Episode 151: Kris "Tanto" Paronto - 13 Hours: A Secret Soldier Of Benghazi Kris Paronto - “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles - is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world. Mr. Paronto was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Mr. Paronto’s story is told in the book “13 Hours” written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members. Michael Bay directed the movie (based on the book) titled "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" Episode 151: Kris "Tanto" Paronto - 13 Hours: A Secret Soldier Of Benghazi Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “I Will Never Ask You To Do Something I wouldn't Do Myself" In This Episode, You Will Learn: Being selfless, of service to others, and sacrificing will help you sustain excellence Humility, strength, and faith have led to Tanto's success and his ability to stay alive "The best leaders continually learn" All of the death he saw in Iraq and other war zones helped prepare him for the Benghazi attacks How accurate the movie "13 Hours" was to what happened in real life How often he still speaks with the other soldiers from that night Did he really wear shorts (like the movie portrays) that night? If so, why? "Rangers are experts at belt fed weapons" Why they were forced to wait 25 minutes at the annex prior to leaving What it was like hearing on the radio, "GRS (his group), where are you? We are going to F'n die" Tanto's thoughts Hillary Clinton's leadership (not good) Why there were forced to sign 2 non-disclosures -- including one at the memorials The amount of money you can make in 9 months as a security contractor What happens when you come home from a job over seas and how it negatively impacts your life How PTSD has impacted him The CIA fired him for telling his story publicly -- telling the truth Tanto and his teammates voted... They all chose to tell the truth -- And it got them fired What it's like to be in the audience for one of Tanto's speeches “Hillary Clinton is a failed leader. This is not a political statement. She is a sociopath." - Kris "Tanto" Paronto Continue Learning: Read: 13 Hours Watch: 13 Hours - The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Follow Tanto on Twitter: @KrisParonto To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL Episode 047: David Marquet - "Turn The Ship Around" Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Kris "Tanto" Paronto on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From kristantoparonto.com Kris Paronto - “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles - is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world. Mr. Paronto was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Mr. Paronto’s story is told in the book “13 Hours” written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members. Michael Bay directed the movie (based on the book) titled "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi"

Episode 150: Forbes Contributor Omaid Homayun Interviews Me - Learning From Failure, Creating A Hit Podcast, Sustaining Excellence A few months ago I received a great email from Omaid Homayun. He shared how The Learning Leader Show has helped him grow as a leader. He mentioned that he had his own podcast (To The Top) and he was also a writer for Forbes.  After a few conversations, Omaid decided that he wanted to write a story on how my show as created and has sustained excellence. This episode is the recording of the official interview we did for what became this Forbes article. I'm sharing this conversation specifically because I appreciate the approach Omaid brought to this interview. He came to it with a curious mind (as Lin Wood would say). He also was able to get me to share information about myself that I've never discussed publicly. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you do too. Thank YOU all again for being great supporters of The Learning Leader Show. Episode 150: Forbes Contributor Omaid Homayun Interviews Me - Learning From Failure, Creating A Hit Podcast, Sustaining Excellence Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “Sometimes you can do absolutely everything within your power,” Hawk said of his time at Miami (OH), “and yet it still won’t be enough to accomplish your goals. It’s served me well to handle failure at a young age. I draw from that experience on a daily basis.” In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why I decided against a PhD and started this show instead The process for creating the show -- And the work done prior to launching How to improve as an interviewer The most important I learned from my football career A detailed description of "what happens" from play to play as a quarterback (I've never discussed it in this detail before) What it was like competing with Ben Roethlisberger for 2 years at Miami University How to balance time at work and time with family The specific breakdown (by % of time) for how I spend my 168 hours per week How to get your family involved and excited about a new project The most memorable lessons learned from speaking with over 150 world class leaders “It will spread because I’m going to work like crazy for it to be great.” Continue Learning: Read: Forbes Feature: How To Maximize Your Time To Achieve Sustained Success: An Interview With Ryan Hawk Read: Omaid's Forbes Feature on Simon Sinek To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed how we flipped the script on this episode, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From www.LearningLeader.com  Ryan Hawk is the creator and host of The Learning Leader Show, a top rated iTunes business podcast that focuses on learning from the smartest, most creative leaders in the world (including such luminaries as Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Kat Cole and Adam Grant). Hawk’s podcast has exploded on a global scale with listeners in 112 countries world-wide. Forbes has called The Learning Leader Show “The most dynamic leadership podcast out there.” And Inc magazine listed The Learning Leader Show as one of the top 5 podcasts to “help you lead smarter.” Ryan also writes for The Huffington Post on the topics of leading and empowering others. His background is in the profession of selling where he’s won multiple awards for his production. Prior to his professional business pursuits Hawk was a decorated college football quarterback (at Miami University and Ohio University).

