Career Competitor

About the Guest: Craig Coyle is a former Apache helicopter pilot, West Point graduate, and leadership expert. After serving in the military and transitioning to the aerospace industry, Craig saw firsthand the recurring leadership and workforce challenges organizations face. He founded Operation Lead, a company that helps businesses navigate leadership development, workforce engagement, and operational strategy. His mission is to create high-performing cultures that drive sustainable growth.About the Episode:In this episode, Craig shares powerful insights on leadership, personal growth, and the hidden obstacles that prevent people and organizations from reaching their full potential. Drawing from his military background and experience in aerospace and manufacturing, Craig explains why setting the right conditions for success is more important than simply chasing results. He and host Steve Mellor discuss the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and building an engaged workforce that thrives in high-stakes environments.Key Takeaways:You Are Often Your Own Biggest Obstacle: Growth isn’t just about external challenges—it’s about overcoming internal resistance, fear, and self-doubt.The Importance of Setting Conditions for Success: Before pursuing growth, create a structured environment with guidance, mentorship, and accountability.Engagement is the Key to Workforce Success: A disengaged workforce isn’t just about salary—purpose, clarity, and leadership are the biggest differentiators in retention.The Power of Community in Growth: Whether in personal or professional development, surrounding yourself with the right people is critical to success.Understanding the “Enemy” in Growth: Like a military mission, achieving goals requires analyzing obstacles—often, the biggest enemy is your own mindset.Coaching and Mentorship are Essential: Having external accountability helps uncover blind spots and accelerates progress.Links & Resources:Connect with Craig Coyle on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-coyle/Learn more about Operation Lead: https://operationlead.comFollow Steve Mellor & Growth Ready PodcastSend us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the GuestCait Donovan is a burnout recovery expert, acupuncturist, speaker, and host of Fried the Burnout Podcast. With a background in Chinese medicine and a deep understanding of resilience, Cait helps high performers recognize, recover from, and prevent burnout by cultivating self-awareness, setting boundaries, and redefining success.About the Episode:In this episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with Cait Donovan to explore the concept of bounce back ability—a broader and more sustainable approach to resilience. Cait shares insights on burnout recovery, the importance of interoception (internal self-awareness), and how high performers can create a more sustainable path to success. She also explains why asking for help is the key to true resilience and why burnout prevention isn't always realistic.Key Takeaways:✅ Resilience alone isn’t enough. True growth-ready individuals cultivate bounce back ability, which includes resilience, self-trust, surrender, grit, and agility.✅ Many high performers miss early signs of burnout due to low interoception (body awareness). The focus should be on recovery, not just prevention.✅ Foundational self-care (listening to your body's signals) is crucial. Simple habits like “pee when you need to pee” are game-changers.✅ Resentment highlights where your boundaries are being crossed and where you're neglecting yourself. Recognizing it can help you reclaim energy and focus.✅ True resilience isn’t about pushing through alone; it’s about increasing your resources through asking for help and building a strong support system.✅ Success isn’t just about productivity; it’s about maintaining energy, presence, and balance in all areas of life.Links and Resources🎧 Listen to Cait’s podcast: Fried the Burnout Podcast🌐 Learn more about Cait: https://www.caitdonovan.com/🔗 Connect with Cait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/🔥 Rate & Review – If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and reach more listeners!📩 Subscribe – Don’t miss future episodes of GrowthReady! Hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.💬 Join the Conversation – What was your biggest takeaway? Share your thoughts on social media and tag us!Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest: Kenneth Lo is a two-time world championship track cyclist turned AI strategist and entrepreneur. As the co-founder of Zen Business AI, he helps organizations leverage artificial intelligence to scale operations and optimize growth. However, Kenneth’s most profound journey in recent years has been a deeply personal one - facing an unexpected cancer diagnosis and redefining resilience in the face of uncertainty.About the EpisodeIn this deeply moving episode, Kenneth Lo shares his raw and powerful journey of receiving a shocking cancer diagnosis, the emotional turmoil that followed, and how he found strength through vulnerability, community, and AI. Steve Mellor dives deep into how Kenneth adapted to the unexpected, leaned on his tribe, and leveraged AI tools to navigate his treatment and recovery. This episode is not just about overcoming adversity but about redefining success and finding purpose through life's toughest challenges.Key Takeaways:You Can’t Always Be Ready, But You Can Adapt: Kenneth reflects on how no one is truly “ready” for life’s biggest challenges, but resilience is built in how we respond.Leaning on Your Tribe is a Superpower: The night of his diagnosis, Kenneth made over 100 calls, realizing that asking for help was essential to survival.Vulnerability is Strength: