Your E.P.I.C Pursuit

What separates leaders who chase trophies from those who build lasting legacies? In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™, host Mike Mooney, CSP welcomes Chad Biagini, President of Excel Search and Advisory — one of the most respected executive search and leadership consultancies in global sports, media, and entertainment. Chad is a Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree who has overseen 400+ executive placements at organizations including the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Pistons, World Surf League, and leagues spanning the NFL, NBA, MLB, and Premier League. In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Chad pulls back the curtain on the bold career bets, servant-leader philosophy, and practical frameworks that have shaped his journey — and that can accelerate yours. In this episode: The trophy isn't the destination — why the pursuit itself is where real fulfillment and growth live The "10 out of 10" life mapping exercise — how Chad maps the key areas of his life each January, names the behaviors of a 10/10 in each category, and aligns his daily actions with who he wants to become The Excellence, Efficiency & Empathy framework — how Chad's team uses this 3-part model to evaluate organizational health and make smart investments in people and process The Go-Giver career pivot that changed everything — how doing pro bono and low bono nonprofit executive placements took Chad from "the young guy down the hallway" to the most connected person in his industry Multiple motives in the same direction — why it's okay (and smart) for giving to benefit everyone involved Building an authentic network — practical strategies for growing your career through service, curiosity, and genuine connection The COVID roundtable that beat the Big Four — how Chad assembled 60+ global sports CEOs during the shutdown and became a strategic partner, not just a vendor Deep listening as a superpower — what presence really looks like in leadership and how it deepens every relationship Double-dipping your time — Chad's method for maximizing his 24 hours by stacking learning with daily activities Featured Quote: "Your dreams will come true when you go out of your way to make other people's dreams come true." — Chad Biagini About Chad Biagini: Chad Biagini is the President of Excel Search and Advisory, a premier leadership consultancy specializing in sports, media, and entertainment. A Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, Chad has led over 400 executive appointments across major global sports leagues and organizations. He is also the host of The Excellent Leadership Podcast, where he interviews sports and entertainment leaders to explore championship cultures, high performance, and transformational leadership. About Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™: Hosted by Mike Mooney, CSP, Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™ is a leadership and performance podcast built around the pillars of Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity. Each episode features real, inspiring conversations designed to empower leaders with actionable tools to accelerate their personal and professional pursuit.

From Bold Decisions to People-First Leadership: Tim Flanagan on Scaling, Strategy & Courage | Your Epic Pursuit Podcast What does it really take to lead through a strategic inflection point? In this episode, Mike Mooney sits down with Tim Flanagan - third-generation leader, General Agent at the Pelora Group (MassMutual), Charlotte's 40 Under 40 honoree, and Most Admired CEO - for a raw, honest conversation on leadership, courage, and building high-performance teams. Tim shares the moment he looked across a conference table and realized his team had split into two camps - and what he did about it. He unpacks why hope is not a plan, how to think 10X when the pressure is on, and the "slow down to speed up" strategy he and his business partner use to cut through the chaos without stopping the business. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to apply 10X thinking to compress your vision timeline ✅ Why strategic inflection points demand bold people decisions ✅ The "slow down to speed up" practice for leaders under pressure ✅ What "honoring someone's choice" means in real leadership ✅ How micro moments and experience wakes build (or break) culture ✅ The people-first principle that's driven decades of Charlotte business success Whether you're a founder, executive, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers the kind of practical leadership wisdom you can put to work immediately. 🎙️ Guest: Tim Flanagan | General Agent, Pelora Group | MassMutual | Charlotte, NC 🏆 Charlotte's 40 Under 40 | Most Admired CEO | Best Places to Work Connect with Tim Flanagan: [Insert Link] Connect with Mike Mooney: [Insert Link] Subscribe to Your Epic Pursuit: [Insert Link] 📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Tim's Introduction 2:16 – The Science of Scaling & 10X Thinking 10:37 – The Bold Decision That Changed Everything 24:02 – Slow Down to Speed Up 31:40 – The People-First Leadership Principle 37:33 – Micro Moments & Experience Wakes 39:21 – Closing Thoughts  

