⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In a world where “strategy” has become a buzzword and busywork often masquerades as progress, host Adam Contos sits down with renowned strategic thinking expert Rich Horwath, today on Start With a Win, to cut through the noise and get to what really drives results. This conversation dives into the hidden habits, mindsets, and decision filters that separate reactive leaders from truly intentional ones - those who create clarity, focus their teams, and win on purpose instead of by accident. Packed with sharp insights, real-world stories, and practical wisdom, this episode challenges you to rethink how you spend your time, set priorities, and lead with direction. If you’re ready to trade chaos for clarity and turn strategy into a daily advantage, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Rich Horwath is the Founder and CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute, where he helps leadership teams think, plan, and act more strategically to drive direction, advantage, and results. A strategy workshop facilitator, executive coach, and keynote speaker, he has helped more than 250,000 leaders worldwide strengthen their strategic capabilities. Rich is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of eight books, has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, and is recognized by Chief Executive Magazine as “the world’s foremost expert on strategic thinking.” A former chief strategy officer and top-ranked graduate professor of strategy, Rich combines real-world experience with practical tools executives can apply immediately. Inspired by a leader’s question - “How can I become more strategic?” - he built a roadmap to help leaders move from tactical to strategic thinking and continues his mission to teach the world to be strategic. 00:00 Intro 03:04 Define it…only three words! 05:10 Biggest mistake that leaders make… 08:30 A two-page plan, goals (what) and how, is that really all I need! 11:50 This needs to happen every 90 days! 14:30 How do we fix middle management? 17:28 How to think about strategy and culture? 19:07 The three As! 22:24 A golden insight, write that down… 25:02 A habit that will help stick to your strategy! 28:05 A what workout… www.StrategySkills.com https://www.strategyskills.com/strategic-book/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this lively and eye-opening episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Workplace Performance Expert and bestselling author Henna Pryor to unravel one of the most misunderstood emotions in modern leadership: awkwardness. With humor, science, and refreshingly real stories, Henna exposes the hidden ways awkward moments shape our confidence, communication, and ability to lead under pressure. Together, they explore why today’s increasingly “smoothed-out” world desperately needs leaders who can navigate discomfort with authenticity and courage. This conversation invites listeners to rethink what being confident truly means - and why embracing the messy, human moments might just be the ultimate performance advantage. Henna Pryor, CSP is a Workplace Performance Expert who helps leaders and teams elevate their performance mindset, communication, and interpersonal effectiveness. A regular Inc. Magazine columnist and 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, she blends two decades of experience with a science-backed approach to taking strategic risks and boosting social and mental fitness. A global keynote speaker and clients’ self-described “secret weapon for impossible change,” Henna has spoken at TEDx and SXSW and is featured in outlets like FastCompany, INSIDER, HuffPost, NBC, and FOX. She’s also a SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Glassdoor WorkLife Pro, and her book was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year. 00:00 Intro 01:27 Did you just want to fit it? The three word tag line… 04:26 Is this parallel to this? No, it’s this! 07:05 Name the awkwardness that exists in the situation. 11:30 The best tip! 16:01 Do you use AI and how? 18:55 This first then this second… 21:28 I snuggle my puppy however this is the best way that will help most. www.pryoritygroup.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/ https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this energizing episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with powerhouse speaker and futurist Rome Madison for a raw, no-nonsense conversation about stepping boldly into uncertainty. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead fearlessly, push past the lies we tell ourselves, and break free from the comfort zones that quietly hold us back. Rome brings his trademark fire - mixing story, strategy, and spirit - to challenge listeners to rethink confidence, reframe failure, and reconnect with the deeper power they already possess. This is a conversation that shakes you awake, stretches how you see yourself, and leaves you hungry to grow. Rome Madison is a dynamic speaker, author, and podcaster who helps people boost self-confidence, face fears, embrace uncertainty, and cut through chaos to achieve bold, ambitious goals. Known for his high-energy delivery and inspiring message, he empowers audiences to take risks and pursue success with fearless determination. A pioneer in the precision medicine industry, Rome draws from extensive sales management and executive leadership experience, sharing powerful lessons from leading massively successful start-ups to navigating the challenges of corporate collapse and restructuring. A futurist with a Specialty in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School Online, he blends forward-thinking insight with real-world expertise. Featured on more than 50 TV and radio programs nationwide, Rome has spoken on global stages, including the Consumer Electronics Show, where he shared his expertise on the Future of Healthcare. His mission is simple yet profound: inspire people to crush their goals, no matter the obstacles. 00:00 Intro 01:50 When you are uncertain? 04:50 The statement that is the arrow thru the heart! 07:05 One of the great Jim Rohn quotes… 10:20 How to get your mindset correct or kick yourself in the rear? 14:02 How to get over the failures? One of the best statements… 17:14 One of the lines you tell yourself… 18:27 If you ground yourself in this status, you can be this for the good! 23:55 Can’t put into words how amazing the last five mins were, go back and listen. 27:10 A moment of what! https://romemadison.com/ https://iwantmorenow.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with John Tarnoff whose career story defies conventional wisdom and challenges everything we think we know about success, failure, and leadership in today’s volatile workplace. What unfolds is a candid, thought-provoking conversation about reinvention, identity, and the invisible forces shaping modern careers - from boardrooms to break rooms. With sharp insights, unexpected truths, and moments that may make you rethink how you show up at work, this episode invites you to question old assumptions, confront uncomfortable realities, and imagine a more intentional path forward - both as a leader and as a professional navigating an uncertain future. John Tarnoff is an executive and career transition coach, speaker, and author who helps mid-career professionals build more meaningful, sustainable careers. After a 35-year career as a film producer, studio executive, and tech entrepreneur—where he was fired 39% of the time—John learned how to turn setbacks into reinvention. At 50, he earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and built a global career coaching practice. John has led career workshops for MBA programs at UCLA Anderson and Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business, and coached leaders at companies including Bank of America, Bridgewater Associates, Levi Strauss, SoftBank, and TD Ameritrade. He is a TEDx speaker, the author of the bestselling Boomer Reinvention, and the creator of the 3 Elements Careerbuilder Framework. 00:00 Intro 02:05 I’m not the problem? 03:42 This process is outdated, do this instead. 06:05 You work for them, they don’t work for you! 08:36 The more you do this, will build this, because of this! 11:01 What are the real responsibilities of a senior leader? 13:33 Three Elements Framework. 20:31 How to reset? 23:01 Closing advice… 26:35 Write, write, write! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this compelling episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with empathy strategist and bestselling author Maria Ross for a conversation that challenges outdated leadership myths and reframes what it truly means to lead in today’s world. With sharp insight, real-world perspective, and an energizing presence, Maria invites listeners into a deeper exploration of how modern leaders earn loyalty, navigate tension, and build organizations people actually want to follow. This episode doesn’t preach - it provokes, stretches assumptions, and leaves you leaning in for what comes next. Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, helping organizations drive growth through empathy-driven leadership, branding, and culture. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with startups, nonprofits, and enterprise brands - including Splunk, GSK, Salesforce, and LogicGate - to sharpen messaging, elevate brands, and build strong cultures, leading clients to acquisitions and IPOs. A sought-after speaker and the author of The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, Maria also hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. Her insights have appeared on MSNBC, NPR, Forbes, and Newsweek. She lives in Northern California with her family and a lively mix of pets - and a deep love for British crime dramas and Jeopardy! 00:00 Intro 02:25 A two-year old gave her the idea! 05:03 What is the definition – for business? 08:05 What are the five pillars? 11:31 Last pillar is not what you think, keep listening…. 14:55 Powerful, powerful quote, you may need to rewind and really listen! 