Shows
Grand Slam Journey84. Maciek Szczesniak︱Unleashing SMB Growth Through TrustPicture this: a technology salesperson walks into a meeting armed with impressive specs—gigabytes, terabytes, processing power—only to face a small business owner who simply asks, "What will this do for my business?" This fundamental disconnect lies at the heart of why so many technology companies struggle to serve the massive small and medium business (SMB) market effectively.In this conversation, "Magic" Maciek Szczesniak draws from his 25-year journey through Compaq, HP, HPE, and as a Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at B2SMB Institute to unpack the critical differences between enterprise and SMB technology sales. "SMBs don...2025-05-241h 21Grand Slam Journey83. Tennis Tuesdays: 🎾 Master your Tennis GameThis episode was produced by Google Notebook LLM using my latest blog post on my website: https://www.grandslamjourney.com/post/tennis-tuesdaysI'm curious what you think about it. I found this a fun experiment. https://notebooklm.google/Send us a text8 EIGHT SLEEPSave $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustmentLEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEARGet 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performanceDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I...2025-04-2608 minGrand Slam Journey82. James Hilovsky︱From Baseball Gloves to Franchise SuccessUnlock the secrets of transforming athletic discipline into entrepreneurial success with our special guest, James Hilovsky, a former minor league baseball player who now helms the FranDream. In this episode, we tackle the myth that franchising is just about food and restaurants, revealing opportunities in diverse fields, from pest control to pickleball clubs. James takes us through his journey of swapping baseball gloves for business strategies, showing how the competitive mindset from sports is a golden ticket to thriving franchise ownership.We explore how athletes' natural teamwork and discipline translate seamlessly into managing and growing a franchise...2024-08-251h 04Grand Slam Journey81. Dre Baldwin︱Unlocking Success through Communication, Content Creation, and MarketingUnlock the secrets to maximizing your potential with our special guest, Dre Baldwin, a former Professional Basketball player turned entrepreneur, coach, and speaker. How do skills like communication, energy, and salesmanship multiply your success? Dre takes us through his unique journey from the basketball court to the boardroom, highlighting why mastering the art of selling matters more than just doing. Learn his top strategies for content creation, busting myths about video length, and standing out in a saturated market.Ever struggled with balancing new projects while maintaining quality? We tackle this head-on, discussing how to overcome perfectionism...2024-08-111h 44Grand Slam Journey80. Dre Baldwin︱Slam Dunk Strategies for Basketball, Life and Entrepreneurial GreatnessEver wondered how the discipline of sports can catapult you into a life of entrepreneurial success? Join me as I sit down with former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur Dre Baldwin to reveal how the lessons from the court can translate into boardroom victories. Dre, known for his "Work On Your Game" philosophy, dives into his personal story of grit and determination, demonstrating how mental toughness and the ability to handle critical feedback are invaluable beyond the bounds of sports.This episode isn't just about scoring points and mastering life skills. We'll unpack the nuances of transitioning...2024-05-261h 40Grand Slam Journey79. Announcements and What's NextThank you all for tuning in. I share some reflections on the past almost 1.5 years of creating content and releasing episodes on a weekly basis, as well as announcements of what's next.I would appreciate it if you could share some feedback with me as I think through how to iterate on this podcast. Send me an email to share your feedback: klara@grandslamjourney.comOr submit it on my website: https://www.grandslamjourney.com/feedbackIf you are unsure what to share, here are some sample questions: 1. If this podcast was...2024-05-2106 minGrand Slam Journey78. Nicole Wieberneit︱Skiing to Success: Lessons from the German Alps to Microsoft Leadership 🇺🇸Step into the dynamic world of visionary leadership and strategic innovation with Dr. Nicole Wieberneit, the Managing Director of Sales Strategy and Business Architecture Cross Solutions at Microsoft, whose journey from competitive skiing to global leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Our latest episode reveals how Nicole integrates Key Performance Indicators into her leadership style and the significance of celebrating team milestones. Her tales, from the snowy slopes of the German Alps to the boardrooms of tech titans, reveal the resilience