Shows
The Founders CatalystEpisode 022: Reassessing, Refocusing, and Reclaiming Direction Mid-YearLee Povey and Steve Mellor are leadership coaches and hosts of The Founders Catalyst, a podcast dedicated to helping founders, executives, and rising leaders navigate the complexities of personal and professional growth. With decades of combined experience in elite sports, executive coaching, and team development, Lee and Steve offer real-world insights, sharp coaching tools, and thought-provoking conversations for the modern leader.📝 Episode Summary:As Q2 wraps and the second half of the year begins, many leaders find themselves questioning: Are we still on track? In this timely and thought-provoking epi...2025-06-2338 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 021: Not Everyone Thinks Like You - And That’s the Challenge of LeadershipLee Povey and Steve Mellor are leadership coaches and hosts of The Founders Catalyst, a podcast dedicated to helping founders, executives, and rising leaders navigate the complexities of personal and professional growth. With decades of combined experience in elite sports, executive coaching, and team development, Lee and Steve offer real-world insights, sharp coaching tools, and thought-provoking conversations for the modern leader.📝 Episode Summary: In this insightful and candid conversation, co-hosts Steve Mellor and Lee Povey unpack the hidden struggles of being a high performer in leadership. Drawing on...2025-06-0937 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 020: From Triggered to Trusted - Mastering Emotional Regulation as a LeaderLee Povey and Steve Mellor are leadership coaches and hosts of The Founders Catalyst, a podcast dedicated to helping founders, executives, and rising leaders navigate the complexities of personal and professional growth. With decades of combined experience in elite sports, executive coaching, and team development, Lee and Steve offer real-world insights, sharp coaching tools, and thought-provoking conversations for the modern leader.📝 Episode Summary:In this milestone 20th episode of The Founders Catalyst, hosts Steve Mellor and Lee Povey dive deep into the pow...2025-05-1939 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 019: Ego, Authenticity, and Leadership: Knowing Yourself to Lead OthersIn this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Lee and Steve dive into the elusive and complex nature of ego... what it really is, how it forms, and why understanding it is essential for great leadership. They explore how ego shapes our perception of ourselves and others, its conscious vs. unconscious effects, and the journey from defensiveness to authenticity. With real-life stories, candid admissions, and practical insights, this episode unpacks how ego can either hinder or help leadership depending on how well we understand it.Listeners will walk away with a framework for greater 2025-05-0839 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 018: Why High Performers Burn Out and What to Do About ItWhat happens when two high-performance coaches admit they're not walking their own talk? This raw and revealing episode is an honest look into the burnout cycle that even the most disciplined leaders can fall into.Steve and Lee unpack how their carefully curated schedules have spiraled into overwhelm, despite their best intentions, and what that says about the challenges leaders face in protecting time and energy. They reflect on personal experiences, cognitive fatigue, perfectionism, and the sneaky belief that high capacity means endless availability. If you've ever felt stretched thin or caught in the trap o...2025-04-2137 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 017: The Art of Feedback: Leading with Truth, Timing, and TrustIn this real and relatable chat, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey get into one of the trickiest, but most important, parts of being a strong leader: giving feedback that actually helps people grow.They talk about how to share hard truths without breaking trust, and why the relationship behind the message matters just as much as the message itself. Whether you're leading a team, coaching others, or just trying to communicate better, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice on how to be more effective, not just more direct.💡 Key Takeaways:2025-04-1433 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 016: Do I Really Need a Coach? Breaking Through Resistance and Finding the Right FitAbout the EpisodeIn this raw and insightful conversation, hosts Steve Mellor and Lee Povey unpack the deeply personal and professional journey of understanding the true value of coaching. Whether you're a seasoned founder, an emerging leader, or someone curious about personal development, this episode dives into the why, when, and how of finding the right coach for your journey. From breaking down internal resistance to practical strategies for choosing a coach, Steve and Lee challenge the common misconceptions and highlight how transformative coaching can be when ap...2025-03-2641 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 015: Consultant, Mentor, or Coach? Knowing What You NeedIn this episode, Steve and Lee dive deep into the key differences between consultants, mentors, and coaches—three very distinct roles that often get confused. They explore when and why you might need each, how they can complement one another, and the importance of understanding what kind of support best serves your business, leadership, and personal growth journey.Key Takeaways:✅ Consultants: The Problem SolversHired to identify and fix specific business issues.Typically offer a short-term engagement with a clear deliv...2025-03-1046 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 014: Unlocking a Fulfilling Life: The Nine Boxes MethodIn this episode of The Founders Catalyst, hosts Steve Mellor and Lee Povey take on a seemingly massive topic - how to live a complete and fulfilling life by breaking it down into a simple yet powerful exercise: the Nine Box Life Framework.Lee introduces this life-changing tool, inspired by Susan