At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Anthony Pittman is a Detroit-born athlete who battled his way into the NFL and currently plays linebacker for the Detroit Lions. In this episode, Manny and Anthony talk about: - How Anthony's father and mother separating at a young age impacted his childhood and outlook on life- Anthony's surprising rise to the NFL and the impact of his college experience playing football at Wayne St. University in Detroit- How to make the most of every opportunity you get - no matter how small- The fundamental mindsets and disciplines that have most contributed to his success- His 5 pieces of advice to anyone dreaming of becoming a professional athlete New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mel Tucker is the Head Football Coach at Michigan State University. Tucker's resume includes coaching under legendary college coaches like Nick Saban and Jim Tressel as well as coaching in the NFL. Tucker's early success at Michigan State earned him B1G Coach of the Year honors in 2021. What you'll hear in this conversation:- Tucker's thoughts on how college football is evolving and what it means for teams- The origin and story behind Mel Tucker's 'relentless' motto- The #1 thing Tucker learned from legendary Alabama Head Coach, Nick Saban- The ways in which Tucker has learned to run his football program like a business- Tucker's pressing message to recruits considering playing football at Michigan StateNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jon Gordon is a 14-time bestselling author and world-renowned keynote speaker. His leadership principles, stories, and insights have inspired fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits around the world. Today, Jon and Manny discuss:The keys to positive leadership and why positivity is necessary to be an effective leader3 things every leader should do to grow their business and teamThe core principles behind every unstoppable teamWhere innovation comes from and how to bring more of it into your teamThe power of the one simple truth and how it will change your lifeNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Folks, Season 3 starts with a bang as the host of At The Podium, Manuel Amezcua, is interviewed by guest host, Lauren LoGrasso. Hear Manny dig deep into his childhood, career, family, wins + losses, and more as he shares: What his parents, immigrants from Mexico, and childhood taught him about successThe importance of confronting adversity and glory in lifeThe three most important things that led him from entry-level to CEOWhy failure needs a rebrand and other mindset changes for successHow to overcome adversity and build resilience About Manuel: Manuel Amezcua is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and executive in the wealth management and insurance industry. He currently serves as CEO for MassMutual Great Lakes, one of the leading brands in creating financial security, stability, and success on behalf of those it serves in the United States. Manuel is also the founder of Podium Risk Management which has a concentrated focus on serving professional athletes, business owners, and CEOs.Opinions are of the person interviewed.Manuel Amezcua is President and CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual, Springfield MA 01111). CA Insurance License #1969545, domiciled in MI. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Agency officers are not officers of MassMutual.He is also the founder and Managing Partner of Podium Group, a concierge-level practice that specializes in serving active and retired athletes, entertainers, c-suite executives, and business owners.Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through qualified Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). Supervisory Office: 3000 Town Center, Suite 3100, Southfield , MI 48075-1102, Phone: (248) 357-7600. Podium Group is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.CRN202603-4129399New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Message from Manny: "At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua listeners -First I want to express my gratitude to each of U. Thank U for investing your most valuable asset, your time and attention, with us this year as you've tuned into these conversations. As my dear friend, mentor, and advocate, Ben Newman, often says, "Be where your feet are." This holiday season, I will be investing my time and attention where my feet are and I hope the same for each and every one of U as U prepare to attack 2023. We will not be releasing any new podcast episodes until March of 2023. We're excited to start filming new episodes again in the new year and look forward to sharing more dynamic, inspiring, and actionable conversations with high-performance humans in sports and business.Continue to follow the show @podium_podcast across social media platforms as we'll be sharing more content throughout the coming weeks, and if you could take a moment, please leave a rating for the show on Apple or Spotify. It's one of the simplest and most meaningful ways you can support the show. Keep dominating. See U next year." New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you want to be remembered? Serial entrepreneur and All-Pro NFL Player, Herman Moore, is writing his own story and defining his brand in his own terms. Football will only serve as a footnote for Herman whose impact off the field has stretched even greater than his incredible accomplishments with the Detroit Lions. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Herman's story. We unpack what it takes to be successful, both on and off the field, the power that comes with education, and how to make the best decisions regarding your future, as well as Herman’s belief that you can control everything in your life. Make sure not to miss this inspiring conversation and learn the recipe for success with entrepreneur and NFL legend, Herman Moore.Key Points From This Episode:Outlining Herman’s professional athletic career and his many successes.The moment when football became an obsession for Herman.How football opened up opportunities for him.Who is the biggest advocate for playing football was.Herman shares a childhood story about when he wanted to quit football.His journey to playing football at the University of Virginia.He shares a moment in his childhood that has impacted him as an adult.Those who helped him go from high school to the University of Virginia.What character traits are needed to reach your full potential.Whether Herman was tempted to pursue a career in track and field.A story about how he committed to Virginia Tech before the University of Virginia.The biggest lessons he learned during his athletic career.Herman shares his favorite Barry Sanders memory.A unique collectible from playing football: his teammate’s shoes.What he regards as the most valuable moment of his career. Details about his book and when it will be released.Advice he has for young men and women to reach their potential.The importance of building trustworthy professional relationships.Diversity, equity, and inclusion and what it means to HermanNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Kalif Raymond is an NFL Wide Receiver for the Detroit Lions. Standing at 5' 7", Kalif defied all odds to make it to the professional level as one of the smallest players in the NFL after a standout college athletic career at Holy Cross. In this episode, Kalif shares what it looked like to put in the work after hours to make his dream of playing in the NFL a reality. He shares the value he gleaned from mentorship along his path and how he sent 840 emails to earn a college football opportunity at Holy Cross. Tune in to find out what sets great players apart, and the mentality that drove Kalif to success. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Kalif RaymondKalif Raymond on InstagramSport of KingsManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on Apple Podcasts——————————————————————————————-NEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Suzy Merchant is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Michigan State University. She has accumulated 300+ wins as Head Coach at Michigan State and 500+ wins in her career as a head coach.In my conversation with Suzy, we get an inside look at her accomplishments, big decisions, and her powerful core values, covering her time at Michigan State University and beyond. A born winner, Suzy has also fielded her fair share of challenges and hurdles, and it has been her standards and heart that have kept her moving on, reaching new heights at every point. Suzy takes us behind the curtain of how she leads the program, recruits players, and has built a standard of excellence at MSU. Make sure to tune in to hear it all.Key Points From This Episode:Looking back at Suzy's childhood, family, and upbringing in Traverse City. The roots of Suzy's passion and talent for sports. How Suzy's high school basketball coach influenced her philosophy and mindset. Emotional intelligence and finding the right avenue for effective communication with a team and its individuals.Suzy's move to Michigan and the main motivations for this choice.Reflections on time spent at Central Michigan University and some of the losses that stuck with Suzy.The lasting legacy of Suzy's parents' values on her attitude towards winning and sacrifice.Graduation, time in Florida, and Suzy's subsequent move to Saginaw. Competitiveness and guidance; the two things that drew Suzy to coaching as a career.  Some stories from Suzy's time at Eastern Michigan University and the conversations that convinced her to take the job.Advice from Suzy for future coaches regarding authenticity, confidence, and passion.The requirements that Suzy has for players and recruits.Differences between hard work and hard workers; Suzy talks about measuring real dedication.  Challenges in nurturing fighters and champions in the current climate.Suzy shares some standout moments from her Olympic coaching career.Items still on Suzy's bucket list and why travel is at the top.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Sport of KingsSuzy MerchantSuzy Merchant on TwitterSuzy Merchant on InstagramMichigan State UniversityCentral Michigan UniversityEastern Michigan UniversityManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Darien Harris is the Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement for the Michigan State Football Program. Darien played linebacker at Michigan State University and was part of the winningest Senior class in MSU history before he went to the NFL. In our conversation, Darien shares the lessons he learned from his father including the ONE thing we can control in any situation. Darien talks about the mindset he maintained going into professional sports and how he now coaches players at Michigan State University to think about pro sports. Darien tells the story of how he returned to Michigan State and his belief that you have one path to success and everything is part of your path. Lastly, Darien and I talk about the impact of NIL on college sports, how Michigan State is leading the way in creating unique business opportunities for college athletes, and the future of college football. Links Mentioned in Today's EpisodeSport of KingsDarien Harris on TwitterDarien Harris on InstagramBurgess InstituteLaMarr WoodleyShoe DogManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on Apple Podcasts——————————————————————————————-NEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mateen Cleaves is a retired NBA basketball player and a National Champion with the 2000 Michigan State men's basketball team under head coach Tom Izzo. He currently serves as a leadership coach at United Wholesale Mortgage.In my chat with Mateen, we chart his rise as a highly successful player at Michigan State University and the story of the 2000 National Title team under Tom Izzo. Mateen shares the important lessons he learned from his parents, coaches, and teachers that enabled him to reach the NBA. Mateen also shares what inspired the pivot he made out of pro basketball and into his current position at United Wholesale Mortgage, and the philosophies that apply to both of these spheres. Tune in to hear it all.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Sport of KingsMateen Cleaves on TwitterMateen Cleaves on Instagram Tom IzzoMichigan State UniversityMat IshbiaManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on Apple PodcastsNew to The Podcast?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life.Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands