⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this engaging episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with image and brand consultant Lee Hayward to unpack the undeniable power of personal branding. If you think branding is just about logos and colors, think again. Lee dives deep into the psychology of perception, trust, and the ripple effect a strong brand can have on leadership and business success. From crafting an intentional image to the surprising ways we form snap judgments, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you present yourself to the world. Tune in for insights that could transform your business and elevate your leadership presence. Lee Heyward is a brand consultant and the founder of The Prosperous Image, a consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs uplevel their image so they make more money. She works with seven-figure leaders to help them build brand loyalty and grow more revenue. Lee is also the author of the bestselling book Strategically Suited: Your Secret Edge to Grow Sales and Get New Clients on how to grow sales and get new clients. 00:00 Intro 01:48 Could you quit a job you love? 03:20 Doing this in a way that builds the right foundation will help build your business! 05:10 Why do we judge by what we see? 06:55 What is a brand? 13:10 Three phases of an image. 16:02 This is the most important presence! 18:40 Are these two things in alignment? 23:20 How do you get the team onboard? 28:05 Combining these two things is how I start with my day!. https://prosperousimage.com/ https://prosperousimage.com/strategically-suited/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Coach Kon to uncover the secret to unlocking true employee engagement. With decades of experience transforming workplaces, Kon shares eye-opening insights on why businesses—big and small—struggle with disengagement and what leaders can do to create a thriving, high-performance culture. From the impact of the Great Resignation to the staggering financial cost of lost productivity, this conversation dives deep into the reality of workplace motivation. But the real magic? Kon reveals the four key drivers that can turn disengaged employees into committed, high-performing team members. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion—it could change the way you lead forever! Konstantinos Apostolopoulos (Coach Kon) is the Founder & CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, helping organizations develop talent, improve results, and drive change. An award-winning coach and international speaker, he is a Thinkers 360 Global Top-50 Thought Leader in resilience and performance. His best-selling books, The Engagement Blueprint and 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis, equip leaders with strategies for building commitment and navigating challenges. With experience across North America and Europe, Konstantinos empowers businesses to lead with impact and adapt to transformation 00:00 Intro 03:01 Two trends that started his research! 07:15 How can a leader run a small business if employees are disengaged? 10:10 Deep level of disengagement, quiet quitting? 12:06 Four drivers of engagement! 21:25 Don’t always have to move vertically. 25:56 Start where everything starts… =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos is joined by leadership coach and keynote speaker Mick Hunt, who shares a deeply personal journey of transformation that started with a childhood promise. If you've ever felt stuck—whether in your career, finances, or personal life—this conversation is packed with insights to help you break through. Mick challenges conventional wisdom by advocating for a "because" statement over traditional mission and vision statements, offering a bold perspective on purpose-driven leadership. With engaging stories, thought-provoking questions, and actionable strategies, this episode will inspire you to embrace discipline, redefine success, and take charge of your leadership journey. Tune in now—you won’t want to miss this! Mick Hunt is a transformative leader and the force behind Mick Unplugged, a movement that goes beyond motivation to drive real change. His top-ranked Mick Unplugged podcast, consistently in Apple’s top 10 for Self-Improvement, features thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers exploring ambition, resilience, and character. Mick’s signature Mick Factor—Mastery, Imagination, Character, and perseverance—guides his work in keynote speaking, executive coaching, and custom training programs. His actionable insights make him a sought-after mentor for business leaders, athletes, and anyone striving to unlock their full potential. Why Mick? Because he embodies transformation. He’ll inspire change, foster growth, and guide you to personal and professional fulfillment. In a world hungry for authentic leadership, he’s a beacon, empowering you to transcend limits, unlock your true potential and discover your true "because.” 00:00 Intro 01:50 Is success an athlete, entertainer, doctor or lawyer? 04:10 Leadership is not that! 06:18 Growth is boring, but this is overwhelming! 08:28 Mick’s concept… 11:40 Leaders should look at this to grow… it’s not judgement. 14:13 Bad Leaders do this… 18:02 We have this gap, not just a leadership gap. 23:40 Not in the morning, I start at this time! https://mickunplugged.