Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Is your team on a mission or simply going through the motions? Neil Blumenthal is the co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, a mission-driven brand that has revolutionized the eyewear industry while focusing on social impact. Named “the most innovative company in the world” by Fast Company, Warby Parker provides high quality prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price. For every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need through the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Neil was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company. In our conversation today, we talk about how a business can scale, be profitable, and do good in the world.

Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva. A Silicon Valley veteran with experience at Apple and Google, Guy was one of the Apple employees originally responsible for marketing their Macintosh computer line. He’s the creator of the Remarkable People podcast and the bestselling author of 13 books. Guy has over 30 years of experience with creating innovative products and services and going to market and is an expert on innovation, entrepreneurship, and marketing. In our conversation today, he shares the lessons he learned working for Steve Jobs at Apple, how to turn your customers into evangelists, and the factors that create influence. 

As a college football standout, Chase Rice once dreamed of playing in the NFL. Now he’s selling out those same stadiums as one of the hottest stars in country music. No matter what dream he pursues, Chase separates himself with his relentless drive. After working on the pit crew in NASCAR and competing on Survivor, Chase moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. He’s penned hits like Cruise, topped the country charts, and opened for Garth Brooks. But his inner journey didn’t always match his external success. On this episode, Chase opens up about his struggle with depression, finding his voice through his music, and never settling.

A retired four-star general, General Stan McChrystal is the former commander of the US and International Forces in Afghanistan and the former commander of the nation’s premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He’s the founder & CEO of The McChrystal Group and a senior fellow at Yale, where he teaches a popular course on leadership. An expert on leadership and teams, General McChrystal is the author of several books, including his new book, Risk. In this conversation, we talk about the future of leadership, leading through adversity, and building resilient teams. 

Ernie Johnson is one of the most recognizable and loved sports personalities on TV. A 3x Sports Emmy Award winner, Ernie hosts the popular postgame show Inside the NBA on TNT. In his book Unscripted, Ernie opens up about life both on and off the screen. On this episode, we talk about the unpredictable moments that make life extraordinary. Ernie shares the life lessons he learned from his battle with cancer, how he’s been able to prioritize both work and family, and the beauty of living life unscripted. 

To succeed at work and advance your career, you need someone who will advocate for you. Who will be your champion? Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, believes that a sponsor is the critical relationship in your career. Carla began her career on Wall Street at a time when few of her colleagues were African-American or women. She oversees Morgan Stanley’s multicultural client strategy, helped build the company’s Multicultural Innovation Lab, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. On this episode, Carla shares what she’s learned about pathways to career success. Discover the difference between mentors and sponsors, how to get a sponsor, and why authenticity is your competitive advantage.

Known for his innovative approach and imaginative managerial tactics, Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon is one of the most successful leaders in baseball. In 16 seasons as a major league manager, he’s been awarded Manager of the Year three times and is third among active managers in wins. Joe led the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series berth and the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. On this episode, Joe shares the unconventional leadership tactics he embraces—from unique clubhouse visitors to themed road trips to meditation. And we also talk about the community work he is doing through his charitable foundation, Respect 90 and The Hazleton Integration Project.

Kirk Herbstreit is the face of college football, serving as an analyst for College GameDay and Saturday Night Football. In his new memoir, Out of the Pocket, Kirk takes us inside the locker room—to the practice fields, meeting rooms and stadiums. And he also opens up about the personal challenges he overcame. On this episode, we talk about what happens when your dream blows up, taking a chance to pursue your passion, and never compromising what matters most. 

Amy Van Dyken is a six-time Olympic gold-medalist swimmer and the first American female athlete to win four gold medals in a single Games. In June of 2014, Amy’s life was turned upside down. She severed her spinal cord in an ATV accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Instead of being defeated, Amy attacked her rehab with relentless optimism and has become a champion for the disabilities community. In our conversation today, we talk about how to stay positive in the face of adversity, persevere against all odds, and go for it!   

Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympic gymnast who helped Team USA to its first ever gold medal at the Summer Games in Atlanta in 1996. She is the only American gymnast to medal in the team competition at three different Olympic Games and is the first African-American gymnast to win an individual medal. But the success came at a price. Now, Dominique is helping to change the culture inside the sport she loves with the opening of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy.  On this episode, we talk about finding your greater purpose and defining success in your own terms.