The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Chris Beresford-Hill, the Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at BBDO, shares insights from his impressive career in advertising. He emphasizes the art of writing effective cold emails, highlighting the need for specificity and authenticity. Chris discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s career and the value of nurturing connections through shared meals. He reflects on the creative risks taken during Super Bowl campaigns, his journey from junior copywriter, and the cultural transformations that follow major setbacks. A must-listen for aspiring creatives!

Stu McLaren, author of "Predictable Profits," empowers leaders to transform their expertise into sustainable revenue through membership businesses. He discusses the timeless human need for community and belonging, emphasizing that while content attracts members, connection retains them. Stoic advice about embracing uncertainty and relying on gut instincts resonates deeply, illustrated movingly by his personal story of adopting his son. Additionally, he redefines sales as a noble profession, advocating for authenticity and storytelling in business.

In this discussion, Alex Hutchinson, a New York Times bestselling author and former long-distance runner, dives deep into the world of human performance. He highlights the importance of embracing challenges for personal growth and resilience. The conversation touches on the 'explorer's gene,' revealing how difficult experiences enrich our lives. They also explore the explore-exploit dilemma, advocating for the value of taking risks. Through insightful stories, Hutchinson emphasizes that true meaning arises from overcoming hard tasks, adding texture to our experiences.

Rachel Botsman, a leading expert on trust and author of three bestselling books, dives deep into the dynamics of trust in today’s world. She emphasizes the importance of leading with trust, arguing it fosters a highly attractive team environment. Botsman discusses mastering public speaking by engaging the audience and overcoming nerves. She also highlights how consistency and punctuality build reliability in relationships. Lastly, she advocates for a holistic hiring approach that values character as much as competence.

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.