and dedication needed to thrive in today's business ecosystem.From the intricacies of family dynamics and c...2024-05-151h 16Grand Slam Journey77. George Mulhern︱Game, Set, Lead: Winning Strategies for Tennis, Tech, and Business LeadershipDiscover the intertwined worlds of professional sports and corporate strategy as we sit down with business and tech titan George Mulhern, the former CEO of Cradlepoint. George shares his unique perspective on how the competitive drive and quick decision-making honed on the tennis courts served as the perfect training ground for his meteoric rise in the business world. From his early aspirations of professional tennis to leading Cradlepoint to a billion-dollar acquisition by Ericsson, George's journey is a masterclass in leveraging life lessons from sports for corporate excellence and relentless improvement.Throughout our conversation, we delve into...2024-05-041h 20Grand Slam Journey76. Daniel Gluck︱Game, Set, Invest: From Tennis Prodigy to Investment Guru @ GroundForce CapitalEmbark on a journey with Dan Gluck, a former competitive tennis player who's aced his way into the investment world as the co-founder and managing partner at Ground Force Capital. Join us as we explore the unique parallels between the discipline of sports and the dynamism of finance and entrepreneurship. Dan's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of a sports mindset in the boardroom, underscoring the vital role of physical well-being in achieving professional excellence. His tale is one of strategic rebranding and impactful investing, where the pursuit of robust financial returns goes hand-in-hand with fostering human...2024-04-301h 10Grand Slam Journey75. Paul F. Austin︱Navigating the Journey of Psychedelics: Intention, Integration & Safe ExplorationEmbark on a journey with us as we unravel the mysteries of psychedelics with the inimitable Paul F. Austin, founder of Third Wave. From the shackles of guilt and shame to a world of liberation and insight, Paul shares his extraordinary path, guiding us through the wilderness where ancient wisdom meets scientific inquiry. Together, we traverse the landscape of personal transformation, where psychedelics illuminate the canvas of our deepest selves, enabling us to sculpt the life we've always imagined.This episode is a mosaic of shared experiences and sage advice, depicting the careful orchestration required for guided...2024-04-2352 minGrand Slam Journey74. James de Lacey︱Strength Training for Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and LongevityUnlock the secrets to unwavering commitment in your physical and professional pursuits as strength and conditioning sage James de Lacey joins us on a compelling odyssey through consistent performance. Let James, armed with a wealth of experience, unravel the myth that perfection trumps persistence. Together, we dismantle some of the fitness industry's most stubborn myths, providing clear-cut guidance for those on a quest to amplify their muscle mass and bolster their strength.Witness the transformation of James de Lacey from tennis to strength and conditioning virtuoso, a journey sparked by a knee injury that steered him toward...2024-04-181h 19Grand Slam Journey73. Mona de Lacey︱Mental Game of Champions: Overcoming Challenges, Resilience and WinningEmbark on an inspiring journey with Mona Pretorius de Lacey, the karate world champion turned Olympic weightlifting powerhouse. She shares the mental fortitude that propelled her to the pinnacle of three sports: Karate, Olympic weightlifting, and CrossFit. Her candid revelations about tackling the psychological hurdles of Olympic weightlifting and the versatility needed to switch disciplines serve as a masterclass in mental resilience. Mona's narrative is a testament to the indomitable spirit of female athletes everywhere as she weaves through tales of personal triumphs and societal challenges.This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of...2024-04-151h 16
Grand Slam Journey72. Ode to My Grandmother︱A Life of Love, Strength, Grace, and WisdomAs I weave through the cherished memories of my grandmother's 91-year long life, a poignant tapestry of love, strength, and wisdom unfurls. Her time as a telegraph operator, her exceptional marriage, and the life lessons she embedded in the fabric of our family's history are stories I hold close to my heart. In this intimate episode, I invite you into our family circle to celebrate her legacy, sharing how she transformed the scarcity of her youth into a life rich with abundance and leadership—principles that she instilled in us through her exceptional culinary delights and her daily embodiment of...2024-04-0225 minGrand Slam Journey71. Jeanette Irekvist︱President Ericsson Canada on Leading Through Change and Future of Telecom and AIEmbarking on a leadership journey fraught with challenges and triumphs, I had the pleasure of engaging in an intimate conversation with Jeanette Irekvist, President of Ericsson Canada. From her modest beginnings in a small Swedish town to steering a tech giant, Jeanette's narrative is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the necessity of delivering exceptional work and navigating professional disagreements with grace. Tune in to uncover how embracing cultural diversity has been pivotal in fostering a collaborative atmosphere within her team, and how fairness has become the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.Navigating the complexities of leadership, particularly...2024-03-201h 16Grand Slam Journey70. Mandy Marquardt︱27x US National Champ on Crushing Records & Creating History with Type 1 DiabetesWhen Mandy Marquardt wheels into the spotlight, her story unfolds with more twists and turns than a high-velocity velodrome. Mandy is a Professional Track Sprint Cyclist living and racing with type 1 diabetes for the USA Cycling National Team and Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team. In this episode, the 27-time US National Champion, 5-time American Record Holder, 2-time Pan American Games Medalist, and Olympic hopeful shares an empowering narrative of conquering type 1 diabetes and sprinting beyond her limits. With each chapter, we journey through Mandy's aspirations, her emotional battles after a life-altering diagnosis, a...2024-03-121h 25Grand Slam Journey69. Eve Psalti: Are we on the eve of an AI revolution?, Leadership, and Empowering WomenEver pondered the intersection of technology and human creativity? Join me as I sit with Eve Psalti, a luminary from Microsoft Azure AI and ex-Google Cloud guru who passionately advocates for women's ascent in tech leadership. Our spirited exchange traverses the landscape of self-advocacy and confidence for women, distinguishing the finesse of networking for career upliftment from the simple joys of friendship-building. With Eve's remarkable insight drawn from her roles and serving on the WE Global Studios board, we carve a path through the entangled forest of gender equality and leadership in the tech wilderness.The tapestry...2024-03-051h 05Grand Slam Journey68. John Neville︱Ace Your Life: Leadership and Transforming Challenges into OpportunitiesWhen words cross paths with destiny, they can ignite a journey beyond our wildest imaginations. Join me alongside the multi-industry maestro John Neville as we share tales of transformation and the profound influence tennis, business, and technology have had on our lives. From a serendipitous elevator pitch that catapulted my career into a new orbit at Ericsson to the woven intricacies of trust and positive reinforcement, our dialogue is a testament to the power of communication. We celebrate the swift passage of life, reminding listeners to indulge in passions that go beyond the material, for it's these pursuits that...2024-02-2751 minGrand Slam Journey67. Lee Zohlman: Chief Commercial Officer Juncos Hollinger Racing︱Speeding Towards SuccessUnlock the secrets of mental toughness as Lee Zohlman, Chief Commercial Officer for Juncos Hollinger Racing, joins me on a riveting exploration of endurance sports and high-stakes motorsports. In our chat, we unearth the fascinating parallels between the resilience of athletes and the strategic savvy needed in the fast-paced world of racing. Discover how the relentless pursuit of incremental gains and unwavering attention to detail are shared traits that transcend the track and trail, offering valuable lessons for triumph in any endeavor.Prepare to be captivated by the fusion of raw human potential and cutting-edge technology in...2024-02-211h 10Grand Slam Journey66. Cole Crawford: Founder and CEO of Vapor on Breaking Boundaries in Tech with a Tennis MindsetAs the racquet meets the ball, there's more at play than just a game of tennis; there's a world of strategy, resilience, and adaptability that mirrors the high-stakes realm of tech entrepreneurship. That's something Cole Crawford, the tech entrepreneur and former tennis pro, knows all too well. Join us on an exhilarating journey where we trace Cole's footsteps from the baseline of the court to the frontline of cutting-edge technology. We cover the inception of Vapor IO and how it's redefining the internet landscape, delve into the synergy between sportsmanship and business savvy, and discuss the potential of edge...2024-02-051h 55Grand Slam Journey65. Andrew McConnell: Get Out My Head - Mindset for Personal and Professional MasteryWhen Andrew McConnell steps up to the mic, you know you're in for a tour de force of entrepreneurial wisdom woven with personal anecdotes that hit close to the bone. A former competitive long-distance swimmer turned lawyer, consultant, and business creator, Andrew lays bare the transformative journey from defining oneself by titles to embracing a life led by true passion. The birth of his daughter and growing love for writing emerge as turning points, alongside his embrace of stoicism and a compelling argument for prioritizing effort over talent. As we unpack these layers, the conversation becomes a masterclass on...2024-01-241h 31Grand Slam Journey64. Loretta Breuning: Why You’re Unhappy: Biology vs PoliticsUnlock the mysteries of your mind with Loretta Breuning Ph.D. as we explore the biological roots of unhappiness and the societal structures that sway our emotions. Our riveting chat strips away the veneer of societal expectations to reveal how our primal instincts for protection and social hierarchy affect our feelings and actions. Loretta Breuning, with her profound insights from "Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics," challenges the misconception that feeling down is a disorder, encouraging us to perceive it as a natural biological function.Prepare to reshape your understanding of neural plasticity as we examine the p...2024-01-101h 20Grand Slam Journey63. Albert Matheny: PROMIX Founder and CEO︱The Journey to Superior Health, Fitness, and Human Performance with Nutritional InnovatorUnlock the secrets of peak performance with Albert Matheny, the ingenious founder of PROMIX, as he unravels the intricate relationship between athlete nutrition and the U.S. food industry's shortcomings. This episode isn't just a deep dive; it's a full-scale expedition into the personal transformation of an endurance athlete turned visionary CEO, revealing the flawed one-size-fits-all dietary standards and how small, consistent changes can revolutionize athletic prowess. Join us for a journey through the rocky terrain of outdated nutritional advice and discover a path to a more truthful food system.Navigating the murky waters of the nutrition a...2024-01-041h 22Grand Slam Journey62. Waqar Shaikh: Mastering the Marathon of Technology Leadership - Discipline Drives SuccessEver wondered how the discipline from your morning jog could be the secret sauce behind your work achievements? Waqar Shaikh, an accomplished tech executive and endurance athlete, joins us from Karachi's bustling streets to the innovative corridors of T-Mobile, Google Cloud, and Accenture, unraveling this intricate web. His story is a testament to how applying sports principles to professional life can inspire growth, instilling vital traits such as persistence and meticulous attention to detail.Childhood memories often include scraped knees and impromptu games of tag, but for Waqar, they were the building blocks for his illustrious career...2023-12-301h 15Grand Slam Journey61. Trevor McLaughlin: Tech-Lifestyle Synergy, Health Fads, the Future of Wireless Connectivity, and ChristmasAs we wave goodbye to the year gone by, we're not just making resolutions; we're dissecting the intricate dance of technology and lifestyle that keeps us on our toes. Jump right in with us as we reflect on the wireless community's ingenuity and ponder what 2024 may bring in the telecommunications space, specifically private networks. Trevor McLaughlin joins the conversation, bringing a splash of cold reality to the hot debate on health fads like cold plunging. And while we're at it, we send a hearty thanks your way – our listeners – for turning our little podcast into a flourishing community....2023-12-2245 minGrand Slam Journey60. Ben Smith: Redefining Leadership and Holistic Health with Integrated WellnessAre you ready to redefine your perception of leadership, relationships, and holistic health? We prepared a power-packed conversation with fitness and nutrition coach, army veteran, and entrepreneur Ben Smith. Having transitioned from a decorated military life to becoming an Integrated Wellness Coach, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring personal journey that encapsulates the essence of health, both mental and physical. Ben opens up about his identity crisis and how he found solace in fitness and nutrition. He explains how he uses physical health as a stepping stone to mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Plus...2023-12-141h 28Grand Slam Journey59. Brett W Smith: Former World Champion Boxer on Shattering Ceilings, Navigating the Human Experience, EntrepreneurshipWhat if you could redefine your limits and ignite your potential? Embarking on this journey with us is none other than former world champion boxer turned entrepreneur and coach, Brett W Smith. We delve into Brett's sportive escapades, personal explorations, and endeavors of mental toughness, exploring his pathway to success as he shattered societal ceilings and navigated life's untamed waves. From the heart of Sydney to the depths of the Egyptian seas, Brett's life is a saga of courage, resilience, and an undying spirit. Brett's candid recounting of his athletic journey and transition to coaching is nothing...2023-12-061h 40