Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

No one succeeds alone. That's the message behind Compass founder and CEO Robert Reffkin's journey and the title of his new book. Raised by his mother, abandoned by his father and disowned by his maternal grandparents, Robert has always defied the odds. He graduated from Columbia in 2.5 years, earned an MBA from Columbia Business School, and worked at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and as a White House Fellow before starting Compass. One of the only Black CEOs in tech, Robert's mission is to help everyone find their place in the world and realize their full potential. On this episode, we talk about the importance of mentorship, how to build your own network, and the leadership principles that have guided his success.

Ellen Bennett went from a $10/hour line cook to building a multimillion-dollar apron empire by dreaming big. She's the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, a culinary lifestyle brand that outfits everyone from the home cook to celebrity chefs and makers around the world. In her new book, Dream First, Details Later, Ellen shares her incredible journey. On this episode, discover how to silence your inner critic, turn your ideas into action, and hustle your way to the top.

What leads someone to say "yes" to a request? It might not be what you think. Dr. Robert Cialdini has spent his entire career researching the science of influence. His books, Influence and Pre-suasion, have sold more than 5 million copies and his principles have become a cornerstone for sales and marketing professionals. But the reality is, we can all benefit by understanding the science of influence. On this episode, you'll learn how to become more persuasive by employing these 7 simple techniques.

She's been called "The Millennial Oprah" by New York Magazine and "the poet of her generation" by Time Magazine. Cleo Wade is a community builder, artist, and the author of the bestselling books Heart Talk, Where To Begin, and Heart Talk: The Journal. Her new children's book, What The Road Said, celebrates the journey we are all on and the questions we ask along the way. Cleo's work speaks to our collective power to create change. On this episode, we talk about how she built a career on her own terms, knowing your value, and the power of mantras. PS- I'm giving away a special pack of all four of Cleo's books to one lucky winner on my Instagram. Just follow @mollywfletcher for your chance to win!

Buck Showalter knows how to build a winning team. He's a three-time American League Manager of the Year and earned a reputation in baseball as a team builder who quickly built contenders. In his 20 seasons in the big leagues, Buck managed the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. His 1,551 career wins rank 24th all-time in MLB history. In our conversation today, we dig into how to build and position your team for success. Buck shares the defining moments in his career, his relationship-based approach to leadership, and how to create a culture rooted in ownership and accountability.

Dansby Swanson is one of baseball's brightest young stars. A former #1 draft pick, Dansby plays shortstop for his hometown team, the Atlanta Braves. In the shortened 2020 season, he put together the best stats of his career as the Braves fell just short of the World Series. Off the field, he is the founder of the lifestyle brand and movement, AllThingsLoyal, showcasing the culture of Atlanta. On this episode, we dig into the mindset of peak performance and the importance of mental health. Dansby shares the techniques like journaling, therapy and brainspotting that help him strengthen his mental game.

BJ Fogg, behavior scientist and author of the bestseller Tiny Habits, shares his revolutionary approach to habit formation. He emphasizes that making small, enjoyable changes can lead to significant transformations in our lives. Fogg introduces the B equals MAP model to explain motivation, ability, and prompts in behavior development. Highlighting the emotional elements of habit formation, he advocates for aligning new habits with purpose while celebrating small wins. Listeners gain practical strategies for anchoring habits to existing routines, making sustainable change intuitive and achievable.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a multifaceted talent and global star with more than 55 films to her credit. She's an actor, producer, investor and philanthropist. Now she's adding author to her credentials with her new memoir, Unfinished. Priyanka made her American TV debut on the hit drama Quantico on ABC, making history as the first Indian-born actor to star as the lead of a TV drama series. She's been featured on the cover of Time Magazine's coveted "Time 100" issue and recognized as one of Forbes' Most Powerful Women. On this episode, we talk about embracing your ambition, taking ownership of your career, and the power in choosing to reinvent yourself.

Jay Bilas has been called one of The 10 Most Powerful Voices in Sports Media by The Hollywood Reporter and one of The 25 Most Powerful People in College Sports by Forbes. Both a lawyer and talent for ESPN, Jay brings a unique perspective to the world of sports. A four-year starter on the basketball team at Duke, Jay played professionally overseas before returning to Duke to join the coaching staff and earn his law degree. Since 1995, he's worked for ESPN covering college basketball, the NBA draft and sports business. In our conversation, we dig into the future of college sports, his book Toughness, and the lessons he learned playing for Coach K.

WNBA star Candace Parker shares her journey from #1 draft pick to champion, discussing the invaluable lessons she learned from legendary coach Pat Summitt. She highlights the importance of visibility for young girls, including her daughter Layla, and how she balances motherhood with her professional career. Candace reveals her mindset strategies, the significance of discipline over motivation, and how setbacks fuel her competitive spirit. Additionally, she talks about her advocacy work with the Pat Summitt Foundation and the role of being a mom in her life.