Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Brad Stevens is the architect behind the Boston Celtics franchise, serving as the team’s President of Basketball Operations. He previously spent eight seasons as the Celtics head coach, leading the team to seven straight trips to the playoffs and three Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Before joining the Celtics, Stevens coached at Butler University where he led the Bulldogs to two appearances in the national championship game. On this episode, we talk about finding contentment in the pursuit, the three qualities he looks for in hiring, and his advice for young leaders.

Tim Brown is the co-founder & CEO of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe and apparel company and maker of “the world’s most comfortable shoe.” Tim's experience as a World Cup soccer player for New Zealand led him to think about things on a grand scale, whether that be crafting shoes or running a business. On this episode, we talk about how Allbirds began as a curiosity project, the drive to get better every day, and how tackling tough problems can unlock our purpose.

What does it take to not just get to the top but stay there? Sue Bird is a 4x WNBA champion, 5x Olympic gold medalist and 2x NCAA champion. To say she’s a winner is an understatement. In her 19th season in the WNBA, Sue is looking to lead the Seattle Storm to one more championship in what is expected to be her final season. Sue is a fierce advocate for equality and is the co-founder of TOGETHXR, a media company that elevates and centers women through storytelling. On this episode, we talk about mental toughness, keeping your competitive edge and the legacy she’s leaving behind to inspire the next generation. 

What would your life look like if you let go of everyone else’s expectations and unleashed your true potential? Payal Kadakia left a successful corporate career to start ClassPass, the leading fitness and wellness membership that was valued at over $1 billion prior to its recent acquisition by Mindbody. She’s been named to Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 lists. In her new book LifePass, Payal shares her four-step approach to goal-setting that transformed not just her career but her entire life. On this episode, we talk about pushing through limits, letting go of traditional ideas of success, and fueling your life with purpose.

Jay Glazer is a TV personality and NFL insider who has broken some of the biggest stories in sports. But despite his outward success, Jay has long struggled with depression and anxiety. Now he’s made it his mission to help others who are on the same journey. His new book Unbreakable explores his decades-long journey to success and how he’s turned his depression and anxiety into motivation. On this episode, we talk about outworking the competition, building your team, and finding your real strength through vulnerability.

What does it take to become an Olympic gold medalist? Figure skater Tara Lipinski catapulted onto the world stage at age 15, becoming the youngest individual gold medalist ever at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Today she’s a broadcaster for NBC and producer for the new docuseries, Meddling. On this episode, Tara shares the sacrifice and immense discipline it takes to be elite and what it’s like to perform under pressure.

What’s the #1 blocker to achieving your biggest goals and dreams? Fear. Rebecca Minkoff is a fashion designer and wildly successful entrepreneur. An industry leader in accessible luxury handbags and apparel, her designs are inspired by strong, confident women. In her new book, Fearless, Rebecca re-writes the rules to share her secrets for unlocking creativity, courage, and success. In our conversation, Rebecca guides us how to let go of others’ expectations, overcome the fear of failure, and reach your goals—no matter how unattainable they may seem.

What’s your New Year’s resolution this year? Maybe it’s to exercise more, save money or learn a new skill. Whatever your goal, you need tools and tactics to help you identify and overcome the barriers to change. Katy Milkman is an award-winning professor at Wharton and host of the popular podcast, Choiceology. She’s devoted her career to the studying behavior change and she shares the tools she’s learned in her book, How to Change. On this episode, Katy reveals a science-based approach that can take you from where you are to where you want to be. We talk about why change is so hard, when the best time to change is, and how to overcome the common barriers to change. Whether you’re a manager, coach or leader aiming to help others change for the better—or are struggling to kick-start change yourself, this conversation is for you.

What do you think of when you hear the term “personal brand?” Maybe you think of a famous celebrity or a social media influencer. But we all have a personal brand, and it boils down to reputation. What do people think of when they think of you? AJ Vaden is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group and one of the world’s leading experts in personal brand strategy. Over the last 15 years she has helped create, launch and grow several multi-million dollar businesses from start up to 7 and 8 figures in annual revenue. AJ is the Co-Host of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast and was recently named as one of the top 5 personal branding speakers. On this episode, she shares why you need a personal brand, how to build it, and the common mistakes to avoid. Download the Trends in Personal Branding National Research Study: https://bit.ly/study-gamechangers

Former NFL star Warrick Dunn has built a legacy on and off the field. A 3x Pro Bowl selection, Warrick played for 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Atlanta Falcons. He joined the Falcons ownership group in 2009 after his retirement. But his greatest impact goes far beyond the football field. Warrick started his charity and its signature “Homes for the Holidays” program in honor of his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer who was killed when he was just 18 years old. Warrick raised his five younger siblings and when he became a star in the NFL, made it his mission to provide other families the stability he never had. On this episode, Warrick shares how he channeled his pain into purpose, how he made it as an undersized back in the NFL, and why he decided to meet and ultimately forgive the man convicted of killing his mom.