What happens when you stop chasing what everyone else says you should do — and finally go all in on what you're built for? In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, I sit down with Ramon Ray — serial entrepreneur, small business evangelist at Bitdefender, author of Celebrity CEO, and one of the most unapologetically positive humans I know. Ramon has started five companies, sold three of them, interviewed all five Shark Tank sharks and President Obama, and shared stages with Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Deepak Chopra. And yet — what makes this conversation unforgettable isn't the resume. It's the raw, real wisdom Ramon drops about staying in your lane, leading without a title, and why nothing in your journey is ever wasted. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why saying NO to coaching requests — even lucrative ones — was the most powerful business decision Ramon ever made ✅ How to identify your Zone of Genius (and stop chasing what's not yours) ✅ The unconventional way Ramon recharges when he's hitting the wall ✅ Why leadership isn't about a title — and the 4-day-old realization that changed everything for Ramon ✅ The two core values that drive his business, his team culture, and every room he walks into 🔑 Key Quote: "When it's not in alignment — not what I enjoy and not what I do best — I'm learning more and more to say no." — Ramon Ray Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or just someone figuring out your next chapter, this conversation will challenge how you think about your purpose, your performance, and your pursuit. Connect with Ramon Ray: 🌐 zoneofgenius.com About Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit with Mike Mooney: Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit is a podcast for leaders and high-performers ready to operate at their best. Each episode explores the real stories, bold decisions, and leadership principles behind extraordinary people — through the lens of Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity. 🎙️ New episodes weekly | Subscribe so you never miss one. 📌 Chapters: 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction 2:00 — Ramon's background & what has him most excited 6:00 — The bold decision that defined his lane 11:00 — How to find your Zone of Genius 18:00 — Hitting the wall: unconventional ways to recharge 24:00 — What it really means to be a leader 29:00 — Guiding principles: have fun & do the right thing 31:00 — Final takeaways & where to find Ramon

What happens when a thunderstorm destroys your entire event course at 1 AM - and 2,500 athletes show up in 5 hours? In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Carl Thomas shares the leadership lessons that helped him navigate that crisis and build triathlon's Olympic format from scratch. As a USA Triathlon Hall of Fame and World Triathlon Hall of Fame inductee with 30+ years of C-suite leadership experience, Carl reveals the unconventional principles that transformed his vision into a global movement. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✅ Lead From the Front – Why showing up and getting your hands dirty builds unstoppable team loyalty and trust ✅ Build Culture Before Crisis – How to establish accessibility, transparency, and vulnerability as foundational leadership principles ✅ The Better Mousetrap Theory – Carl's framework for taking bold ideas and making them relatable to your audience ✅ Servant Leadership in Action – Why you work FOR your team, not the other way around ✅ Patient Persistence Wins – How Carl turned a Sports Illustrated article into an Olympic sport without knowing steps 5, 6, and 7 ✅ Good Enough Beats Perfect – Making tough calls under pressure and focusing on what matters most ✅ Navigating Leadership Transitions – How to support your team through uncertainty and organizational exits 🔑 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to lead through uncertainty when there's no playbook to follow The communication cadence that keeps teams focused during turbulent times Why intentional action drives clarity better than perfect planning How to make tough decisions when you can't gather all the information The vision and framework that brought triathlon to the 2000 Sydney Olympics 👤 ABOUT CARL THOMAS: Carl Thomas is a global C-suite growth strategist, Best Boss Ever podcast host, and pioneering sports marketing executive. He created the Olympic triathlon format (1500m swim, 40K bike, 10K run) and co-founded both USA Triathlon and the International Triathlon Union. His leadership journey spans Fortune 500 companies, startup ventures, and building high-performance teams across marketing, sales, and business development. 📚 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: [00:05] Welcome and Carl's Hall of Fame background [03:55] Leading through uncertainty during organizational exits [11:18] The 1 AM crisis: When the thunderstorm destroyed the triathlon course [18:12] The Goethe quote that changed Carl's career [20:40] Creating the Olympic triathlon format from a Sports Illustrated article [26:57] Navigating the IOC and bringing triathlon to the Olympics [35:44] The unconventional leadership principle that drives results [39:07] Making tough calls when there's no right answer 🎙️ ABOUT YOUR E.P.I.C. PURSUIT: Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit explores leadership and high performance through the lens of Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity. Host Mike Mooney brings 25+ years of motorsports leadership experience (NASCAR, IndyCar, F1) to real conversations with leaders who've built something remarkable. Every episode delivers actionable frameworks, insights, and strategies to accelerate your pursuit in life and business.

