The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Steve Magness, a world-renowned expert on high performance and author of "Win the Inside Game," discusses the importance of defining success on your own terms. He shares his courageous journey as a whistleblower at Nike, emphasizing the need to prioritize integrity over ambition. Magness also presents his framework for sustainable excellence, highlighting the importance of clarity in who you are, your pursuits, and your community. He encourages listeners to overcome the fear of failure, fostering a more meaningful and resilient life through supportive connections and self-awareness.

Mike Maples Jr. is a co-founding partner at Floodgate and known for early investments in Twitter and other startups. He emphasizes the power of being intentional and prepared, sharing that luck favors those with a 'prepared mind.' Reflecting on his father's mentorship, he highlights the importance of authenticity and gratitude in life. Maples advocates for embracing 'reckless optimism' in entrepreneurship and discusses the need for founders to inspire confidence. He also reflects on missed opportunities, such as not investing in Airbnb, emphasizing the value of trust in decision-making.

Chase Jarvis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and former CEO of CreativeLive, dives into the essence of creativity and leadership. He emphasizes that all humans are inherently creative but often lose touch with that gift. Chase discusses the importance of transformational relationships over transactional ones, advocating for a service-oriented mindset. He also highlights the value of trusting intuition in decision-making, and how playfulness can enhance both personal and professional lives, fostering joy and resilience.

Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist and professor at Columbia Business School, shares insights on inspiring leadership. He discusses the importance of composure during crises, referencing the calm demeanor of pilot Tammy Jo Shults during a critical flight incident. Adam emphasizes building personal connections before challenges arise to enhance team trust. He also explores the philosophy of Kaizen for continuous improvement and stresses that genuine care and emotional intelligence are vital in leadership, shaping a positive workplace culture.

Bob Stoops, the former head football coach at the University of Oklahoma and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, shares insights on building a winning culture. He emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in coaching and the ability to connect with players. Stoops discusses the significance of character in recruitment and creating a championship mindset. He reflects on balancing a demanding career with family life, offering valuable advice for aspiring leaders about resilience, hard work, and effective communication.

Brad Thor, a number one New York Times best-selling author known for his immersive thrillers, shares his insights into the art of storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and creativity in leadership, offering tips for effective communication. Brad discusses his unique writing style as a 'pantser,' encouraging writers to embrace surprise. He also touches on his experiences with the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting the role of creative thinking in national security. His love for shows like 'Ray Donovan' and 'Billions' reflects his passion for unexpected narratives.

David Yeager, a psychology professor at the University of Texas and author of "10 to 25," shares insights on motivating young people. He emphasizes the balance of tough love: high standards combined with support. Yeager discusses how traditional nagging can shut down a teen’s logical thinking, advocating for calm communication instead. He also explores the shift in leadership styles, highlighting Satya Nadella’s supportive approach at Microsoft, contrasting it with the fear-driven methods of the past. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to inspire the next generation.

Mo Bunnell, author of 'Give to Grow' and founder of Bunnell Idea Group, shares insights on the transformative power of generosity in business and life. He emphasizes that building meaningful relationships through value-giving accelerates success. Mo explains the importance of asking insightful questions to win over clients and fostering a long-term vision while balancing ambition with daily processes. His personal story illustrates how overcoming isolation shaped his commitment to community, highlighting the significance of incremental progress and intentional living.

Lawrence Yeo, a storytelling teacher and founder of MoreToThat.com, discusses the profound impact of self-examination on envy, emphasizing that deeper self-awareness can dissolve feelings of comparison. He highlights curiosity as essential for growth and connection, pointing out its role in nurturing relationships. Yeo advocates for defining personal values through journaling and reflects on the dual nature of ambition, urging a balance between drive and humility. His insights on storytelling reveal how it fosters genuine emotional connections.

Codie Sanchez, an entrepreneur and founder of Contrarian Thinking, shares her unique take on wealth-building through acquiring small businesses. She emphasizes the importance of resilience in daughters and the power of presence in personal relationships. Codie reflects on her non-linear career journey and the significance of genuine curiosity and networking. She debunks myths about wealth by showcasing success in ordinary industries, encouraging listeners to pursue financial independence with perseverance and a long-term mindset.