
Thirty Minute Mentors
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 7, 2020 • 35min
Episode 13: NBA Legend Rick Barry
Rick Barry is the only person in the history of basketball to lead the NBA, ABA and NCAA in scoring. An NBA Hall of Famer and a member of the NBA’s official list of the 50 greatest players of all time, Rick joins Adam to discuss the best life lessons he has learned from his five decades playing, coaching, broadcasting and commenting on the game. Rick and Adam cover a wide range of topics, including how to manage pressure; the biggest misconception people have about success; the most important thing a coach must do to excel; why Rick believes all five of his sons were able to play professionally; and the larger lesson associated with shooting underhanded free throws.

Mar 30, 2020 • 30min
Episode 12: Billionaire Inventor Dr. Gary Michelson
There are very few people in the world who are self-made billionaires. Dr. Gary K. Michelson is one of them. Gary joins Adam to share the best lessons he has learned from his journey as a student working two jobs to afford college to a spinal surgeon and inventor to a leading philanthropist. Gary and Adam discuss what it takes and what it means to be successful; how to overcome inhibitions and reach your potential; how to approach decision-making and hard choices; how anyone can become an inventor; and misconceptions about wealth, happiness and giving back.

Mar 23, 2020 • 27min
Episode 11: Two-Time Emmy Award Winner Christina Cindrich
Christina Cindrich is a two-time Emmy Award winning producer and travel host, known for her work on Private Islands and Global Passport with Christina Cindrich. Christina joins Adam to detail her non-linear journey and share the best lessons she has learned along the way. Christina and Adam delve into topics including how and when to pivot personally and professionally; how to push your comfort zone and take necessary risks; how to prepare mentally and physically for a rigorous job; and insights and observations from traveling the world.

Mar 16, 2020 • 38min
Episode 10: Admiral James Stavridis
One of the most revered military leaders of our time, Admiral James Stavridis served for thirty seven years in the United States Navy, including his last four as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. Admiral Stavridis joins Adam to share the best lessons he has learned over the course of his illustrious career, from how to lead and inspire others to how to lead your own day and life. Admiral Stavridis and Adam discuss the Admiral’s core leadership principles, misconceptions about military leaders and job interviews with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Mar 10, 2020 • 31min
Episode 9: Mindfulness Guru Dr. Kamlesh Patel
Dr. Kamlesh D. Patel, known as Daaji to his hundreds of thousands of followers, has influenced millions of people around the world through his writing, speaking and workshops focused on meditation and mindfulness. Dr. Patel leads the Heartfulness Institute, which oversees centers and ashrams in over 130 countries. Dr. Patel joins Adam to share his perspective and best tips on how to live a happier, healthier, more mindful and more productive life, including how to reduce stress, make better decisions and approach sleep. Dr. Patel and Adam also discuss yoga and meditation, including how to properly integrate both into your routine and how to practice at a high level on an ongoing basis.

Mar 3, 2020 • 32min
Episode 8: Former Campbell Soup CEO Doug Conant
As a Fortune 500 CEO, Doug Conant led the turnaround of one of America’s most beloved brands. Doug is one of the most respected authorities on business and leadership today and is celebrated for his tenure atop Campbell Soup Company. But years earlier, Doug had to turn his own career around after finding himself out of work. Doug joins Adam to discuss his best lessons from his journey to and his time inside the C-suite. Doug and Adam talk leadership, management, success, failure, advertising, soup and more.

Feb 25, 2020 • 32min
Episode 7: Rob Lowe
Hollywood icon Rob Lowe has starred in countless movies and television shows for over thirty years. He has also battled through intense personal and professional challenges along the way. Rob joins Adam to share the best lessons he has learned through the ups and downs, including how to fight through adversity, overcome self-doubt and live a happier life.. Rob and Adam cover a broad range of subjects, including leadership, acting, taking risks, marketing and The West Wing.

Feb 18, 2020 • 35min
Episode 6: FanDuel Co-Founder Tom Griffiths
Tom Griffiths, the co-founder of FanDuel and CEO of Hone, joins Adam to explain how he and his partners stumbled into a billion dollar idea and business model that disrupted the sports and gaming industries. Tom details the best lessons he has learned from the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, including how and when to pivot. Tom and Adam also dive into a wide range of topics, from the key elements to leading effectively to the future of sports betting.

Feb 11, 2020 • 30min
Episode 5: Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack
Bridget Mary McCormack is the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Bridget is also a former law professor and the founder of the first innocence clinic in the country that exclusively handles non-DNA evidence cases. Bridget joins Adam to detail her journey to the bench, provide insight into life as Chief Justice and share the best lessons she has learned on a wide range of subjects, including how to make good decisions, how to build consensus and how to pursue a career that aligns with your passion.

Feb 4, 2020 • 34min
Episode 4: Gold’s Gym CEO Adam Zeitsiff
Gold’s Gym CEO Adam Zeitsiff joins Adam to share his thoughts on how to get to the top and how to lead once you are there. Adam Z. delves into his journey from student to CEO of a company that caters to over 3 million members across 29 countries and his strategy for Gold’s in a changing marketplace. Adam Z. and Adam also discuss a day in the life leading a global business, how to win in the modern fitness industry and the key drivers of success.