Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

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.

Tara Lipinski, the youngest individual Olympic gold medalist at 15, shares her journey from roller rinks to Olympic glory. She discusses the immense discipline and sacrifices required to succeed in competitive sports. Tara reveals the mental strategies she used to convert fear into focus and emphasizes the importance of intrinsic drive over external pressure. Additionally, she opens up about her transition to broadcasting and producing the docuseries Meddling, exploring her life beyond skating and the values that keep her grounded.

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.

In this engaging chat, Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, shares insights on building a mission-driven company. He reflects on the brand's inception, tackling industry frustrations, and the success of their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Neil emphasizes the importance of a strong culture, defining engagement as happiness plus productivity, and the impact of social good. He also reveals challenges in hiring and maintaining energy in leadership, offering practical tips for staying connected and energized in a purpose-driven environment.

Guy Kawasaki, a Silicon Valley veteran and chief evangelist of Canva, shares his insights on innovation and marketing. He reflects on his time at Apple, revealing lessons from Steve Jobs about passion and vision in creating radical products. Kawasaki discusses the importance of turning customers into evangelists and identifies key qualities of 'evangelizable' products. He also critiques Apple's shift toward luxury and emphasizes the value of grit, humility, and honesty in leadership.

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.