The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

In this engaging conversation, Mike Deegan—Denison University's all-time winningest baseball coach—unpacks how the joy of mudita fosters a championship culture. He explores the importance of celebrating every team member's contributions and shares insights on building self-awareness through reading and wise counsel. Deegan also emphasizes the role of curiosity as a form of love, while highlighting strategies for managing slumps and maintaining discipline. With a focus on talent and character, he reveals how to cultivate strong team dynamics and resilience.

Oz Pearlman, known as 'Oz The Mentalist,' transitioned from Wall Street to captivating audiences with his unique talent. He shares his intriguing journey, beginning with his first stage experience at age 13, to performing for elite clients like Steven Spielberg. Oz discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming rejection, constantly learning from peers, and the art of making genuine connections. He emphasizes the role of preparation and follow-up in building confidence and sustaining excellence, all while keeping audiences engaged through interactive mentalism.

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy and travel media entrepreneur, shares his journey from booking his dad's trips at age 12 to building a $28 million empire. He discusses the power of manifestation and the creative strategies that set his brand apart. Brian dives into the importance of vulnerability in leadership, hiring practices that value honesty, and the challenges of burnout. He also explores his transition to angel investing and shares his favorite travel experiences, offering tips on how to leverage travel points for optimal adventures.

Nick Gray, entrepreneur and author of The Two-Hour Cocktail Party, shares his expertise on hosting events that foster genuine connections. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal website for every leader and offers practical tips for organizing meetups. Gray discusses blending professional and personal contacts to create vibrant gatherings and shares insights from his viral trip to Tokyo. He advocates for storytelling in writing and encourages maintaining weak connections through quarterly events. Plus, he reveals how to structure gatherings for maximum engagement!

Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angie's List, started her entrepreneurial journey at 23, pushing through initial challenges as an introvert selling door-to-door. She emphasizes leading with authenticity and the importance of being present and listening. Angie shares her two-question career filter: "Do I like the people I'm with? Am I learning?" This focus on people and growth shaped her leadership style. She also speaks on transitioning from individual contributor to leader and the significance of maintaining a balance between customer feedback and vision.

Pat Lencioni, founder of The Table Group and bestselling author, shares his insights on team dynamics and personal growth. He discusses the importance of empathy in anticipating objections and the unhealthy drive to prove oneself stemming from childhood wounds. Lencioni contrasts fear-driven success with achieving greatness through passion and alignment with one's strengths. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability-based trust in teams and the significance of focusing on team results over individual accomplishments.

David Adelman, CEO of Campus Apartments and co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, shares his journey from losing a childhood bet to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He reflects on investing his bar mitzvah money in real estate and how his grandfather’s Holocaust survival story informs his tenacity and philanthropy. Adelman emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, asking 'Why not me? Why not now?', and the value of trust and communication in leadership. He also discusses building Philadelphia's new arena and his commitment to education and compassion.

Priya Parker, a master facilitator and bestselling author, explores the art of gathering with purpose. She shares how her diverse upbringing fueled her passion for meaningful group experiences. Priya emphasizes the importance of clarity in intention and preparation to avoid outdated norms. She introduces 'magical questions' that foster connection and aligns the depth of inquiries with the gathering's context. Additionally, she discusses the role of facilitation in equalizing power dynamics to enhance trust among participants. Her insights will transform how you approach gatherings!

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former WIRED editor-in-chief, shares insights on leadership and storytelling. He discusses how running has taught him discipline and consistency, essential qualities for both athletes and leaders. Nick reflects on his father's impact on his life, shedding light on the balance between decisiveness and openness to being wrong. He emphasizes the value of human curiosity in an era dominated by technology and provides practical storytelling tactics for effective communication in the workplace.

Suzy Welch, co-founder of the Jack Welch Management Institute and bestselling author, explores the intersection of values and purpose. She emphasizes that purpose requires realism, not just passion, and discusses the importance of identifying core values versus virtues. Suzy introduces a 16-value framework and highlights generational differences, particularly with Gen Z’s prioritization of self-care. She also advocates for using tools like aptitude tests and 360 feedback to enhance self-awareness and turn creative ambitions into viable careers.