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with marketing trailblazer Paige Velasquez Budde to dive into the evolving world of branding and trust in leadership. As corporate credibility dwindles, the modern CEO must rethink their approach—moving beyond faceless logos to create people-driven brands that resonate on a personal level. Paige, the dynamic CEO of Zilker Media, unveils the secrets behind leveraging authenticity, thought leadership, and visibility to build influence and scale a business. If you're ready to discover how trust has become the ultimate currency in today’s market—and how you can harness it to gain a competitive edge—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Paige Velasquez Budde is Partner and CEO at Zilker Media, an Austin-based agency specializing in people-driven branding. Under her leadership, Zilker Media has been recognized as one of Austin’s Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work. A sought-after speaker, she has led workshops for Ernst & Young, Harvard Medical School, The University of Texas athletics, and more. She has spearheaded marketing strategies for top thought leaders, including New York Times bestsellers Geoff Colvin and Sally Hogshead, and advised major brands like Russell Stover and a2 Milk. Her expertise has been featured in Inc., Texas CEO Magazine, Business.com, and more. 00:00 Intro 01:40 Key principle is this… 04:50 Transition from the brand to this and why it is important… 07:15 Two marketing concepts and leaders need a combination! 10:18 Leaders need to understand it is about this so they can win. 12:41 This can make or break a business! 14:01 More able to story tell, the better: Three areas leaders need! 19:10 Influencer, how to become a business influencer? 22:20 Smallest things make the biggest impact! 25:05 This is where a leader starts. 30:06 Best way to Start Your Day with a Win! https://zilkermedia.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with leadership expert and former pro baseball player Mike Robbins to explore the essence of high-performing teams. From the boardroom to the playing field, they discuss the power of culture, chemistry, and commitment in building winning organizations. With insights from Mike’s experience working with top companies like Google and Microsoft, this conversation unpacks what it truly means to be a team, how great leaders foster trust and accountability, and why positive competition elevates everyone. Don't miss this deep dive into leadership, mindset, and teamwork! Mike Robbins is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert known for captivating audiences with his insights on team performance and company culture. His five books, including his latest, We’re All In This Together, have made him a leading voice in the field, while his dynamic approach to public speaking has earned him accolades from some of the biggest organizations in the world. A former star baseball player, Mike transitioned from the sports field to the corporate world after an injury ended his career. He quickly rose through the ranks in sales and business development, eventually founding his own consulting firm in 2001. Since then, he has delivered keynote speeches and seminars to Google, Microsoft, Airbnb, and Harvard University, among others, showcasing his ability to resonate with everyone from corporate executives to college students. Mike blends relatable stories with actionable advice, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring for diverse audiences. His work has been featured on NPR, ABC News, Fast Company, and The New York Times, and he is a regular contributor to Forbes. His passion for helping people and teams thrive, combined with his energetic style and sense of humor, ensures a lively and inspiring discussion. 00:00 Intro 01:50 What does it take to call ourselves this… 03:45 If you have this then you have a chance to have this! 06:45 How to maintain cultural integrity? 09:45 Can imposter syndrome be positive? 12:20 This can really mess with you however it really is exciting… 16:28 There is a billion people that don’t care! 18:18 Difference between appreciation and recognition. 21:09 A coach/leader needs to ask this… 25:19 A series of things… https://mike-robbins.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the power of holistic freedom with his guest, Coach JV. Coach JV shares his remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and building a thriving ecosystem of businesses. He reveals what is required to achieve true success and why taking control of your life is the key to lasting fulfillment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on mindset, resilience, and creating the life you truly want! Coach JV woke up from an attempted suicide on December 18th, 2006, to a book called “The Secret.” From that day forth, the next 17 years of his life would never be the same. After his attempted suicide, JV pursued a bachelor’s degree and graduated from CBA executive banking school and soon scaled himself up to vice president at a large bank. After years of dedication to the corporation, he went through a great spiritual awaking and started to see the system for what it was. He decided to leave the high-paid VP job and with his business partner Cesar Jeremy Quintanilla, created a million-dollar FREEDOM company called 3T Warrior Academy. 3T Warrior Academy has helped thousands of warriors worldwide break free from the job just over broke system and learn how to journey to freedom in mindset, in health, and in generational wealth building. Co-founder of 3T Warrior Academy, a million-dollar business, and Freedom Asset Management Company; Co-creator of Merlin, a cutting-edge crypto tracker; Social media powerhouse with over 2 million combined followers; Featured in IrishTechNews, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Apple News, and NewsNationUSA 00:00 Intro 01:35 the secret…where my journey began! 04:10 There was no plan B and this is how I built my resilience! 06:10 Knowledge without this is deadly… 07:57 Our motto… 11:17 This saying may be cliché however is soooo true! 12:55 Holistic what? 16:50 You need this for your fitness, your business, your finances… 19:10 There are three people… 21:25 When you find this or remember this, this will happen! 25:15 All this is for me not against me! 3twarrioracademy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coach-jv-podcast/id1265657533 https://www.youtube.com/@3TWarriorAcademy =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the depths of leadership with Jan Rutherford, a former Green Beret turned executive coach and entrepreneur. Together, they explore the profound parallels between leading in the wilderness and leading in the boardroom, uncovering the traits that define exceptional leaders. With vivid stories from battlefields and boardrooms alike, Jan shares insights on resilience, decision-making under pressure, and the delicate balance between self-reliance and team accountability. If you've ever faced overwhelm or wondered how to lead with clarity and purpose in the face of adversity, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss the chance to discover the secrets to building unshakable teams and unlocking your full leadership potential. Jan Rutherford is an executive coach, keynote speaker and a former Green Beret. He is the founder of Self-Reliant Leadership® where he leads Crucible® wilderness expeditions with executives and veterans. He’s the co-host of The Leadership Podcast, has online courses on LinkedIn, Skillsoft, and Udemy, and is the author of “The Littlest Green Beret: On Self-Reliant Leadership.” His next book, “Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams,” will be out in the Summer of 2024. 00:00 Intro 01:27 Does a leader have the highest rank? 03:16 Factors that always come up 04:40 What is the biggest problem out there today? 09:02 Where is the duty of accountability? 12:57 This didn’t matter, all that matter is this! 18:02 Take the leadership opportunity and help people understand this! 20:01 What is performance? 23:24 Four levers of how employees produce results! 28:05 A long this and the amazing this can be the best start of the day! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Today on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the critical leadership trends for 2025, offering actionable insights to help leaders thrive in the new year. From leveraging AI and decision-making to fostering human connection, and team well-being, his insights cover strategies to enhance profitability, build trust, and drive results. This episode is packed with wisdom to set your leadership on the path to success. Tune in and get ready to lead strong in 2025! 00:00 Intro 01:13 Seven Leadership trends to watch in 2025 and ACTIONS to take! 03:01 AI is here to do this not that. 03:58 EQ also called EI! 05:15 Employees are having to re-learn how to do this! 06:29 This creates big momentums. 07:31 If you are not using this to make decisions, you are leading blind! 08:37 Presence creates this… 09:26 You have to do this, as well as for your people. 10:49 2025 is about this! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com This episode of Start With a Win dives into the top leadership lessons of 2024, host Adam Contos welcomes wife, Kelly Contos, they blend humor, personal anecdotes, and professional observations to explore what makes leaders, leaders. Packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, this holiday-themed discussion delivers an engaging and thought-provoking take on leadership that will leave you eager for more. 00:00 Intro – Five Leadership topics of 2024 01:59 Almost half of employees say Leaders are not this! 04:45 As a Leader there is nothing worse than this… 09:14 Topic two: everyone wants/needs this! 11:50 If you don’t have this, how can you do this…number three… 21:05 Topic four: This helps all things and solves all things! 26:15 Number five! 32:45 Wrapping up, if anything listen to the last two minutes! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the journey of building confidence, navigating systemic challenges, and redefining leadership from a personal and professional perspective with guest Kelli Thompson. Kelli an award-winning executive coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, explores the tools and mindset shifts necessary for women—and everyone else—to lead with clarity and self-assurance. Kelli shares her inspiring story of resilience and transformation, from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and how her groundbreaking programs empower leaders to thrive in challenging environments. Tune in for an insightful discussion about finding purpose, advocating for yourself, and creating impactful change in leadership spaces. Kelli Thompson is an executive coach and speaker who is on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained thousands of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Kelli holds an MBA, has served as an adjunct management professor, and has more than ten years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology organizations. Her thought leadership has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, MarketWatch, Quartz @ Work, HuffPost, and FastCompany. Kelli is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her favorite roles are wife to Jason and mom to Hailey. 