Episode 149: Marcus Sheridan - The Sales Lion: "They Ask, We Answer" Marcus Sheridan has coached multiple businesses of all types from around the globe in an effort to help them achieve world-class communication in all its forms, online and offline. Specifically, he has become known for: Content Marketing, HubSpot Training, Keynote Speeches. In 2015 alone, award-winning speaker Marcus Sheridan has traveled the globe, giving multiple sales, marketing, and leadership keynotes in a total of 8 different countries and 24 states. Sheridan, along with team member George Thomas, can be counted on to teach, inspire, and move audiences of all sizes to action while embracing today’s digital consumer and new way of doing business. Episode 149: Marcus Sheridan - The Sales Lion: "They Ask, We Answer" Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “I teach companies how to become the most trusted source in their industry." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Having an obsession with continuing to learn will help you sustain excellence. A mindset that says "I have not figured it all out yet." His core philosophy is: "They ask. We answer." How Jim Rohn helped him fall in love with learning The process in which Marcus teaches companies to be the most trusted source in their industry "The reason why people buy from you is TRUST." When people go to your website, they want to know how much it costs... So tell them Talking openly about your competitors is a wise way to go about your business What's the most important part of the sales cycle? 70% of people decide what they're going to do before talking to a sales professional The magic happens before they talk to someone (this is why your website is critical) If someone read 30 pages on his website, they bought 80% of the time 80% of the questions are the same... Answer them on your website Why it's required at his company for each employee to build their personal brand Why is Marcus a great public speaker? "He knows how to explain things so that people can actually understand them." "When we tell stories, the audience can see it." Think, Feel, Act - Your speech can hopefully change all three Why he took his daughter on the road with him for an entire semester A learning leader is curious.. Constantly learning “If you're going to be ultra successful in sales, you need a personal brand." Continue Learning: Go to: TtheSalesLion.com Follow Marcuson Twitter: @TheSalesLion To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Marcus Sheridan on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From TheSalesLion.com Marcus Sheridan has coached multiple businesses of all types from around the globe in an effort to help them achieve world-class communication in all its forms, online and offline. Specifically, he has become known for: Content Marketing, HubSpot Training, Keynote Speeches. In 2015 alone, award-winning speaker Marcus Sheridan has traveled the globe, giving multiple sales, marketing, and leadership keynotes in a total of 8 different countries and 24 states. Sheridan, along with team member George Thomas, can be counted on to teach, inspire, and move audiences of all sizes to action while embracing today’s digital consumer and new way of doing business.

