The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Greg Randolph, host of the Heroes and Icons podcast, to discuss the importance of mentorship, leadership, and the balance between perception and reality. We touch on the lessons I learned from legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, including how venture capital and technology shaped my career. I also share insights from my partnership with Warren Moon, who helped break the color barrier in football and continues to inspire. We explore the power of repetition in teaching, coaching, and mentoring, and why it’s essential to choose advice carefully, based on situational knowledge, to avoid being held back by ego.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Arjun Dingra, a mortgage advisor, entrepreneur, and creator of the LFG Society. Arjun shares his journey through the financial crisis and how the lack of a support network inspired him to build a community of like-minded professionals. We discuss the power of connection, the importance of giving back, and how overcoming challenges can shape a person’s outlook on life and business. Arjun also reflects on his time as the Co-Head Coach of Team USA Taekwondo and how lessons from the sport translate into leadership and mentorship within his professional career.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Eddie George, the legendary Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL running back, who shares how his journey off the field led him to entrepreneurship, acting, and coaching. Eddie talks about the challenges of transitioning from football to business, acting on Broadway, and earning his MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He discusses his unexpected path to becoming the head coach at Tennessee State University and how he uses his experiences to inspire young athletes. Eddie reflects on the art of leadership, storytelling, and overcoming adversity, both on and off the field.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nick Santonastasso, a world-renowned speaker and entrepreneur, to explore how he transitioned from being a top-tier keynote speaker to teaching others the secrets of captivating an audience. Nick shares the power of focusing on the people you’re serving, mastering the art of staying present, and learning to speak from the heart. He opens up about the struggles behind his success, the importance of persistence, and how embracing failure through repetition leads to long-term growth. Nick’s journey is a testament to the idea that true transformation happens when you share your story and serve a purpose greater than yourself.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Chris Gardner, renowned entrepreneur and author of The Pursuit of Happyness, to explore how we can shape future generations through empowerment and self-belief. Chris shares how he's committed to helping young people overcome obstacles by elevating their self-image and giving them permission to dream. We discuss the importance of sticking to Plan A and ignoring the doubts of others, the influence of social media, and how global events like the financial crisis and 2020 forced us to pivot. Chris also emphasizes the critical value of time, reminding us that it is our most precious asset.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Audie Attar, the founder and CEO of Paradigm Sports, who’s best known for managing Conor McGregor. Audie shares his journey from being an athlete to becoming a leading sports agent, driven by his passion for advocacy and entrepreneurship. We talk about the importance of creating real value, building purpose-driven businesses, and maintaining authenticity in a world that can easily focus on quick gains. Audie explains how forward thinking and having a clear vision helped him shape his success and create a lasting impact, including how he navigated challenges to build Paradigm Sports into a powerhouse.

Today’s episode marks 25 years of my Free Friday Trainings. I took time to reflect on the 25 most valuable lessons that have shaped not only my career but my overall approach to life. From embracing harmony and prioritizing health to using desire and intuition as tools for progress, each lesson is aimed at helping you push past obstacles and move forward with passion, purpose and profitability.To join me on future Friday Training sessions, register free at:https://free.dmeltzer.com/friday-training

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Asheesh Advani, CEO of Junior Achievement Worldwide and author of Modern Achievement. We discuss the evolving definition of success and the importance of preparing young entrepreneurs to adapt in a rapidly changing world. Asheesh shares how Junior Achievement helps students develop self-belief and confidence by placing them in leadership roles early on. We talk about the shift from ready-made to self-made purpose, the importance of building diverse networks, and how young people can navigate a future with multiple careers. Asheesh emphasizes the role of perseverance, self-efficacy, and seizing opportunities to create lasting impact.

In today’s episode, I focus on the power of credibility and how it drives success in sales. By understanding the importance of trust and articulating value, we can build a community of customers who buy from us and sell for us. I break down the five steps of thriving in sales, starting with stimulating interest and transitioning that interest into a shared vision. The goal is simple: to give people more of what they like or take away what they don’t. Through open-minded questions and clear communication, we maximize sales success by aligning time, emotion, and value, while maintaining credibility at every step.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Ellis, CEO of TravisMathew Apparel, to explore how he helped grow the company into a powerhouse brand. We discuss the strategy behind TravisMathew's success, including taking a product-first approach, listening to customers, and attacking underserved categories like performance denim. Ryan shares his insights on building a strong, adaptable team, how they overcame the loss of key executives, and the importance of balancing experience with cultural fit. He also emphasizes the power of preparation, learning from mistakes, and how maintaining a "healthy fear" drives continuous improvement and growth.