Game Changers with Molly Fletcher is our podcast designed to help you maximize your influence and unleash your potential. Each episode, we take you behind the scenes with peak performers to learn what makes them tick and discover how you can apply their lessons to your life. Join Molly each week to hear from her special guests— top athletes and coaches, transformative CEOs, brilliant thought leaders, and entrepreneurs and trailblazers from around the world. Subscribe now on iTunes or Google Play.

Recent Episodes

Patrick Lencioni

Episode 35- Patrick Lencioni on The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Passionate about creating great teams, Patrick Lencioni helps leaders and organizations improve teamwork, clarity and engagement. The founder and president of The Table Group, Patrick is the author of 11 books which have sold over 5 million copies. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune and Inc., and the Wall Street Journal called him “one of the most in demand speakers in America.” On this episode, Patrick talks about the five dysfunctions that inhibit teams from reaching their potential. Learn how to build trust, embrace healthy conflict, commit to a goal, hold each other accountable, and get results.

Follow Patrick: Twitter | Website

“Without trust, you can’t have good conflict.”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • Dysfunction #1: The absence of vulnerability-based trust (2:15)
  • Two simple exercises that can change trust dynamics on a team (3:00)
  • An example of how the personal histories exercise can help build trust (4:18)
  • Dysfunction #2: The fear of conflict (7:00)
  • Tactics to have tough conversations (9:08)
  • Dysfunction #3: Lack of commitment (11:37)
  • How to get different ideas on the table (14:06)
  • Dysfunction #4: Avoidance of accountability (16:22)
  • The difference between commitment and consensus (14:40)
  • How to create accountability inside of a team (18:33)
  • The team effectiveness exercise to improve accountability (19:56)
  • Dysfunction #5: Inattention to results (24:52)
  • How to create clear thematic goals (26:45)
  • Tips to have effective meetings (28:05)
  • The biggest mistake leaders make (29:27)
  • The three traits of an ideal team player: hungry, humble and smart (31:24)
  • Resources and upcoming events (34:19) 

 

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Jimmie Johnson NASCAR

Episode 34- Jimmie Johnson on How to Sustain Success: Lessons from a NASCAR Champ

When you see No. 48 ripping around the track with Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel, chances are he’s headed for Victory Lane. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Jimmie shares the all-time record with racing legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt and is one of the most accomplished professional athletes in sports today. Forbes named him The Most Influential Athlete and ESPN Magazine recently named him No. 4 on their Dominant 20, highlighting the most dominant 20 athletes of the last two decades. On this episode, Jimmie takes us behind the wheel to tell the story of how a kid from California shook up the racing world. We talk about the keys to his sustained success, the team behind him, and what fuels him on his drive for a record-shattering 8th title.

Follow Jimmie: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

“It wasn’t about stats or winning or championships. I fell in love with the experience. “

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • The keys to Jimmie Johnson’s consistent success in NASCAR (1:46)
  • How a NASCAR team is structured (2:51)
  • How he’s assumed a leadership role with his younger teammates (4:20)
  • The biggest influence on his racing career (5:18)
  • How Jeff Gordon served as a mentor early in his career (5:43)
  • The story of how he got discovered (6:55)
  • On competing for a record 8th NASCAR title (9:58)
  • What he’s learned from failure (11:40)
  • How he recovers from adversity (13:16)
  • On fitness as a competitive advantage (14:14)
  • How he has evolved as a driver over the years (17:00)
  • Work-life balance (18:00)
  • The lessons his kids have learned from watching him compete (21:10)
  • What it’s like behind the wheel on race day (22:30)
  • Taking on a mentorship role on the Hendricks team (24:15)
  • The Jimmie Johnson Foundation (25:47)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Joshua Medcalf

Episode 33- Joshua Medcalf on How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great

After asking the question, “What would I do if money didn’t matter?” Joshua Medcalf dropped out of his Masters program at Duke University, turned down scholarships to law school, and moved across the country to live and serve at a homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles. From there, he went on to found Train to be CLUTCH, a consultancy whose mission is a heart-first approach to leadership, life skills and mental training. He’s the author of five books, including the bestseller Chop Wood Carry Water. On this episode, Joshua shares the difference between being goal-driven vs. mission driven, the true meaning of mental toughness, and what happens when we confuse what we do with who we are.

Follow Joshua: Twitter | Instagram | Website

“What does the world need? What am I passionate about? What am I really good at?”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • What inspired Joshua’s journey (1:56)
  • What does the world need? What am I passionate about? What am I really good at? (5:50)
  • Joshua’s mental training work with sports teams (7:34)
  • The problem with arbitrary outcome-based goals (9:33)
  • His definition of true mental toughness (10:36)
  • The difference between mission driven and goal driven (11:10)
  • What you do vs. who you are (13:18)
  • How to fall in love with the process (16:12)
  • A story from Chop Wood Carry Water (19:02)
  • The difference between positive self-talk vs. beneficial and constructive thinking (27:28)
  • The importance of showing up consistently for others (32:56)
  • A new scorecard exercise (35:15)
  • The three things that women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance does that drive North Carolina’s success (39:52)
  • The biggest influences in Joshua’s life (50:30)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Jenn Lim

Episode 32- Jenn Lim on Delivering Happiness at Work

Jenn Lim is on a mission to change the way people think about work. She is the CEO and Chief Happiness Officer of Delivering Happiness, a company that she and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh co-created to inspire passion and purpose in workplaces for a happier world. On this episode, Jenn talks about the science behind happiness, the four components that drive happiness at work, and the reasons why happiness really is good for business.

Follow Jenn: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

“What would we do with our lives if money didn’t matter?”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • The definition of happiness (1:39)
  • The happiness ROI- why happiness at work matters (3:56)
  • The importance of employee lifetime value (ELTV) (6:02)
  • The happiness framework—a sense of control, a sense of progress, a sense of connectedness (10:36)
  • Getting alignment on values, behaviors and purpose (14:43)
  • Defining vision and meaning at work (16:00)
  • How a down time in Jenn’s life led her to stumble upon positive psychology (17:40)
  • What will we do with our lives if money didn’t matter? (20:02)
  • The happiness heartbeat exercise (22:00)
  • Case Study: the government of Dubai (24:35)
  • Case Study: Northwell Health’s culture of care (26:25)
  • Advice for when you are unhappy at work (29:10)
  • Jenn’s favorite resources (33:02)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Daniel Pink- WHEN

Episode 31- Daniel Pink on The Science of Perfect Timing

Timing is everything. So why don’t we pay more attention to the “when” decisions in our lives? New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink shares the research and surprising takeaways from his new book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.

  • When is the best time to hold a meeting?
  • Should I take a break?
  • When should I go to the gym?
  • Is now the best time to start a new project?

Dan answers all these questions and more, revealing how we can systematically make better, smarter decisions about our time.

Follow Dan: Twitter | Facebook | Website

“We think timing is an art; timing is a science.”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • What’s the big idea? (1:50)
  • What do we know about timing? The surprising research behind timing. (2:54)
  • How taking breaks actually increases productivity (4:01)
  • The stages of the day: peak, trough, recovery (7:21)
  • When is the best time to work out? (8:44)
  • The fresh start effect—when we should start certain types of behavior change (12:30)
  • How knowing your chronotype (lark, owl, third bird) will help you determine when you should do things (15:40)
  • How to determine your chronotype (17:04)
  • How to do the right work at the right time in a 9 to 5 environment (24:00)
  • Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? (25:17)
  • Why you should take a lunch break (25:49)
  • Advice for improving your productivity based on your chronotype (28:23)
  • The best time to schedule meetings (30:55)
  • The relationship between energy levels and timing (32:58)
  • Dan’s approach to the writing process (34:32)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating or review!

Chris Barez Brown

Episode 30- Chris Baréz-Brown on Unleashing Your Creative Potential

Wake up! Did you know that more than 80% of our waking time is spent on autopilot? Creativity and innovation guru Chris Baréz-Brown is here to help you break free from this trap. He’s helped brands like Nike, Coca-Cola and Sony unleash their creative potential, and now he’s bringing his magic to us with his new book, WAKE UP! On this episode, Chris will inspire you to escape autopilot and embrace a more conscious, creative and joyful life.

Follow Chris: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

“Focus on what counts and not what shouts loudest.”

Click To Tweet

 

Show Notes

  • How leaders and organizations can foster creativity (2:30)
  • His creative awakening (4:08)
  • The connection between consciousness and creativity (5:16)
  • What is autopilot? (8:37)
  • The negative effects of autopilot (11:03)
  • The negative and positive impact of habits (11:58)
  • The Notice What You Notice exercise (13:33)
  • Viewing the world through the eyes of a child (16:24)
  • Doing is addictive (17:50)
  • Saying yes to the things that you would ordinarily say no to (19:53)
  • Re-evaluating your relationship with technology and eliminating digital distractions (25:09)
  • Building in white space to your schedule (30:06)
  • Your one big thing (32:48)
  • The balance between thinking and feeling (39:17)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Ginger Hardage, Southwest Airlines

Episode 29- Ginger Hardage on How Southwest Airlines Built A Legendary Company Culture

As former SVP of Culture & Communications for Southwest Airlines, Ginger Hardage spent 25 years championing the values at the heart of Southwest’s legendary culture. Her new brand, Unstoppable Cultures, is on a mission to help organizations create and sustain cultures of enduring greatness. On this episode, Ginger shares the core values behind “The Southwest Way,” and breaks down how you can build a healthy, strong culture in your own organization.

