The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joe Tolzmann, entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of RocketPlan Technologies, for a conversation with Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Global. Christine shares how watching her mom program punch cards sparked a lifelong connection to technology and entrepreneurship. We talk about what it takes to succeed outside the typical startup hotspots, why investing in underrepresented founders matters, and how early rejection helped shape breakout companies like Canva. Christine also reflects on why entrepreneurship still holds the key to solving the world’s biggest challenges.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite, to talk about what leaders are getting wrong about Gen Z. After interviewing more than 500 members of the generation, Irina shares what’s really driving their decisions, including their preference for social-first communication and their shifting definition of success. We break down how anxiety, remote work expectations, and evolving relationships with authority shape their priorities. Irina explains why traditional sales tactics fall flat, how companies can actually reach Gen Z buyers, and what they really mean when they say they want flexibility. It’s not entitlement. It’s a different rulebook entirely.

In today’s episode, I sit down with my high performance coach and longtime friend John Assaraf to talk about how to train the brain for sustainable success. John explains how our thoughts activate specific neural circuits and how to interrupt the negative ones before they take over. He walks through his signature “innercise” method and shares a simple morning practice that rewires the brain with repetition, not willpower. We talk about the neuroscience of fear, motivation, and identity, and the real reason most people do not trust their training when it counts. From visualization to blueprinting goals, this conversation covers the mental fitness needed to perform at the highest level.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Will Bryk, co-founder of Exa.ai and former robotics lead at Harvard, to talk about the future of search, the limits of human understanding, and how AI can help us push past them. Will shares how his background in physics led him to build search tools focused on meaning rather than keywords. We talk about what makes Exa.ai different, how it’s helping people surface better information, and why designing for complexity creates more useful results. For anyone looking to make sharper decisions or grow with more clarity, this conversation offers a look at what’s possible when AI actually understands what you're asking.

In this episode, I talk about one of the most underrated tools for growth—your perspective. I share why the way you see things often shapes what you get from them, and how small mindset shifts can lead to big changes in results. From the power of intentional disruption to the REFRAME method I use to reset and refocus, this conversation is about breaking patterns, getting clear on what matters, and moving forward with purpose. When we lead with gratitude and curiosity, everything starts to look different—and so do the outcomes we create. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

In today’s episode, I break down the habits, mindset shifts, and uncomfortable decisions that lead to lasting growth. I talk about the importance of narrowing your focus, protecting your energy, and making peace with the fact that not everyone will grow with you. I explain why feeling like a fraud is often a sign you're on the right track, and how burnout happens when you try to serve everyone but yourself. From setting non-negotiables to releasing what no longer fits, I share what it really takes to stay aligned with your purpose. Greatness doesn’t come from doing everything;it comes from doing the right things consistently.

In today’s episode, I break down what it really takes to move forward when everything falls apart. I talk about the pain of losing over $100 million, the identity loss that comes with failure, and the power of turning rejection into redirection. From firewalks to forgiveness, I share how non-negotiable behaviors and consistent values create long-term stability. I explain why faith matters more when nothing makes sense, why self-awareness beats self-pity, and how asking for help can be a higher act of service than offering it. This one’s about finding your direction through struggle—and turning setbacks into something that serves you.

In today’s episode, I break down the habits and mindsets that help turn struggle into strength, focusing on how consistency, clarity, and intentionality create real change. I talk about the difference between helping and enabling, the truth behind non-negotiable behaviors, and why commitment has to outlast circumstances. I explain how I rebuilt after losing everything, what it means to live your legacy instead of chasing one, and why gratitude only matters when it’s practiced during chaos. From sleep to self-awareness, I share the most overlooked priorities that influence success. The throughline? Giving meaning to your pain, and using it to build something better.

In today’s episode, I sit down with NFL legend and Las Vegas native Steven Jackson to talk about what it really takes to sustain excellence, both on the field and in life. Steven shares the story behind his Mount Kilimanjaro climb, the mindset that carried him through pain and pressure, and the importance of putting one foot in front of the other when the path gets hard. We talk about how early mornings help him silence the noise, why being drafted 24th overall fueled his motivation, and how he made decisions that set him up for success long after football. His approach to giving, growth, and grit continues to shape the legacy he’s building today.

In today’s episode, I share the lessons I’ve learned about giving, parenting, and the power of asking for help. I talk about the eye-roll moments with my kids, the challenge of being generous without feeling worthy of receiving, and how too many kind people live in a zero-sum mindset. I break down what it really means to live in the infinite loop of giving and receiving, and why asking for help is one of the most faithful, courageous things you can do. From navigating teenage attitudes to redefining wealth and service, this is about shifting from “I’ll be happy when” to “I’m happy for the sake of.”