00:00 Intro 01:35 An aha moment, really think about what you want to be when you grow up! 05:20 The moment when it hit, anyone can overcome 08:20 The program every (woman) leadership person needs 11:16 The three Ps 12:54 If you don’t know what you this, then you don’t know what you will this! 16:01 What are the blockers? 20:17 To be a good leader you need to do this first! 22:59 In order to develop your team you need to do this… 27:13 Always move this… =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Some people want to start a business but are overwhelmed to the point of inaction. Yet strategic action offsets overwhelm. How can you propel yourself to move forward in your career? Today on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos joins Pat on his podcast: In the latest episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso invites Adam Contos, a Partner at Area 15 Ventures, to speak about building ventures through effective leadership. Adam shares some of his favorite books and most influential mentors, his leadership philosophy and personal wisdom, and how he began franchising businesses with RE/MAX Holdings. Former real estate CEO and leadership coach Adam Contos maintains that you must be held accountable for taking action on your vision. However, less than 1% of people can hold themselves accountable regularly for their entrepreneurial endeavors, leading small businesses to fail in the first year. Instead, you should acquire a coach or leader to develop an accountability system. Exceptional leaders influence and guide you to accomplish a task or vision by building trust and practicing what they preach. With an inspirational leader, you can identify the mental gaps in your personal and professional life and take action for future growth. 00:00 Intro 03:46 How Adam Contos transitioned from a cop to leading a venture capital firm 06:50 The mental barriers to starting a business — and how to take action 12:04 Adam’s philosophy on leadership 16:01 Why RE/MAX franchised companies in the quick service restaurant (QSR) space 23:35 Adam talks about his leadership drivers in real estate and entrepreneurship 30:30 What are Adam’s favorite books, and who are his most influential mentors? Quotable Moments: "Ultimately, it comes down to, ‘how can you be accountable for taking that action?’ If there's no accountability, there's no action." "Leaders influence and guide somebody in order to accomplish a task or change a vision or establish values within an organization." "People will give way more than that 40% effort if they are so engaged and so inspired by the leadership in that organization." "We looked for people, systems, and products, and we found it at Port of Subs. It was rock solid." "Stay hungry and stay humble. There is no job that is too small for a key leader to go and do." Action Steps: 1. Define your destination in entrepreneurial ventures: It's crucial for business owners to have a clear objective; mapping a destination helps bridge the gap between their current state and future success. 2. Embrace change and lead through transformation: Change is inevitable in all industries; by adapting and leading effectively through it, a business can stay relevant and competitive. 3. Establish a system of accountability: To ensure action and avoid stagnation, accountability keeps individuals on track with their entrepreneurial goals. 4. Focus on relationship-building within organizations: Strong interpersonal connections can elevate employee experiences and translate to enhanced customer interaction and retention. 5. Stay informed and educated about industry developments: Ongoing learning about tools, trends, and changes, such as in AI, enables leaders to anticipate shifts and harness opportunities for growth. Sponsor for the Destination Business Freedom episode... This episode is brought to you by the Mancuso Consulting Group, a go-to resource for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners dedicated to personal and business growth. Our team of experts has coached, consulted, and trained over 15,000 entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, and business owners in areas of sales, leadership, organizational development, and personal growth. Additionally, Pat Mancuso has launched multiple multimillion-dollar business ventures, giving him a firsthand understanding of entrepreneurs' daily challenges. At the Mancuso Consulting Group, we are committed to exploring innovative ways to help businesses and leaders grow their people and improve their bottom lines. To learn how the Mancuso Consulting Group can help you unlock your full potential, visit www.themancusomethod.com, email us at pat@themancusomethod.com, or call 651-503-7355. =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In today’s episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos dives into key leadership challenges and strategies for overcoming them. Adam explores how personal mindset, clarity in communication, team development, and humility play vital roles in successful leadership. He underscores the ripple effect leaders have on their teams and organizations, emphasizing the importance of starting each day positively, communicating effectively, fostering growth in others, and managing ego. Packed with relatable anecdotes and actionable insights, Adam provides a thoughtful perspective on self-reflection and growth, encouraging listeners to embrace these lessons in their leadership journeys. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Five Big Leadership Mistakes 01:30 Number One 03:15 Please do this! 05:05 Number Two 06:35 Lack of THIS is a lack of Leadership! 08:32 Number Three 09:40 To be a great leader, you need to be THIS! 12:36 Number Four 13:20 How to take THIS and use it as data! 16:29 Number Five 19:30 Get out of this TERM! 20:45 If you teach THIS, then you get THAT! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Today on Start With a Win, join Adam Contos as he takes the spotlight on Franchise Masters, presented by Netsertive and Franchise Filming. Adam's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—from navigating the dangers of the streets to counterterrorism, and ultimately, leading in the world of franchising. Discover powerful leadership insights from a true master who’s seen it all and come out on top! 00:00 Intro and background on Adam Contos 03:23 Differences and similarities between military and franchise life! 04:20 Importance of the human base in the franchisees 06:43 Adam’s Strategy 09:36 Favorite moments in franchising! 11:20 Advice for Franchisees =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this captivating episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes franchise innovator Sam Ballas, founder and CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill. Sam shares his fascinating journey from Wall Street executive to thriving restaurateur and franchising expert, recounting how a single restaurant venture sparked a transformative career. Together, they delve into building enduring business systems, scaling horizontally and vertically, and what it truly takes to create and sustain a successful brand in the competitive restaurant and franchise industry. Alongside insightful personal stories and leadership lessons, listeners get an inside look at the strategies that set Sam apart in franchise innovation. Don't miss this deep dive into how vision, resilience, and the right systems can lead to sustained success. Sam Ballas is the founder and CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), founder of ZorAbility, Inc., and co-founder of Sammy’s Sliders. With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry and 30+ years in financial markets and real estate development, Sam has pioneered innovative franchise strategies centered on Unit Level Economics (ULE). His leadership has earned ECW+G accolades such as Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Restaurant Franchises and Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchise Systems. Sam serves on the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors and holds certifications as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). 00:00 Intro 01:20 Came from Wall Street to Franchising… 06:05 Horizontal scale? 07:20 Can you franchise that? 11:05 What does the after look like? 12:15 If you think this, it is a huge mistake! 14:20 You have to have these pillars… 17:23 Biggest advice! 19:46 Founders Syndrome… 24:55 You have to take this and look through it in a different lens… 27:40 Key piece of advice… =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this engaging part two episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes back Anne Morriss where they dive into the often-underestimated power of soft leadership skills in transforming organizational culture. They explore the challenges of burnout, inefficient meeting cultures, and the fear of change that holds businesses back. Through insightful stories and actionable strategies, this episode unpacks how tapping into agency, inclusivity, and a commitment to change can unlock extraordinary success. If you're ready to reframe how you lead, this conversation is packed with gold. Tune in for an inspiring deep dive! Anne Morriss is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and founder of The Leadership Consortium (TLC), a leadership accelerator focused on building inclusive executive teams and preparing emerging leaders for senior roles. With over 20 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs, companies, and government leaders on strategy and organizational change, Anne is committed to helping individuals realize their full potential as leaders and changemakers. She also founded GenePeeks, a computational genomics company that developed breakthrough methods for identifying disease risk. Anne is the best-selling coauthor of Uncommon Service, Unleashed, and Move Fast & Fix Things, a guide on trust, leadership, and business. She also co-hosts the leadership podcast Fixable with Frances Frei, where they offer quick, actionable coaching to help solve workplace challenges. Anne serves on the board of IGNITE, which promotes political engagement among young women, and has been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the world’s most influential business thinkers. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Five patterns in book correlate to the five these… 01:30 The real realization moment… 06:43 Leaders need to commit to this… 07:27 People fear this however it is really this they fear… 10:11 How do leaders recognize this and what to do about it 13:31 Here is the answer and he can sum it up in three words… 17:13 We are wired to avoid this! 19:33 Get addicted to what happens next 21:30 Here is your action item to do this week! 24:06 The night before, um! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory