Elevate with Robert Glazer

Katy Milkman is a behavioral science expert and bestselling author known for her insights on making lasting changes. She discusses the journey from competitive tennis to understanding human behavior and highlights the psychological challenges of implementing change, such as loss aversion. Katy emphasizes the importance of 'kill criteria' in decision-making and explores innovative strategies like commitment devices and gamification to foster positive behaviors. Her practical tips offer listeners valuable insights into personal and organizational transformation.

The conversation dives into contrasting leadership styles with Vail Resorts facing backlash for poor customer experience, while the Savannah Bananas shine through their fan-centric approach. It emphasizes the shift from hospitality to profit-driven models, risking customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Discussions highlight innovative methods for enhancing customer engagement in sports and the restaurant industry. The importance of quality hiring and a reimagined sports management approach focused on genuine fan interactions is stressfully addressed.

Michael Watkins, a renowned leadership expert and author of the bestselling 'The First 90 Days', shares his insights on navigating leadership transitions. He emphasizes the importance of listening and relationship-building in the early stages of leadership to foster trust. Watkins discusses the emotional hurdles of succession planning and the critical need for adaptable leadership teams. He also highlights the role of strategic thinking in today’s fast-paced business landscape, underscoring teamwork and diverse capabilities as keys to successful organizational change.

Kevin Miller, a former pro athlete and father of nine, shares his journey from competitive cycling to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and managing finances for small businesses, while reflecting on life lessons learned from his father's work ethic. The conversation dives into balancing ambition with enjoyment, discussing the risks of burnout and self-identity. Miller also highlights how parenting shapes values and the significance of modeling respect and authenticity for his children.

The conversation delves into the pressing issue of screen dependency among kids, particularly during family meals. It highlights how technology isolates children from meaningful family interactions, urging parents to take on leadership roles in setting boundaries. Listeners learn about the negative impact of screens on mental health and creativity, and the need for intentional family engagement. Personal stories reveal the challenges of navigating a screen-focused culture, reinforcing the importance of fostering genuine connections around the dinner table.

Patrick Lencioni, co-founder of The Table Group and author of 13 impactful books, discusses organizational health and effective leadership. He shares insights on building vulnerability-based trust and the significance of healthy conflict in teams. Lencioni contrasts task conflict with relationship conflict and emphasizes accountability and collective outcomes. He also introduces the 'Working Genius' concept, showcasing how understanding individual strengths enhances teamwork. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of maintaining company culture in a remote work environment.

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas, shares insights on revolutionizing sports entertainment. He discusses the team's unique fan-centric approach, transforming the dullness of traditional baseball into a vibrant experience filled with dance teams and inclusivity. Jesse emphasizes the importance of engaging fans beyond just numbers, nurturing a passionate community. He reflects on strategic growth, innovative ticketing, and the necessity of constructive feedback for continuous improvement in the sports world.

Kickstart your productivity for 2025 with a calendar audit to align your schedule with your true priorities. Explore the challenges of context switching and discover the value of uninterrupted work time to boost efficiency. Delve into strategies for minimizing non-essential tasks and enhancing focus through intentional planning. Learn about continuous learning platforms and innovative tools for better team communication. Reflect on the impact of digital distractions on productivity and reassess the quality of your time spent on meaningful experiences.

James Clear, renowned author of Atomic Habits, shares his insights on habit formation and personal growth. He discusses how minor daily actions can lead to significant changes and reflects on lessons from baseball that shaped his writing journey. Clear emphasizes the importance of quality content creation over time and introduces effective time management strategies, including habit stacking. He highlights the power of incremental change and the role of one's social environment in developing healthy habits, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their life.

Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and a venture capitalist, shares his journey as a mission-driven leader. He reflects on how his immigrant experience shaped his passion for entrepreneurship and strong team dynamics. Gupta discusses the shift from scientific management to the art of trust and emotional intelligence in leadership. He emphasizes the need for integrity in investment decisions and the importance of collaboration between entrepreneurs and government to tackle societal challenges. His insights stir a desire for impactful careers among younger generations.