22:01 This is your competitive edge. 27:37 This is the misunderstanding… 28:20 And here it is! 32:20 I don’t check emails until I complete this. https://www.red-slice.com/ https://red-slice.com/podcast/ Book: https://red-slice.com/the-empathy-dilemma-book/ https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/ https://www.facebook.com/redslice https://www.youtube.com/user/mariajross =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com This episode of Start With a Win is a no-nonsense wake-up call for leaders who refuse to drift into the future unprepared. Adam frames a bold close to 2025 and a decisive launch into 2026, he blends hard data, lived experience, and unfiltered conviction to challenge how leadership is actually practiced when the pressure is real. It’s not motivational fluff or distant theory - it’s a sharp, energizing look at what separates those who gain momentum from those who get left behind. If you’re ready for a candid, high-octane perspective that will make you reassess how you lead, work, and show up when it counts, this is an episode you’ll want to hear all the way through and even need to re-watch! 00:00 Intro 00:28 Principle 1 - Treat AI Like a Weapon 02:29 Principle 2 - Extreme Ownership 04:33 Principle 3 - Relentless Standards 06:31 Principle 4 - Authentic Connection 08:05 Principle 5 - The Grind Came Back 09:02 This is not punishment it is preparation! 10:30 Rewatch, write down and take action! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Dive into this compelling episode of Start With a Win with host Adam Contos as he sits down with the dynamic leader, Jason Yarusi. You’ll be drawn in by his powerful stories of transformation, strategic insight, and raw authenticity - all woven together with a sense of urgency that invites you to reflect and act. If you’re ready to shift perspectives, unlock new levels of influence, and ignite momentum in your leadership journey, this conversation is a must-listen. Jason Yarusi is a charismatic communicator who electrifies every stage he graces. His magnetic presence, coupled with his captivating storytelling prowess, leaves audiences spellbound and hungry for knowledge. With an ability to seamlessly blend his personal experiences with actionable insights, he transforms complex concepts into practical takeaways, equipping his listeners with the tools they need to conquer their own journeys to success. Jason is a Private fund manager of over $300 million dollars in commercial real estate. Since 2017 his company Yarusi Holdings has amassed over 3000 apartment and commercial real estate units. Jason has built and exited multiple companies: construction, restaurants, a brewery and multiple large apartment communities. He is an avid ultra runner and workout enthusiast. Jason is the host of LIVE100 and The Multifamily Live Podcast, runs 7 Figure Multifamily Mastermind and coaches’ clients on the Live 100 Principles. And most importantly a husband and a father to three amazing kids, a bulldog named Jill and fifteen chickens. 00:00 Intro 02:10 Tragedy turns into an aha moment… 05:40 How to get to your moment without getting hit by a car? 08:35 Five second problem, five-year problem! 12:20 What can be done today? 14:01 First Phase of Break Free 17:50 Second to Last Phase 21:35 How to build this into building success? 25:01 Favorite things to make the difference! 27:40 And how I do it… https://www.jasonyarusi.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonyarusi/ https://www.youtube.com/@liveonehundred/videos https://www.facebook.com/JYarusi https://www.instagram.com/jasonyarusi/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this holiday edition of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with entrepreneur and former HR executive Cindy Waddle for a powerful conversation on trust-based leadership, human connection, and building cultures where people truly commit - not just comply. From compassion and accountability to purpose-driven business and heart-led influence, this episode explores what it really means to lead people in today’s world. Blending leadership wisdom, personal journey, and a touch of holiday fun, this episode will challenge how you think about empathy, motivation, and the lasting impact leaders can have - inside and outside the workplace. To leave lasting imprints on hearts when they’re needed most, rising through the ranks to GS-14 without a college degree during her 38-year federal career, former HR Director of the U.S. Mint at Denver, Cindy Waddle turned her life’s challenges into that purpose. After surviving near-death experiences and proving that grit and determination can outshine any credential, she followed her passion to uplift others by founding Dezire to Inspire (D2I). What began as a heartfelt act - writing 365 inspirational cards for a grieving family while volunteering in hospice - grew into a mission-driven company creating inspirational cards, flip books, and programs that promote healing, resilience, and connection. Featured as the Cover Star of Female Entrepreneurs Magazine (July 2025), Cindy’s story embodies perseverance, purpose, and the transformative power of words to change lives. 00:00 Intro 02:35 What could happen if you got to know someone… 05:20 These really do have power! 09:19 Can leaders connect with heart? 11:24 Could this be what real leadership is about! 13:25 What would the leadership theme be? 16:40 Will you remember or believe if you got this… 18:52 Holiday trivia time…with great leadership advice! 24:25 It is before I even get out of bed… https://www.deziretoinspire.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory