Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

From her start as a hostess at Hooters to leading some of the world's best-known food brands, Kat Cole shares the leadership lessons she's learned through her accelerated rise up the corporate ladder. On this episode, the current group president of FOCUS Brands talks about her personal leadership philosophy, how to help people embrace change, her advice to young leaders, and what it takes to lead successful teams with hustle and heart.

Laura Gentile turned her passion and purpose into a vision, leading the launch of the espnW platform for ESPN. On this episode, the former college field hockey standout takes us behind the scenes to talk about the hard-driving culture at ESPN, her vision for espnW, and what it takes to launch a new brand.

Work hard. Be nice.Those simple words are at the core of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), a national network of college-prep public charter schools in underserved communities. On this episode, co-founder Mike Feinberg shares the vision behind KIPP, how to infuse purpose into leadership, and how grit can be cultivated in kids.

Hollywood stuntwoman and American Ninja Warrior competitor Jessie Graff is living out her dream of being a superhero. Her day-to-day activities include: "anything on rooftops, sides of buildings or bridges, and dramatic wipeouts." In this episode, Jessie talks about breaking down gender barriers, chasing Hollywood dreams, her training regimen, and how to stare down fear.

In this engaging conversation, Steve Koonin, a marketing and sports executive renowned for his innovative leadership at Coca-Cola and the Atlanta Hawks, shares his insights on creating a culture of innovation. He discusses transforming the Hawks' branding to appeal to younger audiences and the importance of risk-taking in marketing. Steve emphasizes empowering teams, rewarding creativity, and learning from failures. He also highlights community impact through initiatives like building basketball courts and advocates for a servant leadership approach that values chemistry over just skills.

An entrepreneur, angel investor and philanthropist, Monique Mosley has helped guide the careers of visionaries in the music and entertainment industries and has worked as a consultant on the hit TV show Empire. On this episode, Monique talks about the making of a hit TV show, what it takes to build your own brand, and why as leaders we can—and should—always pay it forward.

From serving as the first President of the WNBA to heading up the Big East Conference, Val Ackerman has made her mark on the sports industry. On this episode, Val talks about the importance of women in leadership and why you shouldn't be afraid to reinvent your career.

In this engaging discussion, Isaac Lidsky, a former child actor turned entrepreneur and bestselling author, shares profound insights from his journey after losing his sight. He highlights how blindness taught him to master perception, emphasizing that our reality is shaped by how we respond to circumstances. Lidsky discusses practical problem-solving, the importance of choosing perspective over anger, and how his experience as a blind CEO has enhanced communication within his company. He also reflects on parenting triplets and his ongoing mission to spread the 'eyes wide open' philosophy.

Verne Harnish, dubbed "The Growth Guy," is the founder of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and an expert on scaling businesses. In this discussion, he shares insights on transitioning from management to coaching for peak performance. Verne emphasizes the significance of daily huddles and the hiring process, focusing first on will and values. He explores the vital role of marketing in a company's growth and underscores the importance of lifelong learning for leaders. Listeners gain actionable advice to accelerate their businesses and foster a growth-oriented culture.