Category Archives: Leadership

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214: How to Break Free From the Trap of Success

With author Gene Hammett

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Imagine starting your day thinking you were going to close a deal that would net you $1 Million, only to see the deal fall through in the eleventh hour, costing you $3 Million.

In 2010, that very thing happened to today’s podcast guest. His name is Gene Hammett. Since that time he’s managed to not only get back on his feet but coach numerous companies and their CEOs onto the Inc. 5000.

gene hammett

He released a new book late last year called The Trap of Success: A Brutally Candid Guide to Overcoming Your Fears, Finding Significance, and Attaining Profound Success.

In it, Gene shares the stories of real people who have faced moments of choice that caused them to dig deep, find their courage, and create a life and career of meaning.

He illustrates how significance and exponential success dance together once you get past the limited thinking that got you this far—once you escape your own trap of success.

If it’s the kind of success that comes with lasting significance that you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place.

For a list of links and resources Gene and I discuss in this episode, simply keep scrolling.

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211: How Hidden Networks Can Transform Your Life and Career

With Friend of a Friend author David Burkus

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Not many people can claim to have delivered a TED Talk that’s been viewed millions of times. Today’s guest, however, can do exactly that.

His name is David Burkus, and this episode marks his second appearance on the podcast. Here’s hoping David’s TED Talk mojo will rub off.

david burkus

His new book is called Friend of a Friend: Understanding The Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career and, in it, he argues that the best way to grow your network isn’t by introducing yourself to strangers at cocktail parties, handing out business cards, or signing up for the latest online tool.

Instead, he insists you develop a better understanding of the existing network that’s already around you.

Forget the outdated advice you’ve already heard, David says. Learn how to make use of the hidden networks you already have. In his book, and in today’s episode, we attempt to help you do just that.

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210: 8 Steps to Launching Your Own Mastermind Group

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Someone once said that, in the years ahead, you’ll be the same person you are today except for the books you read and the people you meet.

That could not be more true for me and my life. You’re well-acquainted with my love for books and my belief in the dramatic impact intentional and consistent reading can have on one’s life.

jeff brown

You may be less familiar with the fact that, over the last five years, the books I’ve read coupled with the people I’ve chosen to surround myself with have been a boon to my business and personal life.

Today, I want to let you in on the other “secret” to my success. Mastermind groups!

Enter your first name and email address above to grab my free PDF on how to launch your own mastermind group. And for more insights, be sure and click the play button below on today’s episode.

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207: How to Take Your Startup From Idea to Empire

With author and Inc. columnist Colleen DeBaise

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You no doubt know that I read. Like, a lot. At least a book a week anyway.

You may not know, however, that I spend time not just reading books, but also a handful of trusted sources in the magazine world.

colleen debaise

My favorites include Success, Wired, Fast Company and Inc.

Today’s guest, in fact, is a contributing editor at Inc. magazine, as well as a podcast host (The Story Exchange). She authored The Wall Street Journal Complete Small Business Guidebook and the book being featured today.

That one is called, Start a Successful Business: Expert Advice to Take Your Startup from Idea to Empire.

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206: How to Take Charge of Your Brain and Program More Happiness Into Your Life

With Ellen Petry Leanse, author of The Happiness Hack

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If no one ever told you, you may not have realized what a tremendous networking tool hosting a podcast can be. Especially an interview-driven one like Read to Lead.

It’s thanks in no small part to a young gentleman named Clark Buckner that you’re hearing this episode today. Clark was kind enough to recommend, and then introduce me to our guest.

ellen petry leanse

Her name is Ellen Petry Leanse, and she is the author of a recent book called The Happiness Hack: How to Take Charge of Your Brain and Program More Happiness Into Your Life.

Ellen contends that we have more control over our minds than we think. Read her book, and check out our conversation, to learn how you can “train your brain” to create the life and future you want.

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