Claim OwnershipCorporate Competitor Podcast
Subscribed: 71Played: 3,485
Subscribe
Copyright© Greatness LLC, 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Description
What do most Fortune 500 executives have in common? They learned important lessons on the fields and courts of their high school and collegiate sports teams. This is true for both men and women. Ernst & Young found that a whopping 94% of women holding a C-suite position, played sports.
Join 12-time New York Times Best-Selling Author Don Yaeger on his journey to sit with some of the brightest executives in the world as we discuss how sports shaped their professional trajectory in life.
Join 12-time New York Times Best-Selling Author Don Yaeger on his journey to sit with some of the brightest executives in the world as we discuss how sports shaped their professional trajectory in life.
245 Episodes
Reverse
Ep. 242: He didn’t speak until he was three. Today, he’s the one asking the tough questions on national television—broadcasting from war zones, pressing political leaders, and keeping his cool when chaos unfolds live. In this heartfelt episode, Leland shares how his father’s fierce love—and some brutally honest coaching—transformed him. Order our NEW BOOK Born Lucky on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bv6HBC3 Our free BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes the four pieces of advice Leland’s grandfather wrote in his letter and reflection questions so you can apply today's insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 241: UC Irvine Volleyball shaped this longtime Pure Barre exec’s belief in staying ready. She shares how being called off the bench during a game-winning point shaped her mindset as a Chief Marketing Officer. Don’t miss: -Her two-question nightly ritual that sharpens focus and fuels growth -How to replace "cannot" with a growth mindset -How to lead with warmth without lowering expectations Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 240: University of Toledo Baseball shaped his belief in showing up with pride—even when the scoreboard says otherwise. He shares how a blunt rejection from a scout and a cold-call to a bank exec changed his career path. “You are going to be great at something,” a baseball scout informed him. “Just not baseball.” OUCH! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Joey Morris for making this episode possible.
Ep. 239: At 59, Mike became the oldest contributing member of a college football team in NCAA history—returning to his alma mater nearly four decades after being kicked off the team. He returned to finish what he started. But this isn’t just a comeback story—it’s about redemption, resilience, and the courage to face regret head-on. 🎁ENTER TO WIN SIGNED COPY: Subscribe to our Corporate Competitor Podcast YouTube channel to be entered to win a signed copy of The Senior and leave a comment on the YouTube episode with Mike Flynt to confirm you entered! We will pick three lucky winners on the day the movie hits theaters on September 19th and send you a message. 📋 Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Abbie Brandt and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 238 Field hockey taught Linda to pause and ask "Why do you love the game?" That question has helped her transform both sports teams and billion-dollar organizations. Linda’s team manages $111 billion in assets and are part of the 1.4 trillion dollar investment arm of Prudential Financial. She began her career as a lawyer, but her love for math and problem-solving helped her rise to the top in the finance world. Don’t miss: Why EQ is leadership’s real X-Factor in the age of AI How eye rolls and emails reveal your culture The "color-dot" system Linda uses for decoding personalities Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Lilly Mae Stewart for making this episode possible.
Ep. 237: From the sidelines of Miami Football’s National Championship game to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands, the first female CEO of Bose shares stories of how weekly discomfort built her confidence! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Alissa Pupich for making this episode possible.
Ep. 236: Tennis & racing cars shaped Lance’s belief that decisiveness is a leader’s most powerful tool. As a nationally ranked tennis player, he learned to make high-stakes decisions alone. That same mindset now fuels his success as a CEO and professional race car driver—where speed, risk, and preparation define every outcome. Don't miss: • His “eyes up” strategy for forecasting in business • A behind-the-wheel story that saved a race (and inspired a deal) • Our BONUS RESOURCE with quotes and reflection questions to apply today’s insights 📚Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ 🎤Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 235: Softball shaped Kelli's belief that great leadership is about setting others up to win. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how her time as a scrappy leadoff hitter inspired a team-first mindset—and how embracing her adoption story became the key to building trust and loyalty as a leader. Don't miss: Her simple 1–10 check-in that helps leaders truly understand how their team is doing How Kelli scouts the competition by building authentic relationships with fellow CEOs Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode with my favorite quotes and reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Lilly Mae for making this episode possible.
