The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, Golden Nugget Casinos, and Landry’s. Tilman shares how his businesses—spanning restaurants, hospitality, and professional sports—were uniquely challenged during the pandemic and the tough decisions he made to navigate those uncertain times. He reflects on the importance of resilience, making calculated decisions, and maintaining a strong mindset when everything seems to be falling apart. We discuss his hands-on approach, how he prioritizes leadership and culture, and the lessons he's learned from decades of deal-making. Tilman’s humility, work ethic, and focus on empowering others offer insights for anyone seeking to succeed under pressure.

In today’s episode, I explore the transformative power of gratitude and its profound impact on our lives. Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you—it’s a process that combines appreciation, acknowledgment, and asking. I break down how these practices unlock a cycle of positive biochemical reactions, fostering abundance and reducing the interference of fear and negativity. By recognizing the lessons in challenges and learning to ask for what we want, we align ourselves with a universe of infinite possibilities. Gratitude is the fastest, simplest way to change your life, and in this Thanksgiving episode, I share practical exercises to deepen its role in creating fulfillment and success.

In today’s episode, I speak with Helene Beck, host of the Coming from the Heart podcast, about the transformative power of kindness and purpose. I reflect on pivotal moments, including the lessons my father taught me and the wake-up call that forced me to confront the person I had become. Losing everything became the catalyst for rebuilding my life with intention, focusing on values like generosity and authenticity. Helene shares her journey of rediscovery and how personal challenges inspired her mission to connect with others. Together, we explore how meaningful change begins with self-awareness and how aligning our actions with kindness can lead to lasting success.

In today’s episode, I speak with Vivek Ranadivé, owner and chairman of the Sacramento Kings, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Bow Capital. Vivek shares his incredible journey from arriving in America with $50 in his pocket to becoming a leader in technology and professional sports. He reflects on how his fascination with innovation and teamwork helped him turn dreams into reality, from studying at MIT to reshaping basketball culture. Vivek explains his approach to leadership as a “jazz band conductor,” fostering creativity and collaboration, and the philosophy that pushing boundaries leads to success. 

To celebrate the launch of 2 Minute Drill Season 6, this episode breaks down what it takes to deliver the perfect pitch. Later in the episode, I am joined by some of our incredible guest judges to discuss how credibility, emotional connection, and transparency can turn a good pitch into a great one. These insights are designed to help you clearly articulate the value you are providing and to increase your odds at success.To join future Free Friday Training sessions, register at:https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training

In today’s episode, I join Chad Sanschagrin, founder of Cannonball Moments, during his Keep Telling Yourself webinar series. We discuss the transformative power of shifting your narrative, building faith, and embracing gratitude as a daily practice. Chad shares his unique insights on leadership, growth, and his journey from top-performing sales professional to sought-after speaker and coach. I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned from losing $100 million and how I’ve used that experience to create a life of abundance and purpose. Together, we explore the importance of declaring your worth, surrounding yourself with the right community, and finding strength through faith to make a greater impact.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Shawn Dill and Lacey Book, two incredible entrepreneurs and business coaches, as we dive into the challenges and rewards of building a team that grows with your business. I share my own strategies for evaluating team performance and managing the emotional expense of hiring and firing, while Shawn and Lacey discuss their innovative approach to employee development, including an annual exercise where team members present their roles, responsibilities, and goals. We explore how to align individual and company growth, why titles should be fluid, and how fostering collaboration over competition creates lasting success for everyone involved.

In today’s episode, I connect with Larry “Duce” Raymond, a barbecue pioneer whose path mirrors my own in unexpected ways. From losing everything to rebuilding stronger, we share how the toughest setbacks can become the foundation for incredible growth. Duce opens up about navigating the near-collapse of his catering business, while I reflect on the lessons learned from losing $100 million and finding a better version of myself. Together, we discuss the importance of mindset, self-image, and faith in overcoming challenges, as well as the value of surrounding yourself with the right people to unlock your full potential.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Karen Hall, host of The Hero Within Podcast, to share my journey from a life driven by financial success to one filled with gratitude, forgiveness, and purpose. I open up about how growing up in scarcity pushed me to chase wealth, only to discover that money couldn’t buy happiness. Despite reaching unimaginable financial heights, I lost everything—and hit rock bottom. My wife’s unwavering belief in me became the turning point, inspiring me to take stock of who I truly wanted to be. Now, I focus on empowering others with the lessons I learned, hoping to help others find fulfillment, healing, and happiness beyond material success.

In today’s episode, I join Shawn Lynch and Jenry Kelley from The Success Formula Podcast to share the pivotal experiences that reshaped my understanding of wealth, purpose, and resilience. I discuss my journey from immense financial success to devastating bankruptcy, revealing how losing everything became the greatest turning point in my life. We cover the early days of my career, the drive for success, and the relentless ambition that ultimately led to my downfall. Through that hard-earned lesson, I came to understand the true meaning of fulfillment, fueled by faith, gratitude, and the strength to rebuild from zero.