Episode 148: Jason Wachob - CEO of MindBodyGreen: How To Build A Life, Not A Resume JASON WACHOB is the Founder and CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellness. His site (mindbodygreen.com) receives 10 million unique page views per month! He has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and Vogue. Jason has a BA in history from Columbia University, where he played varsity basketball for four years. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, and loves German Shepherds, Chuck Taylors, and guacamole. Episode 148: Jason Wachob - CEO of MindBodyGreen: How To Build A Life, Not A Resume Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “You Don't Want To Spend Your Life Climbing A Ladder That you Realize Is The Wrong Ladder When You Get To The Top" In This Episode, You Will Learn: Being around passionate people who have a palpable energy will help you sustain excellence "If you're not progressing, you're dead." mindbodygreen is dedicated to helping you live your best life 4,400 contributors write for mbg How does Jason respond to people who are critical of his work and view it with skepticism? -- "Go to mindbodygreen.com and look around, tell me what you think" How playing basketball at Columbia helped him as a leader How 9/11 impacted him and why it made him think about his career At age 25, he made $800,000/year -- but he hated it Why Jason felt he was going backwards and like he was a loser Flew 150,000 domestic miles -- And he's 6'7 How yoga healed his back issues (he was previously told he needed surgery) For the first 2 and a half years of mbg, he made no money In 2012 he chose to raise capital "Your problems don't go away... They change." "Raising capital can be the quickest way to kill your business." Build a Life, Not A Resume -- We all know people who like to check off certain career boxes.  Don't do that. As an entrepreneur, you have to be extremely comfortable with ambiguity -- You go to bed at night not knowing if your business will succeed You can't work for 2 and a half years making no money unless you are extremely passionate about it... A learning leader has to evolve - Progress, Progress, Progress “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night, and in between does what he wants to do.” - Bob Dylan Continue Learning: Read: Wellth - How ILearned To Build A Life, Not A Resume Read: MindBodyGreen.com  Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasonWachob  To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Jason Wachob on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From mindbodygreen.com JASON WACHOB is the Founder and CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media brand dedicated to wellness. His site (mindbodygreen.com) receives 10 million unique page views per month! He has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and Vogue. Jason has a BA in history from Columbia University, where he played varsity basketball for four years. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, and loves German Shepherds, Chuck Taylors, and guacamole.

Episode 147: Anders Ericsson - What Malcolm Gladwell Got Wrong About The 10,000 Hour Rule ANDERS ERICSSON, PhD, is Conradi Eminent Scholar and Professor of Psychology at Florida State University.  He studies expert performance in domains, such as music, chess, medicine, and sports, and how expert performers attain their superior performance by acquiring complex cognitive mechanisms through extended deliberate practice.  He has edited “Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance” (2006) and “The Development of Professional Expertise” (2009). In the book Outliers Malcolm Gladwell based his “10,000 hour rule” on Ericsson and colleagues’s research on musicians. His latest book is titled, "PEAK, Secrets From The New Science of Expertise." Have you ever wanted to learn a language or pick up an instrument, only to become too daunted by the task at hand? Expert performance guru Anders Ericsson has made a career studying chess champions, violin virtuosos, star athletes, and memory mavens. Peak condenses three decades of original research to introduce an incredibly powerful approach to learning that is fundamentally different from the way people traditionally think about acquiring a skill. Ericsson’s findings have been lauded and debated, but never properly explained. So the idea of expertise still intimidates us — we believe we need innate talent to excel, or think excelling seems prohibitively difficult.  Peak belies both of these notions, proving that almost all of us have the seeds of excellence within us — it’s just a question of nurturing them by reducing expertise to a discrete series of attainable practices. Peak offers invaluable, often counter-intuitive, advice on setting goals, getting feedback, identifying patterns, and motivating yourself.  