In this conversation, Mike Mooney talks with Shane Yount and Rob Kornblum to explore the evolution of leadership development, focusing on the introduction of Process Intelligence (PQ) as a vital component for sustainable and scalable leadership. They discuss the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and the need for systems that transcend individual personalities to foster high-performing teams. The dialogue also addresses the current crisis in leadership engagement and the necessity of connecting employees to organizational goals to enhance performance and morale. Key Takeaways -Leaders should continuously seek their next iteration. -Curiosity is essential for effective leadership. -Understanding what you don't know is crucial for new leaders. -Avoid making changes for the sake of change. -Process Intelligence (PQ) is vital for sustainable leadership. -Engagement is critical for both employees and leaders. -Communication systems must connect employees to organizational goals. -Frontline workers need to feel heard and valued. -Leadership transitions require careful navigation and understanding. -Optimizing people, processes, and performance is the ultimate goal.  

In this engaging conversation, Mike Mooney and Claude Silver explore the transformative power of leadership rooted in love, accountability, and authenticity. Claude shares her journey as the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety and empowering individuals to take ownership of their energy and actions. They discuss the significance of feedback as a tool for connection rather than correction, and the necessity of embracing vulnerability in leadership. Claude also highlights her upcoming book, 'Be Yourself at Work,' which aims to inspire individuals to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.   Takeaways: -Embrace a culture of accountability in the workplace. -Energy management is more effective than time prioritization. -Feedback should focus on connection, not correction. -Leaders must create psychological safety for their teams. -Authenticity is more important than fitting in. -Leadership is a choice and requires intentionality. -Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and openness. -Everyone is responsible for shaping workplace culture. -Self-awareness is key to effective leadership. -Love is a powerful principle in leadership.  

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, host Mike Mooney engages in a profound conversation with Mark Mahammadpour, founder and chief wellbeing officer of Chasing the Sun. They explore Mark's journey from a senior executive in public relations to a wellbeing advocate, focusing on leadership, personal transformation, and creating a culture of wellbeing. Mark shares his personal weight loss story and how it inspired him to help others prioritize their health and wellbeing. The discussion delves into leadership principles, the importance of small steps, and the power of listening tours to enhance team culture.   Key Takeaways: -Leadership is about empowering your team to succeed. -Small, intentional steps lead to significant change. -Listening tours can transform team culture. -Transparency and communication are key to effective leadership. -Prioritizing wellbeing enhances both personal and team performance. -Empathy is crucial in building strong relationships. -Trust your team to shine and succeed. -Consistency in small habits leads to long-term success. -Wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. -Creating a culture of wellbeing starts with leadership.

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Chris McKee, the director of global partnerships for motorsports at FloSports. They explore Chris's extensive journey in the motorsports industry, discussing the importance of curiosity, making bold decisions, navigating challenges, and the critical role of trust in leadership. Chris shares insights from his career, emphasizing the need for leaders to earn trust continuously and to foster an environment where team members can grow and succeed.   Key Takeaways: -The journey in leadership is about continuous growth and learning. -Curiosity and naivety can lead to innovative solutions. -Bold decisions are often necessary for growth and change. -Trust must be earned and maintained over time. -Humor and humility can help navigate challenging situations. -Clear communication of expectations is crucial in leadership. -Building relationships enhances trust and team dynamics. -Failure is part of the process; learn and move on quickly. -Every day presents new opportunities and challenges. -Leadership is about putting people in positions to succeed.    

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Stephen Botino discuss the challenges and strategies in the real estate industry, focusing on leadership, team empowerment, and navigating market fluctuations. Stephen shares insights on controlling the controllables, the importance of talent development, and the need for a cultural shift towards a listing-focused approach. They explore unconventional strategies for success and the significance of fostering a supportive team environment.   Takeaways -The real estate industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including low sales and changing compensation structures. -Leadership involves guiding teams through tough times by focusing on controllable actions. -Empowering agents to take ownership of their market can lead to better outcomes. -Cultural shifts within a company can take time but are essential for long-term success. -Recruiting and talent development are crucial for overcoming industry challenges. -Behavioral changes in the team can lead to improved performance and results. -Setting clear benchmarks and tracking progress can motivate teams to achieve their goals. -A bottom-up leadership approach fosters collaboration and accountability among team members. -Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth in leadership. -It's important to focus on where team members are heading rather than their past experiences.   

