Start With A Win
443 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 155 ratingsEvery day you have a choice. You can wake up and choose to give in to mediocrity and complacency, you can choose bad habits and poor choices, and you can do the bare minimum to get by and fly under the radar. Or you can choose to make today the day that sets you apart from the crowd, you can choose to start doing the right things, the things that will set you up for success. You can choose to create a life that is worth living, worth waking up to, and worth sharing with the world around you. Today You can choose to start with a win.
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Episodes
Quick Win: Party With The Beast
March 31, 2023 11:00 - 1 minute - 2.23 MBInternal fear, which I like to call "the beast," is what often stops people from accomplishing their goals. This beast's goal is to create fear, doubt and overwhelm in us and keep us from reaching our potential. The key to fighting it is to "party with the beast" and learn to embrace it and grow with it! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Staying Focused in the Age of Information Overload
March 29, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 26.9 MBAmericans today encounter up to 10,000 advertisements per day. With limitless information and endless options for distractions at our fingertips, many people experience the negative effects of information overload. Especially for entrepreneurs, too much information can lead to procrastination, decision fatigue, analysis paralysis, and burnout. Since the world will only keep expanding, it is important for business owners to learn coping skills that help them focus in a world where ev...
No One Succeeds Without a Team with Karl Mecklenburg
March 22, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 25.7 MBFormer All Pro Linebacker for the Denver Broncos Karl Mecklenburg applies the lessons he learned from football to all areas of life. As an inspirational speaker, author, and podcast host, Karl uses his winning mentality to guide leaders and team members to function as an efficient unit. He helps founders identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their team so that everyone is placed in a position that sets them up for optimal performance. Karl uses his 6 Keys to Success ...
Quick Win: If You Want To Fix Your Business, Fix Yourself!
March 17, 2023 11:00 - 1 minute - 2.12 MBWant to fix your business? You've got to fix everything else first! Our lives are interconnected—personal, financial, health, relationships—so in order to experience success in business, you must have success in your life. It starts with building micro routines and wins that turn into macro wins! Build the habits that create successes in your life, and watch your business thrive! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twi...
Choose Positivity, Choose Success with Jon Gordon
March 15, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 30.4 MBThink positive. Seems simple enough. Best-selling author and speaker Jon Gordon champions the power of positive thinking in his numerous books and leadership training programs. But he wants to be clear; he’s not talking about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses and ignoring reality. He’s referring to the power every individual has to choose resilience and faith in the face of challenges in order to create the life they want. Jon considers himself a naturally negative pers...
Are You Uncomfortable? Good! with Wylie McGraw
March 08, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 27.5 MBFormer star pitcher, competitive bull rider, and combat veteran Wylie McGraw lives every day in peak performance mode. By intentionally putting himself in situations that pushed him to his limit, he discovered his superpower: exposing negative beliefs and behaviors that prevent people from tapping into their greatest potential. Now he works with powerful CEOs and business leaders to radically accelerate growth and promote optimal performance. Many people are plagued by their own pe...
Quick Win: How Often Should You Eat?
March 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.92 MBFood is energy and power for your brain and focus to get things done. Get some protein-packed snacks and plug them in between meals. This will power your brain to be more focused and more successful in your day! And, don't forget to hydrate! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
5 Trends Business Leaders Need to Follow in 2023
March 01, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBThis might surprise you, but the priorities of successful leaders in 2023 aren’t simply increasing revenue and productivity. While these are certainly important goals for any business owner, this year leaders are focusing on building relationships and practicing clear communication. Here are the top trends for feeding the momentum of growth and expansion in the new year. Be Present: In order to retain loyal employees, bosses need to be actively involved in the day-to-day environmen...
The AI Revolution is Here: Harnessing the Competitive Advantage of Human Connection with Jon LoDuca
February 22, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MBIn the age of artificial intelligence, how can entrepreneurs offer products and services that hold value beyond what a machine is capable of providing? Jon LoDuca believes that going back to the basics of authentic human interaction is the new million-dollar idea. Jon is founder and CEO of PlaybookBuilder, an award-winning knowledge management software that helps leaders and teams capture and share best practices, core process, and story to drive performance, scalability, and sustai...
Quick Win: Write it Down, Get it Done.
February 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.08 MBDo you ever get to the end of your day, feeling like you accomplished nothing? Adam shares an easy way to focus on productivity, using notecards with ideas and to-dos that you can cross off as you get them done. You'll go home feeling fulfilled and accomplished at the end of your day! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Fuel Yourself With Joy with Amanda Gore part 2
February 15, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutes - 23.3 MBIn part 2 with dynamic speaker and business leadership coach Amanda Gore, she offers heart-centered advice for building impactful relationships in business. In a climate where half the workforce is considering moving to a new job, leaders of organizations seek to make meaningful changes to keep team members on board. Amanda takes the approach of doing her inner work first. She is able to create a culture that values each individual for their unique gifts by first uncovering her auth...
Fuel Yourself With Joy with Amanda Gore Part 1
February 08, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutes - 21.5 MBWhat’s the point of achieving your goals if you’re miserable doing so? With decades of experience helping organizations build dynamic teams centered around authentic communication, Amanda’s personal mission is to remind young, over-achieving entrepreneurs to stop and breathe. Building a business can be overwhelming at times. With burnout rates skyrocketing for both C-Suite and entry-level employees, mental health in the workplace has become a priority for sustainability. According t...
Quick Win: F.O.C.U.S.
February 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.22 MBF.O.C.U.S. Follow One Course Until Successful. Focus on what you need to get done and put 100% of your effort into the task at hand! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Dynamic Duos: Empowered Executives and Aligned Assistants with Adam Hergenrother and Hallie Warner
February 01, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBDespite the challenges for entrepreneurs created by the pandemic, many businesses have experienced explosive growth in the past few years. When organizations rapidly expand, it can be easy for leaders and team members to lose cohesive vision. Successful leaders recognize and utilize their own strengths and empower team members to do the same. Another important role for an executive is making meaningful decisions every day that push the company toward clearly communicated goals. Some...
Owning Your Mistakes
January 25, 2023 12:00 - 19 minutes - 21.9 MBBusiness is all about relationships. It requires give and take, especially when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Much like a bank account, we can evaluate the health of our relationships by tracking both deposits and withdrawals. Good leaders constantly deposit in employees’ and customers’ relational bank accounts so that when it comes time to make a withdrawal, there is enough in the account to sustain the cost. Recognition and appreciation are some of the most powerful too...
Quick Win: When is the Last Time you Said Thank You?
January 20, 2023 12:00 - 47 seconds - 1.48 MBPeople are hungry for personal attention and appreciation. So it's important for you as a leader to intentionally take time to tell people THANK YOU for the hard work they do. Schedule it—no really! Put it on your calendar, and go tell five people this week that you appreciate them. It's the one thing they can't give themselves, so it's up to you! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://w...
Monetize Your Dreams with Pat Flynn Part 2
January 18, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 28.1 MBEvery successful entrepreneur asks the question, “How do I differentiate my product or services?” In a world where infinite information is available at the click of a button, it can seem daunting to create something new. In Pat Flynn’s experience, customers will pay for quick and easy access to information that will bring value to their lives. One of the best ways to build customer loyalty and increase retention rates is by monetizing the community as the product. After launching a...
Monetize Your Dreams with Pat Flynn Part 1
January 11, 2023 12:00 - 19 minutes - 22.5 MBAs a trailblazer and respected leader in the entrepreneurial world, Pat Flynn has spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of running his own businesses. Through trial and error, he discovered powerful tools for helping people expand their business reach and monetize their skills. His company, Smart Passive Income, offers training programs and community support from a vibrant network of international entrepreneurs. He speaks with honesty on his podcasts about how to turn ch...
