The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Andrew Brandt, an ESPN Business Analyst and former Vice President of Player Finance for the Green Bay Packers, shares insights from his remarkable career in sports management and negotiation. He discusses the importance of self-discipline and internal motivation for sustained excellence. Listeners will love stories from the NFL draft room and his work with iconic figures like David Falk. Brandt offers practical negotiation tips focused on emotional control and relationship-building. He emphasizes never settling and continuing personal growth, regardless of past achievements.

In this conversation, Jane Atkinson, a seasoned speaker coach with over 20 years of experience, shares her expertise in launching a successful speaking career. She discusses the importance of niche specialization for recognition and how to craft engaging presentations. Jane dives into audience engagement techniques, the balance of glamour and challenges in speaking, and the value of continuous learning. She emphasizes the need for a clear message and the power of masterminds to foster personal growth, making this a must-listen for aspiring speakers.

Greg McKeown, best-selling author of "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less," and CEO of THIS Inc, shares powerful insights into the art of saying no. He argues that this skill is essential for achieving sustained excellence and maintaining focus in both personal and professional lives. McKeown explores how success can lead to overwhelming choices, distracting us from what truly matters. With practical strategies, he advocates for prioritizing the vital few tasks and mastering the art of essentialism in a hyperconnected world.

Tim Urban, a writer and illustrator from Wait But Why, is renowned for tackling everything from procrastination to AI. In a humorous yet insightful discussion, he reflects on how procrastination can fuel creativity, especially during his TED Talk preparation. Urban also shares his experiences with influential figures like Elon Musk and emphasizes the importance of reinventing oneself to sustain excellence. Plus, he discusses blending humor and illustrations to engage readers effectively, all while balancing integrity in content creation.

Paul Madera, founder of Meritech Capital and former F-16 pilot, shares his remarkable journey in late-stage tech investing. He reveals why he invested $10 million in Facebook back in 2005, a decision that changed the landscape of social media. The conversation delves into the essential traits of successful leaders, comparing insights from military training to high-stakes business decisions. Madera offers a refreshing perspective on commitment, strategy, and adapting to pressure, underscoring the importance of continual learning in leadership.

Amy Porterfield, co-author of “Facebook Marketing All-In-One for Dummies” and social media strategist, shares her insights from over 12 years in marketing. She discusses her six-year journey with Tony Robbins, emphasizing the importance of consistency in building trust. Amy highlights the challenges of transitioning from a stable job to entrepreneurship and the lessons learned from her experiences at Harley Davidson. She also offers actionable strategies for audience engagement and the significance of nurturing a growth mindset in leadership.

Cal Newport, an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and author of 'Deep Work', dives into the significance of focus in today’s knowledge economy. He critiques the prevalent idea of 'following your passion', advocating instead for skill development through hard work. Newport introduces the concept of the 'eudaimonia machine', a model for optimizing personal productivity while nurturing deep work habits. He emphasizes that mastering focus, time management, and intentional learning are crucial for sustained leadership excellence and fulfillment in one’s career.

David Meerman Scott, author of 'The New Rules of Marketing & PR,' shares his expertise in newsjacking and real-time marketing. He discusses how Trump effectively utilizes newsjacking to engage audiences and the transition from traditional advertising to innovative social media tactics. Scott highlights the importance of curiosity and adaptability in personal growth, drawing lessons from various public figures. He also shares strategies for individuals and small businesses to amplify their messages through current events, enriching the marketing landscape.

Liz Wessel, Co-founder and CEO of WayUp, shares her inspiring journey from Google to launching her own startup connecting college students with jobs. She discusses the importance of a fearless attitude and how cold emailing can lead to mentorship and unexpected opportunities. Liz emphasizes her successful fundraising efforts, raising over $9M, while navigating the complexities of business growth. Passion and work ethic are key themes, as she encourages young professionals to embrace risks and pursue meaningful connections.

Chris Guillebeau, a writer and entrepreneur known for his bestselling books, shares his journey of self-employment and his exploration of 193 countries before 35. He discusses the essence of creating your dream job through a process of trial-and-error, emphasizing the importance of community and meaningful connections. Chris also highlights traits like curiosity and persistence that lead to sustained leadership success. By rethinking traditional leadership perspectives, he encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths and continuous growth.