Jeffers’ Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, and explains how it helps individuals create clarity, intentionality, and structure in their personal and professional lives. Steve and Lee discuss the importance of prioritization, protection, and process over res...2025-02-2439 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 013: Leading with Coaching: How to Develop People, Drive Growth, and Build Better TeamsIn this episode of Founders Catalyst, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey dive deep into the power of coaching as a leadership style. They explore why the best leaders take a coaching approach, how it fosters ownership and growth, and why adaptability and self-awareness are critical leadership traits.Steve and Lee also discuss the challenges leaders face when shifting from managing to coaching, the importance of curiosity in leadership, and how to empower individuals to take responsibility for their own development.Key Takeaways: It falls under the broader umbrella o...2025-02-1137 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 012: The Resilient Founder’s Mindset with Michael BrandtAbout the Guest:Michael Brandt is the co-founder & CEO of Ketone IQ, pioneering ketone-based energy products. An endurance athlete and marathon runner, his passion for biohacking led to a supplement used by elite athletes, military units, and high performers. With an engineering and business background, he started at YouTube/Google before launching his brand.📲 Follow Michael: @michaeldbrandt🔗 Learn more: ketone.comAbout the Episode:Hosts Steve Mellor & Lee Povey chat with Michael Brandt about building Ketone IQ, resilience in entrepreneurship, and lessons from early failures—including a Shark Tank rej...2025-01-2757 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 011: The Role of Coaching in Personal and Team GrowthIn this conversation, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey explore the evolving role of coaching in modern leadership. They discuss how coaching is essential for empowering team members, fostering a growth mindset, and adapting leadership styles to meet individual needs. The importance of active listening, creating supportive communities, and the silent gratitude that comes from effective coaching is emphasized. The discussion encourages leaders to embrace coaching as a vital tool for both personal and organizational growth.TakeawaysCoaching requires intentional time and active listening.Modern leadership focuses on empowering oth...2025-01-1334 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 010: Leadership Lessons on Building Empowered CulturesSummaryIn this milestone 10th episode, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey delve into the vital concept of culture within organizations. They explore the importance of defining culture, the shift from authoritarian leadership models to more collaborative environments, and the critical role leaders play in creating conditions where teams can thrive. The conversation highlights the value of feedback, ownership, and authenticity in leadership while examining common pitfalls that can erode a healthy culture. The episode concludes with a reminder of culture's fragility and the importance of leaders' ongoing efforts to nurture a positive and resilient environment...2024-12-2344 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 009: How Purpose and Persistence Shape SuccessIn this episode of Founders Catalyst, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey delve into the critical role of motivation in personal growth and entrepreneurship. They share insights from their own experiences of uncovering what truly drives them, highlighting the importance of purpose over monetary success and the common challenges associated with New Year’s resolutions. The discussion centers on self-awareness, sustainable change, and breaking down goals to achieve long-term success. Together, they explore the power of intrinsic motivation, the value of community, and the persistence required to overcome challenges. The conversation offers a thoughtful look at how...2024-12-1151 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 008: Balancing Financial Success and Emotional FulfillmentIn this episode of Founders Catalyst Podcast, hosts Steve Mellor and Lee Povey discuss the balance between financial success and emotional fulfillment. They share their personal journeys of leaving successful careers to pursue more meaningful work, emphasizing the importance of mental health and the societal pressures that often dictate what success looks like. The conversation highlights the significance of having a clear purpose and vision, illustrating how true impact often drives financial success rather than the other way around.They also critique the concept of the American dream and its implications for personal fulfillment. The discussion delves...2024-12-0248 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 007: The Evolving Leader: Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Personal GrowthIn this episode of Founders Catalyst, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey delve into the intricacies of leadership and performance. They explore how leaders can evolve their styles, the importance of authenticity, and the necessity of unlearning old habits to foster personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the role of vulnerability in leadership and the need for self-assessment to enhance effectiveness. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they encourage listeners to embrace their unique leadership journeys and seek support in their development.Takeaways:Leadership is about adapting to the needs of others.Authenticity requires continuous self-reflection and...2024-11-1139 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 006: Embracing Process, Community, and Continuous GrowthIn this conversation, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey explore the concept of high performance, emphasizing the importance of defining performance, focusing on processes rather than just outcomes, and overcoming fear of change. They discuss the role of community in enhancing performance and the necessity of reflection for optimization. The dialogue highlights the significance of continuous improvement and the fun that can be found in facing fears.Takeaways:High performance requires a clear definition and understanding.Focusing on processes leads to better outcomes than merely chasing results.Fear of change can hinder performance; e...2024-10-2139 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 005: Aligning Goals and Values for Growth and FulfillmentIn this episode, Steve Mellor and Lee challenge the traditional idea of work-life balance, suggesting it’s not always realistic or effective. Instead, they introduce the concept of work-life alignment, which focuses on understanding yourself, identifying your purpose, and making choices that fit both. They discuss how life has different seasons that require shifting priorities and highlight the importance of trusting your intuition to make decisions that support your well-being and fulfillment.They also share two practical exercises to help find alignment. The first, The Whole Body Yes, involves asking if a decision truly aligns with your pu...2024-10-0746 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 004: How Will They Cope Without Me?In this conversation, Steve Mellor and Lee discuss the challenges leaders face when considering their absence from their teams. They explore the importance of empowering teams through motivation, the role of goal setting, and the need for trust and authenticity in leadership. The discussion highlights how founders often see themselves as the problem and emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment where employees can thrive and take ownership of their work. The conversation concludes with reflections on vulnerability and the importance of compassion in leadership.TakeawaysLeaders must create environments for their teams to...2024-09-2340 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 003: - Achieving Success Without Sacrificing Well-beingIn this episode, Steve and Lee discuss the importance of relaxation and taking breaks as leaders and founders. They emphasize the need for sustainability and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They also explore the concept of success and the importance of enjoying the journey. The episode concludes with a discussion on the nine-box exercise and the significance of checking in with different areas of life to ensure balance and fulfillment.TakeawaysLeaders and founders need to prioritize relaxation and taking breaks to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.Sustainability is key...2024-09-0933 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 002: The Transformative Power of Internal Work, Storytelling and PerspectiveIn this episode, Steve and Lee discuss the power of storytelling and the impact of limiting beliefs. They explore how our perspectives and stories shape our reality and how to shift from a story-based mindset to a more objective perspective. They also emphasize the importance of doing the internal work to understand our own potential and challenge our limiting beliefs. The conversation highlights the need to take responsibility for our own mindset and the role it plays in our interactions with others and the world.Takeaways:Our perspectives and stories shape our reality and...2024-08-2337 minThe Founders CatalystEpisode 001: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with High AchieversThe Founders Catalyst is a podcast that aims to create a space and a community where founders can come together, share their wins and struggles, and connect with other founders. The hosts, Steve Mellor and Lee Povey, share their experiences as coaches working with founders and offer advice and support. The podcast emphasizes the importance of community and support in the journey of being a founder, and challenges the belief that being a founder has to be a lonely experience. The hosts also discuss the concept of a catalyst, which is the spark that ignites and sustains the pursuit...2024-08-1932 min
GrowthReady PodcastCapitalizing on Adversity - Lee PoveyWelcome to another insightful episode of the Career Competitor Podcast, hosted by the ever-engaging Steve Mellor. In this episode, Steve welcomes guest Lee Povey, and together, these 2 coaches delve into a variety of content for anyone looking to personally grow in 2024.There are, however, three pivotal areas of personal and professional growth that the two discuss around the theme of adversity that includeUncovering lessons to learn around human emotions when faced with adversityHow asking powerful questions while experiencing scary moments can optimize future growthWhy making goals as personalized as possible will help you learn the m...2024-02-1247 min
GrowthReady PodcastPrioritizing A Coaches Soul - Lee PoveyA former Career Competitor guest joins us today to dive into the topic of prioritizing the souls of coaches in relation to how they are supported and cared for. Emotional and Leadership Coach Lee Povey rejoins the show to talk to us about his new venture, Coaches Soul (Coachesoul.com) that he co-founded with Myriam Glez of Athletes Soul. Take the time to reach out to Coach Steve at Steve@careercompetitor.com to set up your free 30-minute consultation and discover how he can facilitate the pursuit of your optimal self! Lee shares the idea b...2022-06-0339 min
GrowthReady PodcastLee Povey, Leadership & Executive CoachFirst interview of 2022 arrives with our guest, Lee Povey who provides insight into some of the key tools and perspectives in his coaching methods. This episode is about equipping you with the conscious tools required to bring your best self to your career daily and give yourself the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. Heralding from the UK and a former coaching career as an international cycling performance coach, Lee has now spent most of the last 2 years establishing himself as a leadership & executive coach. He has established his own company - Maximize your Potential Coaching...2022-02-0447 min