Whether you want to stand out at work, or help your kid achieve academic goals, Ericsson’s revolutionary methods will show you how to master nearly anything. Episode 147: Anders Ericsson - What Malcolm Gladwell Got Wrong About The 10,000 Hour Rule Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “Deliberate or purposeful practice involves practicing alongside a great coach or teacher." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Being really thoughtful and deliberately thinking of ways to get better help you sustain excellence Why it's so important to develop daily habits -- Being aware of the tradeoffs -- Using time wisely The impact of Nobel Prize winner, Herbert Simon -- Anders worked with him for 3 years Impressive listening skills -- How developing your ability to listen will dramatically improve your life He has not found any evidence that shows that people are born successful -- It's learned What does it take to be successful? What exactly Malcolm Gladwell got wrong about the "10,000 Hour" rule It's not just engaging in the domain -- There must be purposeful practice with a coach Always operate on the boundary of what you can and can't do. Why Anders and Malcolm Gladwell do not talk Nature vs. Nurture debate - Family culture and interactions -- How they impact your life A study of quarterbacks and their family backgrounds How do you measure deliberate practice? Creating the gap -- Where you are and where you want to be Keynote speech - Think, Feel, Act -- We want to cover all three and most importantly change how you act The Four Step Process Specific Goal Set Intense Focus Immediate Feedback Frequent Discomfort “Always operate on the boundary of what you can and can't do." Continue Learning: Read: Peak - The New Secrets of Success Read: How To Become an Expert at Anything To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Anders Ericsson on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From Amazon.com ANDERS ERICSSON, PhD, is Conradi Eminent Scholar and Professor of Psychology at Florida State University.  He studies expert performance in domains, such as music, chess, medicine, and sports, and how expert performers attain their superior performance by acquiring complex cognitive mechanisms through extended deliberate practice.  He has edited “Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance” (2006) and “The Development of Professional Expertise” (2009). In the book Outliers Malcolm Gladwell based his “10,000 hour rule” on Ericsson and colleagues’s research on musicians. His latest book is titled, "PEAK, Secrets From The New Science of Expertise." Have you ever wanted to learn a language or pick up an instrument, only to become too daunted by the task at hand? Expert performance guru Anders Ericsson has made a career studying chess champions, violin virtuosos, star athletes, and memory mavens. Peak condenses three decades of original research to introduce an incredibly powerful approach to learning that is fundamentally different from the way people traditionally think about acquiring a skill. Ericsson’s findings have been lauded and debated, but never properly explained. So the idea of expertise still intimidates us — we believe we need innate talent to excel, or think excelling seems prohibitively difficult.  Peak belies both of these notions, proving that almost all of us have the seeds of excellence within us — it’s just a question of nurturing them by reducing expertise to a discrete series of attainable practices. Peak offers invaluable, often counterintuitive, advice on setting goals, getting feedback, identifying patterns, and motivating yourself.  Whether you want to stand out at work, or help your kid achieve academic goals, Ericsson’s revolutionary methods will show you how to master nearly anything.

Episode 146: Steven Sisler Psychoanalyzes Me - I Am Unorthodox, Mission Oriented, Logical, Competitive, & Complex Steven Sisler is a Behavioral Analyst, speaker and author. Steve's consultation involves personality difference, leadership strategy, cultural differences, and temperament strategy. Working with clients in more than 18 countries, Steve gathers behavioral and attitudinal information on individuals within corporate settings and develops strategies for effective leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial success. Steve makes normative judgments and brings thought provoking insights to the three ethical platforms within our society. These are the Community Ethic, The Autonomy Ethic, and The Divinity Ethic, and these platforms all have strong implications when challenged with ideological frameworks outside of those accepted within larger people groups. Steven was diagnosed with Hyper Kinetic Behavior in the second grade. He was beat up by girls and fought his way through nine years of intense bullying including being stripped down to his underwear and locked in a seven inch school locker in the seventh grade, kicked by a teacher in front of his class, and knocked unconscious by an eleven member gang on the school grounds. Episode 146: Steven Sisler