Kenneth didn’t try to be strong—he allowed himself to be open, emotional, and real, which led to deeper connections.AI as an Unexpected Lifeline: Unable to interpret his own medical reports, Kenneth used AI to translate complex medical jargon, helping him better prepare for his treatments.Redefining Success: Kenneth now measures success not by career milestones but by the positive impact he leaves on people.Finding the Gifts in Hardship: His battle with cancer became a lesson in appreciating time, prioritizing meaningful connections, and eliminating distractions. Links & Resources:Connect with Kenneth Lo on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kennethloLearn more about Zen Business AI - https://zenbiz.coSend us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:Glenn Leifheit is a technology leader at Microsoft, a podcast host, and a dedicated mentor. With over 20 years in the tech industry, Glenn has embraced personal and professional growth while helping others navigate their own journeys. He hosts From Stuck to Growth and co-hosts Mentorship Live on LinkedIn, a space dedicated to supporting job seekers.About the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Glenn Leifheit to discuss the power of growth, mentorship, and navigating change. Glenn shares his unique insights on how mentorship is more than just guidance - it's a two-way street that fosters mutual learning. He also talks about his experience in the fast-paced world of Microsoft, the importance of prioritization, and how humor and introspection can transform the way we approach challenges.Key Takeaways:It’s not always visible to others, but it’s essential for progress.The best mentorship relationships involve mutual learning, not just one-sided advice.True progress isn’t measured by how hard you work, but by the value and impact you create.Growth requires adaptability and the ability to pivot when priorities shift.Taking time for self-reflection helps us process emotions and make better decisions.Build connections by showing genuine interest in others.Every setback provides valuable lessons that help you move forward.Links & Resources:Connect with Glenn Leifheit on LinkedIn: @gleifheFollow Glenn on Instagram: @gleifheFrom Stuck to Growth Podcast: Hosted by Glenn. Available on all major platforms🚀 If this episode inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 🎧✅ Subscribe to GrowthReady for more inspiring conversations.⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more listeners.📲 Follow us on social media for more insights and behind-the-scenes content!Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:Frankie Russo is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author who specializes in business growth, innovation, and leadership. He has built and scaled multiple successful companies, including one that grew 60x in three years and was eventually acquired by a Fortune 500 company. Frankie is also deeply involved in helping individuals overcome addiction and personal stagnation. His book Breaking WHY: Hacking and Rebuilding Strategic Emotions for Authentic Success explores the intersection of purpose, passion, and business strategy. He is the host of The School of Weird podcast, where he dives into the power of embracing your uniqueness.About the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady, Frankie Russo breaks down what it truly means to be "growth ready", and it's not what most people think. He shares insights on how failure, rather than success, is the real foundation of growth and why stagnation is a greater threat than failure itself. Frankie discusses the "stagnation spiral," the importance of identifying problems honestly, and why embracing your "weird" is the key to unlocking limitless growth.Throughout the conversation, Frankie and the host explore how businesses and individuals can break free from outdated models, reframe their approach to success, and consistently evolve. They also discuss the balance between personal and professional growth, and how self-honesty and emotional awareness play a crucial role in long-term success.Key Takeaways:Growth comes from failure, not from success. The biggest mistake people make is fearing failure instead of learning from it.Stagnation isn’t just a business problem - it’s a human problem. It sneaks up when we get too comfortable with the way things have always been done.There are five key villains in the stagnation spiral: denial, status quo, silos/isolation, rigid beliefs, and disengagement. Recognizing these in yourself or your business is the first step to breaking free.Many businesses double down on old strategies when growth slows, leading to burnout and disengagement. True growth requires embracing change and being willing to break the old model.Awards and recognition feel good, but they don’t teach anything. Real lessons come from adversity and challenges.Your unique, "weird" qualities hold the key to your best work. Embracing your weird creates a culture of innovation and creativity.Growth starts with brutal honesty—about your business, your habits, and your mindset. The best way to spot denial is to ask yourself, "What have people been telling me that I’ve been ignoring?"Trying to change things outside of your control leads to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on what you can change—often, that starts with yourself.Chasing success and growth as an end goal is flawed. Instead, commit to the process of continuous evolution and problem-solving.📢 Resources:Frankie Russo’s Website: FrankieRusso.comFrankie’s Books:Breaking WHY: Hacking and Rebuilding Strategic Emotions for Authentic SuccessThe Art of Why: Master Your Purpose, Success & AuthenticityFollow Frankie on Social Media:Instagram: @frankierussoSend us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

