Super U Podcast

What can actors teach us about confidence, resilience, rejection, and performing under pressure? In this episode of Super U, Erik Qualman sits down with acclaimed actor, director, educator, and acting coach Rob Brownstein, whose decades-long career spans film, television, theater, and commercials—including appearances in Argo, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Straight Outta Compton, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilmore Girls, and Young Sheldon. Rob shares the lessons he's learned from a career where rejection is inevitable, opportunities can disappear overnight, and you never quite know what will happen when you walk onto a set. He explains why he doesn't view rejection as rejection at all, how he learned to keep showing up when the pressure was overwhelming, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is let go of trying to control the outcome. The conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. Rob and Erik explore how professionals can navigate career uncertainty, adapt when the rules change, create their own opportunities, prepare for high-pressure moments, and turn setbacks into opportunities to get better. You'll also hear Rob's advice for approaching interviews, auditions, Zoom calls, and any situation where you're being evaluated: It's your time—so take control of it. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, performer, or simply navigating your next big challenge, this episode is a reminder that you don't always have to wait for the opportunity. Sometimes, you have to create the work, take the leap, and keep showing up until you find your way. An Actor's Space: https://www.anactorsspace.com/about Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: [email protected] Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

What happens when the biggest battle isn't happening around you—it's happening inside your head? On this episode of Super U, Erik Qualman sits down with retired U.S. Navy Captain, engineer, leadership expert, author, and speaker Dr. Jenn Donahue. During her 27-year military career, Jenn built a bridge across the Euphrates during the Iraq War, commanded an 800-person battalion in Afghanistan, and survived an assassination plot. Yet she reveals that one of her toughest battles wasn't enemy fire—it was self-doubt. Jenn shares how a toxic boss nearly broke her confidence, why you shouldn't let your "head win," and how to recognize the inner voices that keep us stuck, including her "mean little voice" and "sneaky little bastard." She also explains why everyone needs a "battle buddy," how great leaders see the individual rather than just the organization, and why the best leaders focus on making their people better. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, self-awareness, trusting your team, and finding the courage to become who you're meant to be. Get your copy of Jenn Donahue's quote book here: https://www.daretorise.co/quotes Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: [email protected] Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

In this episode of the Super U Podcast, Erik Qualman sits down with legendary sports agent, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Leigh Steinberg. Often credited as the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire, Leigh has spent decades helping some of the world's greatest athletes turn talent into enduring brands, careers, and legacies. Leigh shares lessons from representing more than 300 professional athletes and coaches across football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, and golf. With an unprecedented eight number-one overall NFL Draft picks and 62 total first-round picks, his career is defined by record-setting contracts, bold negotiations, and a relentless belief in the power of preparation, relationships, and vision. The conversation explores what it takes to build a personal brand, negotiate with confidence, and turn success into meaningful impact. Leigh also discusses securing more than $4 billion for his clients and directing over $750 million to charitable causes around the world, offering a powerful perspective on how achievement can be used to create opportunities far beyond the individual. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, parent, or simply someone looking to maximize your potential, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it means to build a legacy and use success to make a difference. Learn More About MDEnvoy: From speaking at conferences to publishing research to weighing in on public health conversations, many physicians put in hard work to be visible beyond the doctor's office. Yet most lack the resources to turn that visibility into brand deals, paid speaking engagements, or long-term career positioning outside traditional medicine. Why should doctors, much like athletes or influencers, be thinking about monetizing their professional brand, and what does it look like when they can capitalize on their visibility?   Through MDEnvoy, co-founders Leigh Steinberg and Dr. Michael Suk aim to help today's physicians enter into long-lasting and mutually successful relationships with their employers and provide other strategic support, including relocation planning, wealth management, intellectual property protection, branding, and more. https://mdenvoy.com/ Connect on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on X Follow on YouTube Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: [email protected] Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.  

What if the key to winning a negotiation isn't being the loudest person in the room—but knowing when to listen, when to pause, and how to build trust? On this episode of the Super U Podcast, Erik Qualman sits down with attorney, entrepreneur, talent executive, professor, and veteran dealmaker Ken Sterling, author of Tilt the Room. Ken shares the strategies he's developed across law, business, technology, entertainment, and high-stakes dealmaking to help people influence outcomes without becoming aggressive or burning bridges. Ken breaks down his Tilt the Room framework—trust, influence, leverage, and timing—and explains why successful negotiation is less about overpowering the other side and more about understanding people, preparing for the room, and creating relationships that last beyond a single deal. The conversation explores how to: • Build trust and rapport before you ever need leverage • Read the room and understand the people sitting across the table • Prepare thoroughly while staying flexible in the moment • Use silence and the "power of the pause" to your advantage • Stay calm under pressure instead of resorting to bullying • Avoid overplaying your hand when you have leverage • Give difficult feedback without destroying trust • Stay focused and fully present during high-stakes conversations • Approach negotiation as a long-term relationship rather than a one-time transaction Ken also shares his memorable philosophy: "Never call someone's baby ugly." In negotiation and leadership, ideas can feel deeply personal—and dismissing someone's idea can damage the trust and influence you've worked hard to build. From billion-dollar dealmaking principles to everyday negotiations at work and home, this episode is a masterclass in how to tilt the room without tipping the scales too far. Tune in for practical insights on negotiation, leadership, focus, influence, and the human side of getting to yes. Connect with Ken Sterling: www.sterlingmedialaw.com www.bigspeak.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kensterling/ https://www.instagram.com/ken.sterling/ Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: [email protected] Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.  

What does it take to perform at your highest level—not just once, but consistently, when the pressure is on? In this episode of the Super U Podcast, hosted by Erik Qualman, we sit down with Dr. Tom Mitchell, performance coach and former sports psychiatrist for the Golden State Warriors, to explore the mindset behind peak performance. Tom shares insights from his career working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, along with lessons from his book co-written with legendary quarterback Joe Montana. Tom also pulls back the curtain on his time working alongside Chris Mullin, his experiences as a college basketball coach and the unique lessons that coaching taught him about leadership, resilience, and bringing out the best in others. The conversation explores mentality, focus, and what it really takes to perform when the stakes are high. Tom shares practical strategies for staying present, maintaining confidence, handling pressure, and keeping your mind focused on what you can control.  Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone looking to perform at a higher level, this episode is packed with powerful stories and actionable lessons on developing the mindset to stay focused, overcome challenges, and become your best self. Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. Have Erik speak at your conference: [email protected] Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.