Quick Win: Don't Just Set a Goal
January 06, 2023 12:00 - 54 seconds - 1.7 MBDon't just set goals. If you want to actually accomplish your goals, you have to go a step further and also set the steps, accomplishment benchmarks and the dates to check in on your goals. And don't forget an accountability partner! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Overcoming Odds to Becoming a Top Performer with Quintavius “Q” Burdette
January 04, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MBAs one of seventeen children growing up in Mississippi, Quintavius “Q” Burdette learned at an early age that nothing was going to be handed to him. He achieved his goals of attending college and playing football for a division one team through sheer will power and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. When other kids from his community went to parties, Q was on the field honing his skills. In college, he stood out to coaches and professors because he prioritized his education over footba...
Leadership Training in the NFL Part 2 with Heath Evans
December 28, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 31 MBHaving played for one of the greatest coaches in NFL history as a New England Patriot, Heath Evans knows a little something about strong leadership. Witnessing Bill Belichick’s unwavering humility despite monumental success, Heath learned to apply lessons of selflessness and service in all areas of his life, not just football. But when a scandal destroyed everything Heath had built, he turned to his faith to give him the courage to rebuild. Resiliency in the face of suffering is im...
Start With a Win’s Holiday Office Party
December 21, 2022 12:00 - 18 minutes - 21.7 MBJust as it should be for the holiday season, the whole crew is here! Listeners are invited to the office Christmas party where Adam and his team kick back and have some fun. In this episode, test your Christmas knowledge with a rousing game of trivia and enjoy spontaneous bursts of caroling. Not every day is about gains. Slowing down and enjoying the company of the people in our lives is equally important. Adam and producer Mark express their gratitude for a year of growth and for a...
Quick Win: Deliver Results In A Positive Manner
December 16, 2022 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBDon't focus on looking for positive or negative—look for results! You will actually discover more positives when you are looking for results. Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Leadership Training in the NFL Part 1 with Heath Evans
December 14, 2022 12:00 - 21 minutes - 24.6 MBEven as a child, Heath Evans knew what his future was going to look like—he believed in his dreams of becoming an NFL player and eventually being on TV. Having fulfilled those dreams, Heath now uses the experiences from his decade-long career in the NFL, the lessons taught by his parents, and his faith in God to coach men on mastering their manhood from a Biblical perspective. As the son of a marine, Heath learned early on that believing in his dreams would only take him so far. To...
Utilizing a Growth Mindset: Win When They Say You Won’t with Daphne E. Jones
December 07, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 30.7 MBRaised by immigrants who came to America to pursue the dream, Daphne received one message at home and a very different message in school. In school, she was told that as a black woman, she would not be successful in business. But at home, her mother taught her the importance of embracing a mindset that broke through limitations imposed on her by other people and broken systems. Daphne chose to reject seeds of misdirection and believed she could do anything she set her mind to. She b...
Quick Win: What is willpower?
December 02, 2022 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.3 MBWhat is willpower? Focus + Energy = Willpower! It's focusing on the task at hand without getting distracted and how engaged and excited you are about the task. Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Riding the Waves of Chaos Through Inspired Leadership with Hamza Khan
November 30, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBHamza Khan believes the hardest months of the pandemic, March through May of 2020, were a portal into a new world—one that required leaders and managers to reassess old systems and start making foundational changes from the top down. As many businesses failed and others thrived, conscientious leaders began to ask hard questions about the efficacy of a leadership structure that remained disconnected from human needs. What successful leaders like Khan have found is that productivity i...
Revisited: Real Talk and Thankfulness with Adam and Kelly Contos
November 23, 2022 12:00 - 14 minutes - 16.8 MBOn this episode of the Start With A Win podcast, we are joined by Kelly Contos, which gave Mark the perfect opportunity to practice his game show host skills during a lightning round of the Newlywed Game. You may be surprised to find out who looks better in glasses and who is the better singer! When it comes to supporting Adam as the CEO of such a large and prominent company, Kelly says that her main objective is to be there for whatever he needs. Sometimes that means making sure h...
Quick Win: Where Does Energy Come From?
November 18, 2022 12:00 - 57 seconds - 1.12 MBPhysical energy comes from three places: nutrition, hydration and movement. If we want to show up and continue to be our best self both in our professional and personal lives, it's important that we prioritize all three! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
How to Achieve Measurable Gains Using the 4 Disciplines of Execution
November 16, 2022 12:00 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MBBusiness school classrooms and boardrooms alike are stacked with strategies for maximizing business success. But truly effective business models move beyond powerful planning into efficient execution. Franklin Covey—a global company that trains businesses in leadership development and individual effectiveness—teaches four major disciplines that help companies maximize execution. The first discipline is about focusing on what is most important. Narrowing the focus allows people to ...
Setting Expectations to Prevent Miscommunication with Kelly Contos
November 09, 2022 12:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBThe majority of challenges business owners face can be boiled down to a lack of communication surrounding expectations. One way to troubleshoot issues in business and personal relationships is by setting the stage with clear expectations for time commitments, scenarios, outcomes and goals. By providing clarity through helpful boundaries, business leaders can give their employees and customers more confidence and direction when it comes to production, collaboration, and the overall s...
Quick Win: Accountability Creates Results
November 04, 2022 11:00 - 35 seconds - 724 KBWant better results? Here's the secret: Get accountable! Accountability causes action with intention, and that creates results. Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life with Noah St. John
November 02, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBMany popular self-help books promote the use of affirmations to help people change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Noah St. John has spent the last 25 years teaching a different and more effective approach. Instead of using a disempowering “I am” statement that the brain immediately recognizes as false, he directs people to ask an empowering question that exemplifies who they want to be. By asking a question, the brain becomes engaged in finding the answer, thus creating a pla...
Busy vs. Productive: Tips for Successful Time Management
October 26, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBEveryone is busy, but not everyone is productive. Time is a precious resource that many squander away on social media or mindless entertainment. Rather than being the victim of time, successful people view time as a currency which can be used intentionally to accomplish daily goals. In order to gain clarity on how to most effectively use time, leaders and entrepreneurs must learn the value of saying no. Saying no to some opportunities frees up resources so that people can say yes t...
Quick Win: Better Choices Lead To Better Choices
October 21, 2022 11:00 - 1 minute - 1.18 MBHow can we get to the results we want? It's simple. Better choices lead to better choices! And the more good choices you make, the better your results will be! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
1% Better Every Day: Embracing Failure to Achieve Gains with Rick Hogg
October 19, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 28.2 MBA lifetime of dedication to greatness has earned Army Veteran and entrepreneur Rick Hogg a multitude of accolades. As owner of War Hogg Tactical, Inc., co-author of The Firearms Training Notebook: 1% Better Everyday, and founder of In Honor of Duco Project, Rick proves himself a superachiever by setting an example of excellence. Instead of being defined by his rank or position, Rick defines himself by his core values and encourages those in leadership positions to do the same. He h...
Transforming Fear into Power with Adam Hill
October 12, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBAs CEO of a 4th generation family business, elite triathlete and author Adam Hill has led his century-old family company through economic, cultural, and leadership changes on the path to long term sustainability. After overcoming more than a decade of alcoholism and unhealthy life habits, Adam transformed his inner fear and anxiety disorder into a superpower. Today he is a highly sought after international speaker and Amazon bestselling author of Shifting Gears: From Anxiety and Add...
Quick Win: Celebrate Your Team Wins
October 07, 2022 11:00 - 53 seconds - 1.06 MBNever miss an opportunity to celebrate wins with your teams! Studies show the top thing employees want from their employers is to feel appreciated. So be sure to give a few shoutouts during your next team meeting! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Humble and Hopeful: A Young CEO’s Guide to a Balanced Life with Steven Izen
October 05, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBThe journey of life is made up of highs and lows, pain and joy, challenges and triumphs. Even at a young age, Steven Izen came to understand this truth that connects all humans. The key to success is figuring out how to find balance in all of life’s extremes. Out of this concept, Steven created his brand Lokai. Lokai bracelets serve as a reminder to stay humble on the mountain peaks of life and hopeful in the valleys. More than simply offering consumers an excellent product, Lokai’s...
The World is NOT Ending! How to Thrive During an Economic Downturn
September 28, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBThe world is changing at lightning speed. The media seems to only offer discouraging news about the current economic situation. While it is natural for some businesses to suffer during these times, many will actually thrive. Adam discusses strategies for achieving health and happiness in the midst of challenging shifts in the economic cycle. First and foremost, people need to take care of their own wellbeing before they can engage in positive relationships with others. When personal...
Quick Win: Next Play
September 23, 2022 11:00 - 46 seconds - 953 KBNext play. Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Resilient Leadership: Promoting Wellness in the C-Suite with Caren Kenney
September 21, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBWhy are up to 70% of the world’s CEOs considering quitting their jobs? According to Caren Kenney, CEO and Founder of Evolve Leadership and co-author of the book Leading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy, most of the world’s C-Suite executives are not trained in sustainable practices for overall wellness. Observing this need, Caren combined her passion for leadership and mental health to create developmental programs that support all aspects of the individual’s ...
How to Hire Better and Level-Up Your Team with Kurt Wilkin, Co-Founder of HireBetter
September 14, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 23.5 MBKurt Wilkin is a trusted advisor for high-growth, middle-market companies as founder and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital and Co-Founder of HireBetter. With a passion for growth and a hard-earned, proven set of tools in his toolbox, Wilkin works with other entrepreneurs and CEOs to help them escape the start-up mindset and achieve next-level success. His debut book, Who’s Your Mike? A No-Bullshit Guide to the People You’ll Meet on Your Entrepreneurial Journey, Kurt reveals how...
Quick Win: Be a Sponge
September 09, 2022 11:00 - 50 seconds - 1.01 MBBe a sponge! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Systems, Habits and Disciplines to Accelerate Growth with Patrick Thean
September 07, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 29.5 MBPatrick Thean is an international speaker, CEO coach and serial entrepreneur—and a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. With his book Rhythm: How to Achieve Breakthrough Execution and Accelerate Growth, Thean shares a simple system for encouraging teams to execute better and faster. Main Topics Patrick’s journey as a young entrepreneur, leading his first company to #151 on the Inc. 5000 list and how to avoid failing as a CEO (2:25) Patrick’s system for measuring ...
Values-Driven Leadership with Brendan P. Keegan
August 31, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 29.3 MBBrendan P. Keegan is CEO of Merchants, a company that provides customized fleet management and fleet leasing solutions to a wide range of businesses. He is an award-winning six-time president and chief executive officer, leading companies ranging from 500 to 10,000 employees. Brendan is currently leading Merchants to be an industry disruptor in the transportation industry, making a string of bold commitments toward sustainability Main Topics The everyday life and role of a CEO and...
Quick Win: What Fuels Your leadership?
August 26, 2022 11:00 - 42 seconds - 884 KBAs a leader, what are you doing to build yourself—meaning your health, happiness, sleep, hydration, etc.? You are the one who fuels your leadership, so you have to be sure to take care of you! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/
Nobody is Born a Leader
August 24, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBLeaders are not born, they are built through ongoing leadership development and learning the soft skills of leadership. Adam explores how this looks both in the corporate world as well as entrepreneur leaders. Main Topics The evolution of the Mark and Adam’s facial hair (0:30) How the economy boom of 2015-2020 impacted leadership development and how money flow hides the need for leadership (3:39) The definition of a leader and how to develop yourself as a leader (9:55) The th...
Leadership Tactics Part 2 with Sergeant Major Kyle Lamb
August 17, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 23.7 MBSergeant Major Kyle Lamb spent over 21 years in the United States Army, with 15 years of that time with Delta Force. He has participated in many conflicts, including Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq, as well as in the battle made famous by the movie Black Hawk Down in Somalia. Sergeant Major Lamb is the Founder and President of Viking Tactics, a tactical training and tactical gear business. He has also written a number of books, including his latest Leadership in the Shadows. Main Topics...
Quick Win: How to Get Above Average Results
August 12, 2022 11:00 - 52 seconds - 1.05 MBIf you're tired of average results, you have to go above and beyond in order to achieve the above average results you're seeking! Connect with Adam: https://www.startwithawin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AdamContosCEO https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO https://www.instagram.com/adamcontosceo/