🎙️ About the Guest:Larry Jackson is a medical device sales expert with a background in professional fighting, including boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. Coming from a tough upbringing, Larry has navigated personal and professional challenges with resilience, leading to a career in disruptive technology sales. His journey from fighting to sales is a testament to growth, adaptability, and the power of perseverance.🔥 About the Episode:In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Larry shares his journey from a challenging childhood to professional fighting and ultimately thriving in medical device sales. He discusses what it truly means to be "growth ready," touching on three key themes:Getting uncomfortable – Embracing honesty and facing challenges head-on.Letting go of people, places, and things – Understanding what no longer serves your growth.The ability to pivot – Recognizing when to change course and adapt.Larry’s transparency about his struggles, victories, and the lessons he's learned along the way makes this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating their own path to personal and professional growth.🎯 Key Takeaways:Be honest about where you are and what needs to change.Surround yourself with people who celebrate you, not just tolerate you.Recognizing when it’s time for change is a critical part of evolving.Jackson emphasizes the importance of making a difference over simply making money.Facing your past and working through personal struggles leads to true transformation.Links and Resources:Connect with Larry Jackson on Social Media:Linkedin: jaxson24Instagram: plungetalkwithjaxConnect with Steve Mellor on Social Media:Linkedin: steve-mellor-ccInstagram: CoachSteveMellorThis episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from their past, step into their true potential, and redefine success on their own terms. 🎧✨Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:ED Dudley is a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, with over 20 years of experience in financial services. He co-founded Shining Light In Darkness, a nonprofit supporting underserved survivors, and has served as Interim Board Chair of United Against Slavery, advancing research to address anti-trafficking challenges globally. As Board President of SwingPals, ED helps improve the lives of underprivileged children in Durham, NC. Guided by empathy and community, he merges financial expertise with social advocacy to empower and uplift those in need. "It's not what I do for a living, but what I do for the living," he says.About the Episode:Ed shares his transformative journey from chasing corporate success to finding true fulfillment through service. He unpacks the power of mindset, the importance of building a legacy, and how small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful impact. Through personal experiences and deep reflections, Ed challenges listeners to rethink success—not as a measure of what we accumulate, but of how we serve others.This episode is packed with wisdom on personal growth, resilience, and the power of giving back. Key Takeaways:✔ Growth happens in inches, not leaps—focus on small, consistent progress.✔ True success is measured in service, not just material wealth.✔ Every person has the ability to create a lasting impact through their actions.✔ Talking about difficult topics (like domestic violence) is essential for change.✔ Serving others is a key to fulfillment and personal growth.📢 Resources & Links:Connect with Ed Dudley on LinkedIn: edwarddudleyFollow Shining Light in Darkness on Social Media: Instagram - shiningndarkness, Facebook- shininglightindarknessSupport Shining Light in Darkness: www.slidfnd.org🚀 If this episode inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 🎧✅ Subscribe to GrowthReady for more inspiring conversations.⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more listeners.📲 Follow us on social media for more insights and behind-the-scenes content!Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:Hardy Smith is a seasoned consultant, speaker, and author specializing in nonprofit governance and board engagement. With a background in NASCAR, he brings a unique perspective on strategy, anticipation, and leadership. Hardy is the author of Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, a book dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations overcome common board challenges and foster effective leadership.Discover more about Hardy on his website: www.hardysmith.comAbout the Episode:In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast, Hardy Smith shares his journey from the fast-paced world of NASCAR to the nonprofit sector. He discusses the critical concept of being "growth ready," emphasizing preparation, anticipation, and adaptability. Hardy draws parallels between NASCAR’s demand for quick decision-making and the nonprofit world’s need for strategic foresight. He explores the challenges nonprofits face, particularly financial constraints and board engagement, and offers practical advice on fostering intentional growth. Additionally, Hardy delves into his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, shedding light on how organizations can shift their mindset and create lasting change.Key Takeaways:Being growth ready means preparing for and anticipating challenges.Anticipation is a skill that can be cultivated over time.Conditioned behaviors shape how we respond to adversity.Awareness of surroundings enhances decision-making and adaptability.Change and disruption are inevitable—pragmatism is key to navigating them.Asking for help is essential; people are often willing to assist.Taking a moment to pause can provide clarity in difficult situations.Board engagement is crucial for a nonprofit’s success.Intentionality is key in both personal and professional growth.Facilitation helps individuals and organizations recognize their own solutions.Ownership of actions leads to meaningful and lasting change.Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:Omar Halabieh is a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience spanning telecom, energy, and payments. He currently serves as Director of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, overseeing payment experiences across the Middle East and Africa. Beyond his professional role, Omar is passionate about leadership development, mentoring others, and fostering sustainable growth in their careers and lives.Connect with Omar thru his website at www.omarhalabieh.comAbout the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady Podcast, host Steve Mellor is joined by Omar Halabieh for a deep dive into what it means to be truly "growth ready." Omar shares his unique leadership philosophy centered around continuous learning, courageous conversations, and a long-term, sustainable approach to growth. He opens up about pivotal moments in his career where courage changed the trajectory of his path and offers practical advice for leaders looking to grow while supporting their teams.Key Takeaways:The Four Pillars of Being "Growth Ready":Embrace Growth as a Continuous Process: Recognize that you are always a work in progress.Avoid Stagnation: Consistent improvement is crucial to avoid complacency.Internal Drive Over External Signals: Self-accountability is essential—don’t wait for others to nudge you.Think Long-Term and Sustainable: Approach growth like a financial investment—lean on consistency and compounding.The Power of Courageous Conversations:Courage is a spectrum—it starts with small steps, like asking for mentorship, and grows into high-stakes conversations.By taking ownership and seeking feedback proactively, leaders can unlock career-defining opportunities.Creating an Environment for Growth:Surround yourself with mentors and role models who challenge and inspire you.Leverage available resources and focus on the opportunities within your control.Welcome adversity as part of the journey—it shapes resilience and adaptability.Serving Others While Growing Yourself:Helping others succeed not only impacts them but also reinforces your own growth and clarifies your thinking.Building a support network enhances emotional resilience and prevents burnout.Sustaining Growth:Prioritize physical and mental well-being. Health is key to long-term performance.Reflect with purpose—evaluate your progress to foster self-awareness without self-criticism.Align your work with your purpose to find energy and motivation, even during challenging times.Redefining Success and the Right Path:Success is not a fixed path—it’s an emerging journey shaped by intentional actions.Focus on growth today, and the right path will become clearer over time.This episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals at any stage of their journey who want to grow sustainably, embrace courage, and build meaningful careers.Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest:Scott Ramey is the secret weapon for forward-thinking executives ready to elevate their communication and leadership skills. With over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies to billions in new business, Scott’s innovative SPEAK Framework transforms leaders by helping them communicate with clarity, inspire action, and drive results. Through his one-on-one coaching and keynote talks, Scott empowers leaders to unlock their full potential and foster lasting impact.About the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady, Steve Mellor sits down with his friend and inspiring entrepreneur, Scott Ramey, to discuss the importance of stepping into your authentic self, navigating fear, and overcoming success reluctance. Scott shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an independent entrepreneur, detailing the challenges of unmasking his true identity and creating meaningful connections through vulnerability and communication. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of resilience.Key Takeaways:Challenging the status quo is essential for growth.Entrepreneurship can lead to personal fulfillment.Self-promotion is a necessary skill for success.Vulnerability strengthens connections with others.Gaining clarity on what you truly want is crucial.Communication skills are vital in professional settings.Being forward-thinking is key to career advancement.Embracing change can lead to a healthier mindset.Defining your personal style enhances communication.Every individual has a unique style that should be embraced.Success reluctance is a barrier to realizing our potential.We often self-sabotage just before achieving success.Authentic communication requires vulnerability and connection.Fear can be transformed into strength through authenticity.Recognizing our unlimited potential is essential for growth.Effective communication takes practice, structure, and time.Vulnerability creates deeper, more meaningful connections.We should focus on being ourselves rather than imitating others.The journey to authenticity may involve discomfort but is rewarding.Letting go of fear can lead to a more fulfilling life.Scott’s SPEAK method helps leaders communicate effectively by focusing on:Style: Defining your unique communication approach.Presence: Staying fully engaged in the moment.Empathy: Understanding your audience’s needs.Authenticity: Demonstrating vulnerability to build trust.Knowledge: Structuring your message clearly and concisely using the "power of three."Send us a textSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor