

Thirty Minute Mentors
Adam Mendler
Leadership guru Adam Mendler goes one on one with America’s most accomplished and insightful people on how they made it to the top and how you can too. Each episode features a wealth of practical, actionable advice from a leading CEO, founder, athlete, celebrity, influencer or general / admiral. Learn how to lead in today’s landscape, become your best self and excel personally and professionally – in thirty minutes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
May 20, 2025 • 34min
Episode 280: Olympic Gold Medalist Lenny Krayzelburg
Lenny Krayzelburg, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and backstroke legend, shares his inspiring journey from the Soviet Union to elite swimming. He discusses the crucial role of family support and resilience in overcoming immigration challenges. Lenny emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and the impact of mentors on personal development. He dives into the necessity of embracing discomfort for growth and maintaining perspective under pressure, underscoring how preparation and visualization can lead to success both in sports and in life.

May 13, 2025 • 30min
Episode 279: Dimensional Co-Founder David Booth
David Booth, co-founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors and namesake of the Booth School of Business, shares his transformative journey in modern investing. He discusses the pivotal role of mentorship, especially from a Nobel laureate, in shaping his career. Booth emphasizes the importance of navigating uncertainty with adaptability and making informed decisions rooted in trust and teamwork. He also reflects on the subjective nature of success, urging listeners to align their life choices with personal values for true fulfillment.

May 6, 2025 • 37min
Episode 278: Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver
Fawn Weaver is the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded American whiskey or Bourbon over the last six years. A two-time New York Times best-selling author, Fawn is one of only five Black women to found and lead a billion-dollar business in U.S. history. Fawn joins Adam to share her journey and her best lessons and advice. Fawn and Adam discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, creativity, and much more.

Apr 29, 2025 • 42min
Episode 277: Former Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler
Jeff Kindler, former CEO of Pfizer and current CEO of Centrexion Therapeutics, shares insights from his impressive career journey. He discusses the vital skills that transition from law to corporate leadership demand, emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning. Kindler dives into the essential qualities of effective leaders, including self-awareness and humility. He also highlights the importance of viewing challenges from a CEO's perspective, and how mentorship and problem-solving mindsets can enhance workplace dynamics.

Apr 22, 2025 • 35min
Episode 276: RE/MAX CEO and Former DISH Network CEO Erik Carlson
A former Fortune 500 CEO and the current CEO of one of the most recognized brands in real estate, Erik Carlson has led two household name companies in two very different industries. Erik Carlson was the CEO of Dish Network and is the CEO of RE/MAX. Erik joins Adam to share his journey and his best lessons and advice. Erik and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leadership, career success, motivation, intrapreneurship, team-building and hiring, navigating change, and much more.

Apr 15, 2025 • 31min
Episode 275: MLB Manager Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle has spent nearly 50 years in professional baseball, including 10 as a player and 17 as a manager in the majors. While leading the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, Clint developed a reputation as one of the best managers in baseball and was named NL Manager of the Year. Clint joins Adam to share his journey and his best lessons and advice. Clint and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leadership; trust; coaching and managing people and teams; building winning cultures; and much more.

Apr 8, 2025 • 36min
Episode 274: Thomson Reuters CEO Steve Hasker
Steve Hasker is the CEO of Thomson Reuters, a conglomerate that generated more than $7 billion in revenue last year and consists of 26,000 people across more than 75 countries. Steve joins Adam to share his journey and his best lessons and advice. Steve and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: leadership, career success, productivity, balance, leading through change and transformation, leading data-driven businesses, AI, customer centricity, and more.

Apr 1, 2025 • 35min
Episode 273: Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins
Jessie Diggins is the most decorated cross-country skier in American history. Jessie has won two World Cup overall titles, six World Championship medals, and three Olympic medals, including an Olympic gold medal. Jessie joins Adam to share her journey and her best lessons and advice. Jessie and Adam discuss a wide range of topics: attaining greatness, motivation, vulnerability, leadership, mental health, and much more.

Mar 25, 2025 • 34min
Episode 272: NTT DATA CEO Abhijit Dubey
In this engaging discussion, Abhijit Dubey, CEO of NTT Data, a leading $30 billion IT services provider, shares insights from his remarkable journey. He emphasizes the key traits of effective leadership, such as strategic clarity and active listening. Abhijit highlights the importance of integrity and trust in fostering a strong organizational culture. The conversation also delves into the challenges of 'last mile execution' and the need for clear communication. Lastly, he offers valuable advice on hiring and innovation in leadership.

Mar 18, 2025 • 34min
Episode 271: Venture Capital Pioneer Alan Patricof
Alan Patricof, a venture capital pioneer and co-founder of renowned firms like Apax Partners, shares his insightful journey in the investment world. He discusses the critical differences between private and public investments, emphasizing the mindset needed for success. Alan reflects on his triumphs and setbacks, highlighting the lessons learned from failures. He also delves into the importance of self-awareness, lifelong growth, and cultivating a positive mindset for longevity and success in entrepreneurship.