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Evan Carroll, the president and CEO of Attended Events. They explore the challenges and transformations within the event industry, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Evan shares insights on navigating economic pressures, the shift to virtual events, and the importance of leadership decisions during crises. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building strong teams, focusing on employee strengths, and maintaining a balance between problem-solving and caring for individuals. The episode concludes with valuable takeaways on leadership principles and the importance of intentionality in business.   Key Takeaways -Empower others with insights and tools for success. -Events require careful financial management and optimization. -Maintaining experience quality while reducing costs is crucial. -The shift to virtual events was a strategic decision during COVID-19. -Starting before you're ready can lead to unexpected opportunities. -Attacking problems while caring for people is essential in leadership. -Building a strong team involves recognizing individual strengths. -Leadership decisions can transform business outcomes during crises. -Investing in resources can lead to long-term client relationships. -Intentionality in actions leads to better business results.    

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Greg Shea, CEO of Campbell Marketing, exploring his leadership journey, the importance of trust, and the unconventional decisions that have shaped his career. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the significance of recognizing talent, and the need for transparency in decision-making. Greg emphasizes the importance of placing trust in people and the impact of building strong relationships within a team. The conversation also touches on the idea of redefining workplace culture, moving away from the concept of 'family' to a more professional 'team' dynamic, while still fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and development. Key Takeaways: -Leadership is about placing trust in people. -Unconventional decisions can lead to breakthroughs. -It's important to recognize and develop talent. -Transparency in decision-making builds trust. -The workplace should be viewed as a team, not a family. -Curiosity and humility are essential leadership traits. -Building relationships is key to long-term success. -Understanding client needs is crucial during tough times. -Leadership involves making tough decisions that aren't always popular. -Creating a culture of excellence requires clear standards and recognition.  

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Phil Alexander, CEO of AnswerMyQ, explore the themes of leadership, culture, and empowerment. Phil shares his experiences in navigating challenges, making bold decisions, and fostering a culture that prioritizes people over profits. The discussion highlights the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the impact of empowering teams during crises, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phil emphasizes that authentic leadership involves asking questions and creating an environment where team members feel valued and engaged. Key Takeaways The importance of breaking the mold and trying new things. Firing a toxic client can lead to a stronger company culture. Empowering teams can lead to innovative solutions during crises. Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and authenticity. Culture should be prioritized over short-term financial gains. Regular communication builds transparency and connection within teams. Adapting to change can lead to unexpected growth opportunities. Leaders should ask questions rather than always provide answers. Creating a supportive environment enhances employee morale. Daily check-ins can improve team dynamics and responsiveness.  

In this episode of Epic Pursuit, host Mike Mooney engages in a dynamic conversation with Cindy Sisson, the Executive Director of Women in Motorsports North America. They explore Cindy's journey in leadership, the current momentum in women's participation in motorsports, and the importance of gratitude in leadership. Cindy shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, making bold decisions, and the impact of networking and events in empowering women in the industry. The conversation highlights the significance of persistence, intentionality, and the art of saying thank you in building meaningful connections and fostering growth. Key Takeaways: - The importance of empowering women in motorsports through events and networking. - Cindy's journey reflects the power of persistence in leadership. - Gratitude is a crucial leadership principle that fosters connections. - Bold decisions can lead to significant changes in one's career. - Networking can create opportunities for young women in the industry. - Cindy's experiences during COVID led to innovative virtual events. - Recognizing trailblazers is essential for inspiring future generations. - Intentionality in communication can enhance relationships. - The impact of leadership is measured by the lives we touch. - Cindy's story illustrates the importance of adapting to challenges.  

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Chris Traeger explore themes of leadership, innovation, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of embracing uncertainty, making bold career decisions, and the role of kindness in leadership. Chris shares insights from his extensive experience in the sports and technology industries, emphasizing the need for curiosity and continuous learning. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust and the positive aspects of disruption in business.   Key Takeaways: - Get comfortable in the gray. - Embrace uncertainty as a norm. - Disruption can lead to positive outcomes. - Kindness is a powerful leadership trait. - Curiosity drives personal and professional growth. - Successful innovation requires both vision and execution. - Building trust is essential for effective leadership. - Seek roles that offer new learning opportunities. - The importance of calmness in stressful situations. - Your experiences shape your future opportunities.  

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Scott Love explore the themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of intentionality in business. They discuss how leaders can navigate challenging times by focusing on opportunities and maintaining authenticity. Scott shares his journey of learning to say no to align with his vision and the significance of niching down in a crowded market. The discussion emphasizes the value of curiosity and selflessness in building trust and long-term relationships in business.   Key Takeaways -Leaders must focus on resilience and opportunity during challenging times. -Authenticity is crucial for effective leadership. -Saying no can be a powerful tool for maintaining focus. -Defining a clear vision is essential for success. -Narrowing your focus can create distinction in a crowded market. -Curiosity drives better business development outcomes. -Selflessness in leadership fosters trust and collaboration. -Testing ideas in the market is vital for validation. -Building relationships is more important than closing deals. -The long game in business leads to sustainable success.  

Episode Summary :: In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Mari Roberts discuss leadership, performance, and the importance of communication in navigating challenges, particularly in the supply chain industry. Mari shares her experiences at PepsiCo, emphasizing the significance of transparency, decision-making during crises, and the respect for truck drivers. They explore the culture of continuous improvement and Mari's leadership philosophy, which is rooted in resilience and adaptability. Key Takeaways :: Leadership requires transparency and effective communication. Understanding the 'why' behind decisions is crucial for team alignment. Preparation for long-term challenges is essential in leadership. Data and performance metrics are vital for informed decision-making. Respect for all roles, especially truck drivers, is fundamental. Creating a culture of continuous improvement fosters growth. Bold decisions can set the tone for organizational resilience. Short-term goals can help teams regain focus and motivation. Leadership is about supporting teams to navigate challenges together. A mindset of resilience and perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and TJ Stoffer discuss the challenges and strategies in leadership, particularly in the home appliance industry. They explore the importance of trust, communication, and execution during uncertain times, as well as the need for leaders to make bold decisions and maintain a focus on their team's well-being. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's team and the impact of their work, while also highlighting the necessity of adapting to change and fostering a supportive environment. Key Takeaways - We shape living for the better. - Execution during uncertainty is key. - Keep the main thing the main thing. - Stay focused on the task at hand. - Building trust is essential. - Take a step back, take a step up. - You have to know your team. - Busyness vs. impact is crucial. - Remember what you do and its impact.  

Today in the second episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit(™), I sat down with Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing,  and a living testament to what servant leadership looks like at 200 mph. Listen as Dave reveals: - The bold decision that nearly broke the team but turned into its greatest business win - Why "treat people like souls, not transactions" became a defining leadership principle - How to create a culture where performance thrives without sacrificing people From unpaid intern to president of one of NASCAR's premier teams, Dave shares powerful lessons on navigating change, building trust, and leading with integrity. If you're leading in high-stakes environments, this episode will shift how you see leadership, culture, and what it really means to "go fast."

Summary In this episode of Your Epic Pursuit, host Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Scott McGregor, founder of The Outlier Project. They explore Scott's journey from a curious child to a successful leader, emphasizing the importance of community, personal goals, and the radical decision to eliminate quotas in sales. Scott shares insights on navigating uncertainty in leadership, the significance of individual motivations, and the need to detach identity from professional roles. The conversation highlights the power of curiosity and intentionality in achieving success and fostering a supportive environment for growth. Key Takeaways - Curiosity drives personal and professional growth. - Building a community with purpose enhances learning. - Eliminating quotas can lead to greater sales success. - Understanding individual motivations is key to empowerment. - Leadership requires bold and unconventional decisions. - Identity should not be tied to professional roles. - Fostering a supportive environment boosts team morale. - Networking is essential before you need it. - Personal goals can align with organizational success. - The Outlier Project celebrates unique journeys and connections.   Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Epic Pursuit 02:07 The Genesis of The Outlier Project 05:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership 08:19 Radical Leadership Decisions: The Quota Experiment 13:59 The Power of Personal Goals in Sales 20:16 Finding Freedom in Leadership 25:59 The Importance of Identity Beyond Work 32:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways