⚡️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 remarkable story of how a motorcycle brand transformed from the brink of collapse to becoming an iconic global powerhouse. Host Adam Contos sits down with Ken Schmidt, the former head of communications at Harley-Davidson, who reveals how shifting focus from simply selling products to creating authentic human connections reshaped the brand’s destiny. Packed with powerful lessons on leadership, loyalty, and the psychology of consumer behavior, this conversation is a masterclass in standing out and building unshakable emotional bonds with customers. Ken Schmidt is one of the business world’s most demanded executive advisors and speakers, driven by the acclaim he earned leading Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s against-all-odds turnaround in the 1990s from the brink of financial ruin to global dominance. He’s the author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, the host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast, and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. Ken’s success, unconventional business approach, and playful outspokenness led him to consulting assignments with household-name brands and transformed him into a highly requested speaker with more than 1,200 keynotes presented globally to date. 00:00 Intro 01:52 What is fun about a company at it’s worst point? 05:01 What should you be known for to get this? 11:36 Can you find glorious discoveries by an accident? 16:08 What are your five pillars? 21:01 Great businesspeople never talk about what they sell… 22:06 What is noise of a business? 28:10 Is efficiency the key? 31:37 What are your three to five words as a leader? 34:40 I do this over coffee… https://kenspeaks.com/ https://www.torquesessions.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, Adam Contos sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Gallaher to uncover the surprising root of leadership stress and how radical self-acceptance plays a transformative role in professional growth. With decades of experience helping elite organizations—from NASA to Fortune 500 companies—Dr. Laura challenges conventional thinking around chaos, culture, and control. This conversation is an eye-opening exploration of how leaders unintentionally undermine psychological safety, and how understanding the science behind self-awareness can revolutionize the way we lead and live. Tune in to discover how to detox leadership overwhelm and elevate your impact—this one will stick with you long after the credits roll. Dr. Laura Gallaher is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves and accomplish more than ever. She combines insights on radical self-acceptance with humor to create a unique connection with her audience. Despite being a national best-selling author, Dr. Laura stands out from the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers. Her notable achievements include being hired by NASA to reshape organizational culture after the Columbia accident, leading significant changes in performance management at Disney, and inspiring Yahoo’s global teams to pursue transformation from within. 00:00 Intro 02:35 Can culture blow up a company? 03:50 Can leaders bully employees intellectually? 06:15 Do defense mechanisms have an impact on the team? 08:01 Is stress a choice? First choice is what story… 10:35 Ability to set boundaries, is a way to reinforce this! 14:45 Instead of judging yourself, how can you do this… 17:30 How can leaders get better at growing together? 20:47 How to break free of this judgement pattern? 25:55 Moving my body with this is how I start my day with a win! Dr. Laura's Links: linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd drlauragallaher.com selfacceptancequiz.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 insightful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes leadership advisor and author Tony Martignetti for a deeply human conversation on unlocking true leadership potential. With a compelling mix of personal storytelling, artistic reflection, and seasoned business insight, Tony peels back the layers of what makes a leader truly impactful. From his unexpected path to leadership to the emotional undercurrents of the three C’s in his book, this episode dives beneath surface-level strategy into the heart of authentic influence. If you're ready to rethink what it means to lead—and to lead well—this conversation will challenge and inspire you in unexpected ways. Tony Martignetti is a trusted advisor, coach, experience creator, author, podcast host, and speaker. He brings together over 25 years of business and management experience, formal training, and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential. He loves guiding people to find clarity in their lives, so they are energized, fully present, and unstoppable. When leaders unlock their potential and lead from a place of inspired purpose, they impact and inspire everyone around them. He has dedicated himself to helping people live inspired lives. 00:00 Intro 01:40 Forcing yourself into a role that doesn't fit you? 04:55 My guests shared with me a gift, so I needed to pass them on! 06:06 Why does the brain remember things in threes or fives, the three C’s? 12:40 The biggest failure in leadership today! 15:34 Ability to expand our attention span is not possible. 17:52 Why are leaders hiding? 23:19 Leadership wisdom…. 25:05 Sharpen your saw… https://www.ipurposepartners.com/ https://linktr.ee/inspiredcoach https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/ =========================== 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 welcomes leadership expert and combat veteran Mike Erwin for a compelling conversation on what truly separates great leaders from failing ones—often without them even realizing it. With a rich background spanning military service, Fortune 500 consulting, and in-depth research on leadership psychology, Mike dives into the game-changing power of relationships in leadership. He challenges the transactional mindset, emphasizing the need for connection, the a word no one wants to talk about, and setting the bar high to unlock untapped potential. Packed with real-world stories and powerful insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game and build stronger, more resilient teams. Mike Erwin is a dedicated leader and founder of The Character & Leadership Center, working with organizations like Amazon, the Boston Celtics, and the U.S. military. He co-authored Lead Yourself First and Leadership is a Relationship, emphasizing solitude and relational leadership. A West Point graduate and former Army Intelligence Officer, Mike served in three combat tours, earning two Bronze Star Medals. He also founded Team Red, White & Blue, supporting veterans’ health, and co-founded the Positivity Project, which reaches over 500,000 children daily. Mike continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. 00:00 Intro 02:15 Four intense years of leadership! 03:59 Leadership, is it a relationship? 06:35 Leadership is not this, management can be. 08:15 The big A word! 11:19 Can you get over the high bar? 13:40 The T word and being consistent with it! 18:25 Dueling Pianos? 22:32 Massive leadership impact… 27:01 I thank this person and straight into this… https://characterleadership.center/ =========================== 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 electrifying episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with three-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author Anne Marie Anderson. With decades of experience covering the world’s biggest sporting events, Anne Marie shares hard-earned wisdom on high performance, resilience, and the bold risks that separate top achievers from the rest. From her nerve-wracking first time on live television to redefining failure as nothing more than data, she unveils the secrets behind audacity—the key to unlocking true success. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear, self-doubt, or the weight of public opinion, this conversation is your roadmap to stepping into your most courageous self. Don’t miss this inspiring deep dive into what it takes to win—on and off the field. Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author. Starting her career at ESPN, she gained unparalleled access to the boardrooms and locker rooms of elite sports franchises, observing the bold decision-making of top coaches, athletes, and executives. Applying these lessons to her own life, she became one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country. In Cultivating Audacity, she shares her system for overcoming hesitation and breaking barriers to create the life you want. A sought-after keynote speaker and emcee, Anne Marie captivates audiences with her powerful storytelling, blending humor and heart. 00:00 Intro 02:40 Why write a book on this topic? 03:45 Difference between that and confidence! 06:40 What can we learn from athletes! 10:20 Four barriers… 14:45 Another barrier… 18:30 Last two barriers… 20:45 Everything can wait this amount of time to do what you want to do! 21:40 Most important part of this book is this! 25:09 Don’t hear no hear this… 28:10 Don’t let the smallest saying change your world! 31:58 The simplest thing… https://annemarieanderson.com/ https://annemarieanderson.com/book/ https://www.instagram.com/annemarieandersontv/ =========================== 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 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