Follow Ginger: Twitter | Instagram | Website

“Make sure your purpose feels like an old pair of shoes.”  

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • The core values at the heart of Southwest Airlines
  • Why culture matters and how to empower employees to take ownership (4:05)
  • How Southwest Airlines recruits, hires and retains talent (6:02)
  • Hire tough so you can manage easy (8:52)
  • Threading company values throughout the employee experience (10:40)
  • “The Southwest Way” in action and the value of storytelling (13:40)
  • Southwest CEO Gary Kelly has a unique approach to connecting with employees (16:15)
  • Advice on how to change your company’s culture (20:14)
  • Ginger’s favorite books on company culture (24:25)
  • The biggest culture killers that create a toxic workplace culture (25:27)
  • The mission behind her new brand, Unstoppable Cultures (29:28)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Best of 2017

Episode 28- The Best of 2017

This special edition of Game Changers with Molly Fletcher  features clips and advice from some of our favorite episodes in 2017. Hear from guests like Hall of Fame coaches Geno Auriemma and Tom Izzo, pastor and leadership expert Andy Stanley, bestselling authors Dr. Henry Cloud and Suzy Welch, athletes Chipper Jones and Billy Horschel and more!

Show Notes

  • UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma: when it’s going great, it’s time for a change.
  • Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo: the characteristics of great teams
  • Leadership expert and pastor Andy Stanley: the 3 mistakes leaders make
  • FOCUS Brands COO & President Kat Cole: learning from feedback
  • Vocal coach to the stars “Mama Jan” Smith: delivering tough feedback
  • Bestselling author Suzy Welch: the 10-10-10 rule for making tough decisions
  • Best selling author and psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud: the 4 corners of connection
  • Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones: how to deal with failure
  • PGA TOUR golfer Billy Horschel: the visualization technique Tiger Woods taught him
  • Drop the Ball author Tiffany Dufu: the myth of doing it all

Resources

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Rorke Denver

Episode 27- Rorke Denver on Leadership Lessons from a Navy SEAL

Commander Rorke Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and has led special-forces missions all over the world, including the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The author of the New York Times bestseller Damn Few: Making The Modern SEAL Warrior, Rorke applies Navy SEAL principles to everyday leadership to help individuals and teams perform at their highest levels. On this episode, Rorke takes us behind the scenes of SEAL training and explains what we can learn from the SEALs about leadership, resiliency and teamwork.

Follow Rorke: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

“Adjust the plan and win the day.”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • The book that inspired Rorke Denver to join the Navy SEALS (2:02)
  • The difference between those who make it through SEALS training and those who don’t (5:06)
  • The mindset and never quit mentality of a Navy SEAL (8:33)
  • Applying SEAL traits—problem solving, creativity, adaptability– to business (14:45)
  • Growth happens through discomfort (16:24)
  • The importance of resiliency (19:53)
  • “You are never out of the fight” (27:22)
  • The importance of finding balance (29:31)
  • The Hammers and The Huggers (37:13)
  • You reduce to the level of your training (41:03)
  • Calm is contagious (43:33)
  • Rorke’s book recommendations (45:38)

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!

Sam Walker, The Captain Class

Episode 26- Sam Walker on the 7 Characteristics of Great Leaders

What makes great teams great? That’s the question Wall Street Journal deputy editor Sam Walker answers in his new book, The Captain Class: The Hidden Force That Creates the World’s Greatest Teams. His answer surprised everyone, including himself. The secret to winning isn’t talent, coaching, strategy, or money. It is the presence of a singular leader—those who make up Walker’s captain class. But these leaders aren’t the charismatic superstars you might expect. So who are they? On this episode, Sam breaks down the seven characteristics of great leaders and challenges our assumptions of what real leadership looks like.

Follow Sam: Twitter | Facebook | Website

“We’ve forgotten what great leaders really do and what they are really like.”

Click To Tweet

Show Notes

  • The question that inspired Sam’s book, The Captain Class (1:49)
  • The methodology he used to determine the world’s greatest teams (3:58)
  • The one thing that elite teams have in common (7:30)
  • The seven characteristics of great leaders (9:35)
  • Reevaluating how we select leaders in the business world (13:15)
  • The importance of emotional dexterity (18:05)
  • How to show appreciation (20:28)
  • The Steve Jobs management style example (22:55)
  • The key to enduring success (25:14)
  • Tim Duncan’s leadership style and the idea of “carrying water” (27:51)
  • The glue guy who holds the Golden State Warriors together (29:33)
  • The relationship between Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan (30:26)
  • How coaches and leaders can identify the right captain (33:01)
  • How task conflict can be healthy inside of a team environment (41:29)
  • The biggest misperception people have about leadership (46:14)

 

Resources / People Mentioned

Recommended For You

Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:

Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a rating or review!