Ep. 234: Notre Dame Football and having “Rudy” as a coach shaped the way Mike views “grit” and “grind” today! In this episode, you will learn how to turn personal wins into shared victories. “If you have a great day, make it a point to share that feeling with your entire organization,” he shares. “That way everyone can enjoy it and feel proud.” Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 233: This CEO’s high school was so tiny that it didn’t have a track team, so he started a squad from scratch, built up the roster and even coached them, all while running a swift 4:25 mile along the way. That mindset—identifying a challenge and pursuing a solution—never left him. Years after starring on the team, Sanford saw an opening in the real estate market. He realized that the future of the business was online. So, he acted. Today? 📈 85,000+ agents 🏆 Publicly traded 🏅 Named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Shon Kokoszka, Lauren Stecker, and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Ep. 232: Training for her ultramarathon in Spain helped Heidi break big goals into small, achievable steps. Her approach offers a compelling blueprint for building trust, inspiring teams, and elevating the customer experience. Rooted in small-town Kansas values and shaped by global experience, you will learn in this conversation how to stop treating customers like transactions. 1. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. 2. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ 3. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 231: How does a moment become momentum? You will learn the model to capture, accelerate, and reverse momentum as featured in my new book with Gen. Bernard Banks. From commanding in Desert Storm to teaching at West Point and Rice University to transforming organizations, Bernie’s perspective is battle-tested, data-backed, and built to help leaders at every level create their own momentum shift. 1. Order your copy of the book here! 2. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. 3. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ 4. Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Ep. 230: From college football to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, John Tuttle has always thrived in competitive arenas. Now as President of Acrisure, he leads 19,000 employees in one of the fastest-growing fintech companies on the planet. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Anthony Dickinson and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 229: Playing for The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys shaped the creator of Babcock Ranch—America’s first solar-powered town. You will learn: Why Syd requires every team member to sign a Team Agreement—and what happens when they don’t. How a quarterly Day of Service strengthens company culture and community impact. Why great leadership means turning observations into innovations. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Karson Hills and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.
Ep. 228: Get excited for the Kentucky Derby with Spectrum Vice President Mark Kornegay! “Horses are like people—they can burn themselves out trying to keep up with the fastest ones, instead of running their own race,” he shared on this episode. Mark’s career also includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and he served as a Special Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. You will learn why preparation is everything and the best performers understand their strengths and craft a strategy that suits them. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Samantha Clark and Guillermo Orellana for making this episode possible.
Ep. 227: A devastating injury during the National Championship game left Robert paralyzed from the neck down. Told he’d never walk again, he began a new journey, one fueled by his three-word mantra: “Compared to what?” Robert shares how that question helped him shift from victimhood to victory—and how you can use the same mindset to lead through adversity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why asking “Compared to what?” cuts big challenges down to size. How to reframe your pain into purpose and lead from a place of strength. What it means to truly forgive—and how it frees your energy to focus forward. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Alissa Pupich and Karson Hills for making this episode possible.
Ep. 226: Running marathons shaped this CEO’s 35-year rise from “Amway Project Intern” to the corner office. From his first days at Amway to overseeing 14,000 employees in 100 countries, Michael reflects on his journey to teach you: How to avoid creating a culture where people are panicked to fail Why raising your hand opens the door to leadership growth—and what it really means to say yes to opportunity What running marathons taught him about clarity and leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Joey Morris and Anthony Dickinson for making this episode possible.
Ep. 225: Our conversation explores powerful leadership lessons in radical transparency—revealing why honest reporting, even when the news isn’t good, is essential for real progress. Learn how the Ford executives brought challenges to the table to solve them together. If you missed part 1, listen here: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-224/ Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Dave Calder and Dillon McDonald for making this episode possible.
Ep. 224: Former Boeing and Ford CEO went to Kansas on a gymnastics scholarship and later competed in a semi-pro tennis circuit. Learn how sports shaped one of Fortune’s "World’s Greatest Leaders." To listen to PART 2 of the conversation, visit: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-224/ Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Dave Calder and Dillon McDonald for making this episode possible.
REWIND EPISODE: In celebration of March Madness, we are “rewinding” back to my conversation with 5-time National Champion Coach K! In his 42 seasons at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski built a dynasty that few programs in the history of the game can match. As the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Basketball Team, he brought home six gold medals. So you might say that Coach K knows a little something about getting “buy in” from his team. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/ Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness. Special thanks to Guillermo Orellana and Andrew Levin for making this episode possible.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States