Psychoanalyzes Me - I Am Unorthodox, Mission Oriented, Logical, Competitive, & Complex Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “Character is learned and character changes." In This Episode, You Will Learn: People who understand themselves and embrace their strengths and weaknesses typically sustain excellence Tony Robbins and Tim Ferriss have a great understanding of themselves What it means to be a "behavioral profiler" The biggest misconceptions of Steve's work The Four People Types: Mad Glad Sad Scared Why job interviews are not authentic The power of saying "I don't know" I like to know "why" more than "how" Measuring my emotional framework -- How Steve describes me based on the tests I took Mission and results oriented person Logical and left brained Have a great poker face. Not showing emotion. A very task oriented person -- "Give me the shovel" Quick, very flexible, independent, freedom seeker, wanting to be in charge Like to control the environment, suspicious -- People have to qualify to get in and be trusted A teacher -- Would make a great college professor A complex brain - Always want to know why? Much more competitive with self than other people High expectations of self -- Never feel content with what's been accomplished, never satisfied An outside the box thinker -- Has unorthodox ideas and approaches to solving problems -- Answers questions in an interesting way, not a typical way A creative problem solver who never gives up A high empathy score -- But can be emotionally distant at times In the 2% of personality score (matches very few people in the world) Go to FreeBRG.com to get your own personality test “I like to know why more than to know how." Continue Learning: Go to FreeBRG.com to get your own personality test Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevesisler To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Steven Sisler on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From Amazon.com Steven Sisler is a Behavioral Analyst, speaker and author. Steve's consultation involves personality difference, leadership strategy, cultural differences, and temperament strategy. Working with clients in more than 18 countries, Steve gathers behavioral and attitudinal information on individuals within corporate settings and develops strategies for effective leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial success. Steve makes normative judgments and brings thought provoking insights to the three ethical platforms within our society. These are the Community Ethic, The Autonomy Ethic, and The Divinity Ethic, and these platforms all have strong implications when challenged with ideological frameworks outside of those accepted within larger people groups. Steven was diagnosed with Hyper Kinetic Behavior in the second grade. He was beat up by girls and fought his way through nine years of intense bullying including being stripped down to his underwear and locked in a seven inch school locker in the seventh grade, kicked by a teacher in front of his class, and knocked unconscious by an eleven member gang on the school grounds. After losing his left eye in 1975, he was singled out and repeatedly punched in the eye by menacing students. At the age of 17 he became a bodybuilder and for the next 3 years worked out intensely until he was bench pressing well over 300 pounds. He later entered seminary after marrying his wife Anita and has since spoken in many forums including youth groups, retreats, churches, seminaries, business groups and currently consults and motivates leaders around the globe.

Episode 145: AJ Hawk - Life In The NFL: Awareness, Consistency, Curiosity A special "swapcast" episode of The Learning Leader Show. This episode with my younger brother AJ is being released on both "The Learning Leader Show," and AJ's video podcast, "The HawkCast."  To view the video of this conversation go to: TheHawkCast.show. This has quickly become one of my favorite episodes. I really enjoy when AJ and I record episodes together.  We've done it in the past and we'll continue doing it in the future.  Episode 145: AJ Hawk - Life In The NFL: Awareness, Consistency, Curiosity Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “It's really easy to work hard when you're feel good. The difference is consistently working hard everyday." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Focusing like Jim Tressel leads to sustained excellence. Keep everything simple... And LISTEN The 3 words to describe AJ Consistent - Always being there for your teammates. Everyday in practice, weightroom, film room, games Aware - Understanding your surroundings. The real measure of intelligence is your awareness Thoughtful - Caring for others. Understanding how your actions impact others Where was our curiosity developed? Has it always been there? (No) TRUST = It's everything "Do Not Blindly Follow" Why AJ feels that he wouldn't be a good coach (I disagree) Creating actionable steps to change a bad habit -- Get an accountability partner What makes a great coach The best teammates he's ever played with Talking a lot on the football field = "Insecurities bubbling to the surface" - Brady Poppinga Be about DOING... Not Saying AJ's philosophy as a Dad The importance of authenticity as a leader and passing that on to your kids How AJ would respond if his children are not hard workers like him What one coach would he like to hear on the other end of the phone to sign him this season? His dream golf foursome: Charles Barkley, Bill Belichick, Jesus playing at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin The question he asks others to truly understand how they think Learning Leader = "It felt right. It fits you." “Typically, the "talkers" are simply voicing their insecurities. The "doers" don't talk about it. They just do it." Continue Learning: Watch this episode at: TheHawkCast.show  See Why Over 230,000 People Follow AJ on Twitter: @OfficialAJHawk  To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing AJ Hawk on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From Bengals.com Rookie first-round draft choice started all 16 games for Green Bay and led team in tackles (155) ... Ranked third in Associated Press voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year ... 2008—Played through chest and groin injuries, starting every Packers game and leading team in tackles (121) ...  2010—Team leader in tackles (134) for 10-6 Wild Card team that went on to capture Super Bowl XLV with 31-25 conquest of Pittsburgh ... Seven tackles (six solo) in Super Bowl win, with two passes defensed ... Named by teammates as one of two postseason defensive captains ... Led team in tackles (10) in NFC Championship win at Chicago ... Career-best three INTs in regular season, including picks against Brett Favre and Eli Manning ... 2012—Started every game and both postseason games for Packers club that went 11-5 for NFC North title ... Led team with 142 tackles, including three sacks... 2013—Started 16 games for Packers’ NFC North title winner, and played in both postseason games (one start) ... Led team in regular-season tackles (153) and had career-best five sacks ... Named a Packers postseason captain for third time in his career ...  College: Played four seasons (2002-05) at Ohio State ... Earned consensus All-America honors in his final two seasons and was first-team All-Big Ten in his last three campaigns ... Foreshadowed his NFL durability by being available for every game of his career, and started his last 37 games ... As a senior in ’05, won Lombardi Award, given to college football’s top lineman or linebacker, and was Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive MVP of Tostitos Fiesta Bowl ... As true freshman in ’02, played as a key reserve on 14-0 national championship team ... Career totals of 51 games, 38 starts, 394 tackles,41 tackles-for-loss, 15.5 sacks, seven INTs and two TDs (one on blocked punt and one on INT). Community service: Has held an annual “Mane Event” in Columbus, Ohio, raising money for “Hawk’s Locks for Kids,” his charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments ... Has participated in NFL’s Play60 program ... Worked with Packers in their “Take a Player to School” event ... Visited with Green Bay area elementary students as reward for their participation in Packers’ Women’s Association food drive ... Has supported Jerry Patrins Cruise for Cancer, the Donald Driver Foundation, the Greg Jennings Foundation and the 2nd-and-7 Foundation, the charity of fellow Ohio State alum Mike Vrabel ... Has made multiple appearances on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, and has been a spokesperson for Wisconsin Special Olympics. A racing connection: Hawk’s initials stand for “Aaron James” ... He was nicknamed A.J. by his parents as an infant, after legendary Indy car driver A.J. Foyt. Personal: Hometown is Centerville, Ohio ... Attended Centerville (Ohio) High School, where he logged 585 career tackles while also seeing time as a quarterback and place kicker ... Also earned two basketball letters as a point guard for Centerville ... Married to the former Laura Quinn, sister of former NFL QB Brady Quinn. Earned degree from Ohio State in criminology ... Grew his hair long in 2005 as a tribute to Pat Tillman, former NFL player who lost his life while serving with U.S. Army in Afghanistan, and kept hair long until 2012, when he cut it and donated trimmings to Wigs for Kids charity ... Chosen to throw out the first pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game in 2007 and also took part in batting practice, hitting two home runs ... Twice won “Celebrity Long Drive” title at the American Century Celebrity Golf Classic in Lake Tahoe, Nev., Hosts his own podcast, interviewing people from all walks of life, including golfer John Daly and sportscaster Joe Buck ... Brother, Ryan, played football at Ohio University and in Arena Football 2 league.

Episode 144: Paul Tough - How To Develop An Intrinsically Motivated Child Paul Tough is the author, most recently, of Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why. His previous book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, was translated into 27 languages and spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback best-seller lists. His first book, Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America, was published in 2008. Paul is a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine, where he has written extensively about education, parenting, poverty, and politics. His writing has also appeared in the New Yorker, the Atlantic, GQ, and Esquire, and on the op-ed page of the New York Times. He has worked as an editor at the New York Times Magazine and Harper’s Magazine and as a reporter and producer for the public-radio program “This American Life.” He was the founding editor of Open Letters, an online magazine. Episode 144: Paul Tough - How To Develop An Intrinsically Motivated Child Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “Our Goal Is To Help Our Children Be Independent." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Having a growth mindset leads (not just about skills) to sustained excellence Realize that failure will happen... You won't sustain excellence 100% of the time How has parenting changed over the last 20 years Read "Our Kids" by Robert Putnam Parents are more educated = They have more anxiety about their kids Parents are more intrusive -- They think everything has to be exactly right -- It puts pressure on children Kids need to continue doing basic responsibilities (mow the lawn, wash dishes, etc...) Creating a system around incentives is bad How do you develop a child to be intrinsically motivated? Keep praise for success overcoming difficult moments, not just getting straight A's Helping children develop GRIT - How to do it The importance of having a coach -- And placing a high value on a great coach Understand the messages we send about success and failure The value of having a winner and a loser in athletic competitions “Hearing the word NO is one of the biggest gifts a child can receive." Continue Learning: Read: Helping Children Succeed Go To: PaulTough.com  Follow Paul on Twitter: @paultough To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 080: Ryan Estis - From Rock Star Sales Professional To World Class Speaker & Entrepreneur Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Paul Tough on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From PaulTough.com Paul Tough is the author, most recently, of Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why. His previous book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, was translated into 27 languages and spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback best-seller lists. His first book, Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America, was published in 2008. Paul is a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine, where he has written extensively about education, parenting, poverty, and politics. His writing has also appeared in the New Yorker, the Atlantic, GQ, and Esquire, and on the op-ed page of the New York Times. He has worked as an editor at the New York Times Magazine and Harper’s Magazine and as a reporter and producer for the public-radio program “This American Life.” He was the founding editor of Open Letters, an online magazine.

Episode 143: Chad Estis - SVP For The Dallas Cowboys: Working For Jerry Jones Chad Estis serves as Executive Vice President at Legends Hospitality Management, LLC and served as its President of Legends Sales & Marketing. He is responsible for the sales strategies and client acquisitions for the Legends Division focused on selling premium seating inventory for new and renovated facilities in Major League and Collegiate athletics. He served as the Chief Marketing Officer and an Executive Vice President of Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena from 2006 to 2007 overseeing all sales, marketing, community relations, communications, web-site and game operations. He served as Head of Sales and Marketing at Cleveland Cavaliers. He served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development for the Cavaliers from 2001 to 2005. Chad was then recruited (heavily) by Jerry Jones and family to lead the sales organization for The Dallas Cowboys.  He served as the lead for Cowboys Stadium Premium Sales project where he was responsible for a sales team of 60 people that set industry records for both PSL (Personal Seat Licenses) and Suite sales revenue. He is a 1993 graduate of Ohio University and a 1994 graduate of Ohio’s Sports Administration Masters Program. Episode 143: Chad Estis - SVP For The Dallas Cowboys: Working For Jerry Jones Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “Keys To A Great Career: Be great at what you currently do. Be curious. Have a career vision. Plant seeds for the future." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Passion, Optimism, and Likability leads to sustained excellence What it's like working for Jerry Jones The moment when the leaders of the Dallas Cowboys flew to Ohio to recruit Chad (WOW) Starting at an entry level role making $16,000/year after earning a Masters degree Learning to cold call (80-100 calls per day) and how they helped developed Chad's grit The process of hiring millennials and working with them Specific mentoring conversations - Hearing exactly what Chad says Being great at what you currently do... Cannot focus on the future too much The biggest mistake young managers/leaders make in their careers How to hire a sales leader The interview and hiring process -- Specifics on how to do it right How to successfully use your "gut feelings" The necessary ingredients for a happy and successful career Work for people you enjoy being around Be challenged everyday Be compensated properly Learning Leaders need to be constantly searching for new information to continually learn “Everybody kept telling me they were a protege of Chad Estis.  I said, I need to meet this guy.” - Jerry Jones Jr. Continue Learning: Read: Chad Estis Named 2015 Recipient of the Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award  Read: 40 Under 40: Chad Estis  To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 080: Ryan Estis - From Rock Star Sales Professional To World Class Speaker & Entrepreneur Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Chad Estis on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From Sportsad.ohio.edu  Chad Estis serves as Executive Vice President at Legends Hospitality Management, LLC and served as its President of Legends Sales & Marketing. He is responsible for the sales strategies and client acquisitions for the Legends Division focused on selling premium seating inventory for new and renovated facilities in Major League and Collegiate athletics. He served as the Chief Marketing Officer and an Executive Vice President of Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena from 2006 to 2007 overseeing all sales, marketing, community relations, communications, web-site and game operations. He served as Head of Sales and Marketing at Cleveland Cavaliers. He served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development for the Cavaliers from 2001 to 2005. Chad was then recruited (heavily) by Jerry Jones and family to lead the sales organization for The Dallas Cowboys.  He served as the lead for Cowboys Stadium Premium Sales project where he was responsible for a sales team of 60 people that set industry records for both PSL (Personal Seat Licenses) and Suite sales revenue. He is a 1993 graduate of Ohio University and a 1994 graduate of Ohio’s Sports Administration Masters Program.

Episode 142: Donald Miller - "I Will Make You Everyone's Favorite Leader" Donald Miller is a student of story. He’s the author of New York Times Best Sellers: "Blue Like Jazz," "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," and "Scary Close." He co-wrote the major motion picture "Blue Like Jazz" which debuted at the SXSW Film Festival and was listed as one of the top four movies to get you through freshman year by USA Today. He has served on The Presidential Task Force for Fatherhood and Healthy Families, a joint effort between government and the private sector to rewrite the story of fatherlessness in America. Donald Miller is a 3 time NY Times best-selling author. He has worked on Presidential campaigns, and now he helps people clearly and concisely tell their stories through live events and at StoryBrand.com  Episode 142: Donald Miller - "I'm Will Make You Everyone's Favorite Leader" Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio The Learning Leader Show “We don't want to react to life. We want to impose our will upon life." In This Episode, You Will Learn: Having the ability to focus like Michael Hyatt and Bob Goff leads to sustained excellence The importance of writing it down Creating a filter to say "No" The process for creating your story -- "If you confuse, you lose" The 7 storybrand rules that Jeb Bush broke People want to hear "their" story, not yours Passing the "laptop to a caveman" test  Your website should answer 3 questions: What are you offering? How does it make my life better? How do I buy? The top right quadrant is the most important part of your website The 2 dominant things your brain does Survive and thrive Tries to conserve energy The 7 parts of a story: 1) Character 2) A problem 3) A guide 4) A plan 5) The action 6) Ends in success 7) Or failure Why "Make America Great Again" is a fantastic slogan "Every human being is looking for a guide to help them" Why empathy and authority are needed "I know how to make you the leader that everyone loves" -- What are the 3 steps to making you the leader that everyone loves Make everyone think: "What will my life be if I don't subscribe to your podcast?" “I'm going to make you everyone's favorite leader." Continue Learning: Go To: storybrand.com  Follow Donald on Twitter: @donaldmiller  Go to: 5minutemarketingmakeover.com  To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12 You may also like these episodes: Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed hearing Donald Miller on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me. Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell Bio From Amazon.com Donald Miller is a 3 time NY Times best-selling author. He has worked on Presidential campaigns, and now he helps people clearly and concisely tell their stories through live events and at StoryBrand.com