will learn: How to establish rapport during an interview. Why Michael Jordan opened up to Don about his relationship with his father. How you can be invaluable without being most valuable. What Don is best known for on the basketball court. (Hint: It’s not his vertical.) Subscribe here for a free ebook on How to Build Great Teams and today’s show no...
2022-02-0229 minCorporate Competitor Podcast2021 Behind the Scenes with host Don Yaeger and producer Savannah GallagherEp. 76: In the spirit of year-end reflection, Don Yaeger uses the last episode of 2021 as a chance to invite podcast producer Savannah Gallagher on the show for a fun behind-the-scenes look recording the first 75 episodes of Corporate Competitor Podcast. Visit http://podcast-subscribe.donyaeger.com/ for a free gift when you subscribe! Their energetic conversation includes: The emotional connection made with longtime Sony Pictures TV Chairman Steve Mosko Previewing a project with National Champion Baylor Basketball Coach Scott Drew. Revealing a NEW partnership with John C. Maxwell as Don joins his ‘League of Extraordinary Leaders.’ Three...
2021-12-2920 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPersonal Development Guru Becky Bursell says: Sign your name at the end of everyday.Ep. 75: John Maxwell Company’s Executive Vice President offers her success secrets for executives looking for ways to unleash their team’s motivations and make the best use of their time. “People don't lack a hope and a dream, they lack a leader and a plan.” You will learn: How to motivate your team by listening to their dreams and hopes. Motivating yourself (and your team) by replacing perfection with purpose. Devoting more precious time and energy to things you're good at. How taking a moment to reflect on, and bring closure to, every day helps you prior...
2021-12-2235 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPro-football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton says: Don’t sit back and accept your fate.Ep. 68: Minnesota Vikings football shaped this business icon. Fran Tarkenton played professional football for 18 years! He reinvented the position of quarterback by honing the craft of scrambling with the ball rather than allowing himself to be sacked by opposing defenders. Today, the 81-year-old CEO, who has founded more than 20 businesses, hasn’t slowed down one bit. You will learn: The business lesson he learned playing at Georgia. Why he values curiosity above all other leadership qualities. The surprising football failure that continues to fuel his drive for business success. Visit https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-68/ for a fr...
2021-11-0341 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFormer Denver Bronco Rafe Wilkinson says: Once a decision is made, agreement is optional, commitment is not.Ep. 63: Rafe played linebacker for a Super Bowl Denver Broncos team and considered coaching until his entrepreneurial drive kicked into gear and led him to buy ODS Security Solutions. Over 15 years, he led the company through explosive growth, increasing his workforce from a team of 30 to more than 1,000. In 2016, he became a co-founding partner of CEO Coaching International with twelve-time triathlete Mark Moses. Whether he is coaching a client or a member of his team, Rafe believes in using difficult conversations to forge the best possible solutions, with the proviso that once a decision is made, agreement may be o...
2021-09-2940 minCorporate Competitor PodcastPresident and CEO of First Command Mark Steffe Says: Don’t just tell people to get to a better place — help them.Ep. 62: Football, basketball, and track shaped Mark Steffe, an Illinois native responsible for guiding First Command Financial Services in its efforts to make lifelong financial security possible for all military families. When an employee isn’t performing up to snuff, Mark wants his supervisors to avoid telling them to sell more, deliver more, get better results, work harder, and the like. Instead, he wants the leaders to “roll up their sleeves, get their hands a little bit dirty and help people get to a better place—not just tell them to get to a better place.” Today...
2021-09-2242 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLokai Founder and CEO Steven Izen Says, “Don’t Cut Corners.”Ep. 61: Cornell track and field shaped this entrepreneur. Lokai’s brand of beaded bracelets has become a phenomenon sold in 5,000 locations in 170 countries. The bracelets each contain a droplet of mud from the Dead Sea and water from Mount Everest to represent the highs and lows of earth and of life. Steven paid his dues going “door-to-door” around New York City, trying to get stores to display his bracelets, and was rejected 95 percent of the time. Eventually, his hard work (and his discovery by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Cam Newton, and Blake Lively) helped the company turn the cor...
2021-09-1532 minCorporate Competitor PodcastHealthcare Executive Quint Studer teaches how to multiply your team’s creativityEp. 56: Baseball shaped this great leader who has served as the president of Baptist Hospital and founded his own businesses serving his two passions: healthcare excellence and strong communities. Many have read his books on leadership and business operations. Studer co-owns the Pensacola Blue Wahoos minor league baseball team with golf great Bubba Watson. The little-known team grabbed headlines in 2020 after the COVID pandemic shut down normal operations when they turned the stadium into a giant Airbnb. The creative venture brought in revenue to the team provided a much-needed source of entertainment during the pandemic...
2021-08-1140 minCorporate Competitor PodcastFormer NBA Player Charles Smith asks: Is versatility your blessing or your curse?Ep. 51: Pittsburgh Basketball and 10 years in the NBA shaped this entrepreneur. Charles Smith played with the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs. During that window, he was often asked to assume new roles, sometimes mid-season. The one skill he worked on constantly was shot blocking, and still today he ranks in the NBA’s top one percent of all-time shot blockers. After retiring, he participated in the Executive Entrepreneurs program at Stanford University and has recently partnered with Fierce Inc., a global leadership development and training company whose client roster includes Apple, Coca Cola...
2021-07-0738 minCorporate Competitor PodcastLongtime Sony Pictures TV Chairman Steve Mosko asks: How do you show composure when the world around you is crumbling?Ep. 49: Delaware Lacrosse is just one of the FUN experiences Steve shares with Don Yaeger. Learn how spiking a football in high school impacted his first meeting with Jerry Seinfield. Really. Then he walks us through when 10 years of his Sony emails were stolen and released to the world by hackers. Finally, he details his experience working with Peyton Manning as host of his newest show, “College Bowl.” Listen to our conversation and then tune into College Bowl Tuesday nights on NBC! Visit https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-49/ for a free gift and today’s show no...
2021-06-2146 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastDisney CEO Bob Chapek says: Develop the greatest strength in the world — willpowerEp. 40: Chapek traces his remarkable journey, from humble roots running cross country in America’s industrial heartland to running one of the world’s most iconic companies. Listeners looking to sharpen their presentation and leadership skills will receive a mini-tutorial from the master himself as Bob shows how he has turned “overpreparation” into an art form, including his patented “pencils down” process. Visit https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-40/ for today's show notes and a free chapter of Don's best-selling book on how to build great teams.
2021-04-2142 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastNASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick asks: Are you valuing your people over profits?Ep. 27: NASCAR Hall of Famer, Rick Hendrick, grew up on his family’s farm and turned his passion for the automobile into several successful business ventures. This episode explores the ultimate formula for keeping your team revved up. Hendrick believes open, honest, and frequent communication is the make or break skill separating those who get to victory lane and those who don’t. Visit Episode 27 of corporatecompetitorpodcast.com for a free gift and today’s show notes!
2021-01-2041 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastBehind the Scenes with host Don Yaeger and producer Savannah GallagherEp. 24 In the spirit of year-end reflection, Don Yaeger uses the last episode of 2020 as a chance to invite podcast producer, Savannah Gallagher, on the show for a fun behind the scenes look recording Corporate Competitor Podcast. You will learn the “why” behind the podcast and get to laugh at the hilarious “off-mic” moments with the world’s best business leaders. Visit corporatecompetitorpodcast.com for a free gift and today’s show notes!
2020-12-3028 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastJohn Wooden’s UCLA player, Swen Nater, shares Coach’s lessons and legacyEp. 23: UCLA Basketball shaped this business icon. I had the unbelievable good fortune to have legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, as a mentor. One day, Coach Wooden said, “Don, I want to tell you the story of one of the greatest players to ever play for me… Swen Nater.” In this episode, we will dive into his incredible story and learn a valuable lesson: We will never outperform our inner circle. Visit Episode #23 of corporatecompetitorpodcast.com for a free gift and today’s show notes!
2020-12-2342 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastSpecial Edition: How One Game Changed the SouthEp. 7 SPECIAL EDITION: We know how sports shapes executives, but in this special edition, we discuss how sports shaped society. September 12th is the 50th anniversary of a game that, many would argue, completely changed college football. Bear Bryant, who was still coaching an all-white football team at Alabama in 1970, slyly pulled off a game against a fully integrated Southern Cal team in a game many credited with opening the door to the full-scale integration of Southern college football. In this bonus episode, Don Yaeger will start by telling you the story as it was ch...
2020-09-1132 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastBlack Entertainment Television Media President Louis Carr asks: Can You Overcome Two Pandemics?Ep. 2: Drake track and field shaped this business icon. Louis Carr's story encourages us to set impactful goals, work harder than everybody else, and refine our mental skills. You will learn the power of competing against yourself as Don Yaeger interviews the man responsible for more advertising dollars targeting African-American consumers than any other professional or company in history. Louis Carr has led an incredible 21 straight years of advertising revenue growth. His athletic accolades are as impressive as his corporate leadership success. Louis was the co-captain of the 1974 State Champion Track Team at Lane Tech high school in Chicago a...
2020-08-1146 min
Corporate Competitor PodcastCorporate Competitor Podcast TrailerWhat do most Fortune 500 executives have in common? They learned their leadership 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 New York Times Best-Selling Author Don Yaeger on his journey to sit with the brightest executives in the world as we discuss how sports shaped their professional trajectory in life. Our first episode with Topgolf CEO, Dolf Berle, is coming Wednesday, August 5th and this preview...
2020-07-1006 min