Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Celeste Headlee's TED Talk "10 ways to have a better conversation" has been viewed more than 17 million times. She's an award-winning journalist and the author of We Need To Talk – How To Have Conversations That Matter. On this episode, Celeste shares the simple communication tools she's learned through her research and job as a public radio host interviewing hundreds of guests. Her smart strategies are a guide to have more effective, more meaningful conversations at work and in our personal lives.

As a college football player, Inky Johnson dreamed of playing in the NFL to make a better life for his family. Inky was on the way to achieving his dream when an injury changed everything. What should have been a routine tackle led to a life-threatening injury that ended his football career and permanently paralyzed his right arm. Instead of being defeated, Inky channeled his hardship into a powerful message of overcoming adversity. As a popular motivational speaker, Inky empowers audiences to embrace the daily challenges of life to live with a greater purpose.

From the NFL football field to the stage of America's Got Talent, Jon Dorenbos has captured the hearts of fans with his incredible story of perseverance. After the tragic murder of his mother by his father when Jon was 12, magic and football became his two outlets. He went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL- the majority with the Philadelphia Eagles- before a life-threatening heart condition ended his career. Jon also made it to the finals of the TV show America's Got Talent, showcasing his skills as a magician. He is a regular on The Ellen Show and his book, Life is Magic, will be available in late 2019. On this episode, we talk about the trade that saved his life, embracing change, and showing up with a positive outlook no matter the circumstances.

Daymond John is a branding expert, investor, TV personality, author and motivational speaker. He made a name for himself as the founder of the lifestyle brand FUBU, growing the business from a makeshift factory out of his home into a multibillion-dollar company. Today millions of viewers know him as a judge on ABC's Shark Tank. On this episode, Daymond shares his story of relentless perseverance and the practical advice he's learned along the way. We talk about the idea of failing fast, his unique approach to setting goals, and his tips for negotiating deals.

This special edition of Game Changers with Molly Fletcher features clips and insights from some of our most downloaded episodes of 2018. Hear from guests like bestselling authors Patrick Lencioni, Seth Godin and Daniel Pink, athletes and coaches like NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson, Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, and Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, and business leaders like Ginger Hardage (Southwest Airlines), Jenn Lim (Zappos), and Patty McCord (Netflix).

Greg McKeown, author of the bestselling book “Essentialism,” shares his insights on the art of prioritizing what truly matters in life. He discusses how to distinguish essential tasks from the non-essential ones to enhance productivity and well-being. McKeown recounts a personal story that underscores the need for clear priorities, especially in stressful moments. He introduces the 90% rule for focusing on key activities and advocates for intentional living through disciplined choices. This conversation encourages listeners to streamline their lives and commitments.

Leila Janah is the founder and CEO of Samasourceand LXMI, two companies that go beyond charity to give work to low-income people around the world to generate life-changing income. Leila is the author of the book Give Work. She was named to Fortune's 40 Under 40list and honored as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Women in Tech. On this episode, we talk about what's broken about the traditional charity model, the biggest challenges she's faced as a young entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, and how to reverse poverty one job at a time.

Seth Godin, a renowned entrepreneur and bestselling author, dives into transformative marketing strategies. He discusses the ethical responsibilities of marketers and the importance of understanding your audience. Godin emphasizes trust-building, the distinction between brand and direct marketing, and the emotional labor involved in creating meaningful connections. He encourages embracing fear as a catalyst for growth while sharing insights from his journey as a writer and leader. Expect humor and wisdom as he reflects on resilience and authentic relationships in business.

Shabnam Mogharabi is the CEO of SoulPancake, an award-winning entertainment company she co-founded with actor Rainn Wilson (better known as Dwight from The Office). SoulPancake spreads joy and celebrates the human experience by producing and curating thought-provoking, uplifting video content. Shabnam is also a New York Times bestselling author of SoulPancake: Chew on Life's Big Questions. On this episode, we talk about how to craft a great story, being intentional about tuning into joy in our daily lives, and the power of tackling tough conversations.

Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz loved the big stage. The only Atlanta Braves player to be part of the franchise's historic run of 14 consecutive division titles, Smoltz helped the Braves to five World Series appearances and the 1995 title. In his 21-year career, Smoltz shifted between starter and closer, making history as the only player in big league history with at least 200 career wins and at least 150 saves. On this episode, we talk about how he dealt with adversity throughout this career and the importance embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth.