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There’s a moment in the Tour de France most people miss. Not the sprint finish. Not the podium. Not the yellow jersey. It’s the mountain stage, where you realize the leader isn’t actually alone. We use that image to challenge a belief a lot of high performers quietly live by: self-sufficiency equals strength. It might be the very thing that helped you win early stages of growth… and the same thing that now limits what’s next. We explore why high performance isn’t just about endurance and capacity, it’s about exposure. Exposure to feedback, discomfort, new reflections, and the kind of community that forces you to practice who you’re becoming. What you’ll hear in this episode Why we confuse self-sufficiency with high performanceThe hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolationWhy growth requires exposure, not just effortWhat community gives you that a mirror can’tA better question than “How much can I handle?”The Tour de France lesson: nobody wins the mountain stages alone00:00 Why the mountain stage matters 00:36 The leader is never really alone 01:18 The hidden cost of carrying pressure in isolation 02:22 When self-sufficiency starts limiting growth 03:25 Growth requires exposure, not just endurance 04:05 Why community matters 04:47 Choosing a room that stretches you 05:42 What community gives you that a mirror can’t 06:18 What pro cyclists have to unlearn 07:12 No one wins the mountain stages alone 08:03 A better question for high performers 08:42 You might win one stage alone 09:33 Final reflection and share the episode 09:51 Outro If this episode hit, share it with one leader who’s been carrying too much alone. A simple send could be the support they didn’t know they needed. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

A lot of high-performers know how to win, but far fewer know how to use failure well. And when life gets uncomfortable, the instinct is often to avoid it, rush past it, or pretend it didn’t mean anything. My guest today, Leanda Cave, is a four-time world champion triathlete who’s lived through elite success, personal setbacks, major transition, and a powerful season of self-discovery beyond sport. In this episode, you’ll hear how failure can become one of the greatest forces for growth, why awareness changes everything, and how to redefine high performance in a way that actually serves your life long term. We talk about setbacks, discomfort, relationships, identity, longevity, purpose, and what it looks like to keep evolving when your next chapter asks something different from you. Why being growth ready means being prepared to failHow failure can become a gateway instead of a stopping pointThe difference between winning the race and winning the journeyWhy comfort can quietly block growthLearning through relationships, patterns, and self-awarenessThe role of awareness in transformationReframing high performance as longevityHealth as a long-term leadership strategyPurpose, philanthropy, and life after elite sportBuilding a meaningful next chapter beyond one identity or laneLinks and resources mentioned Instagram: @leandacaveInstagram: @leandacavecoachingBest BuddiesTEDx talk: Failure Is the Force That Shapes YouLeanda website: www.leandacave.comSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

What does it really mean to be Growth Ready? In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Joe Smarro for a deeply honest conversation about identity, self-awareness, and the cost of living for everyone else. Joe shares why growth starts with curiosity, why so much of our identity is inherited rather than chosen, and why external validation keeps so many high-performers stuck. Together, they explore the tension between the person we present to the world and the person we sit with in private, and how closing that gap can transform the way we lead, live, and grow. About the guest: Joe Smarro is a speaker, trainer, former Marine, and former police officer who now leads SolutionPoint+, where he and his team teach human behavior, de-escalation, wellness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Key takeaways: What it means to be “Growth Ready”Curiosity, self-awareness, and introspectionIdentity vs. titles and external validationThe “representative self” vs. the private selfWhy high-performers get stuck in fear and safetyThe cost of denying yourselfBoundaries, selfishness, and self-worthTherapy, healing, and emotional intelligenceThe obituary exercise and legacyAligning your life with what matters mostConnect with Joe Smarro SolutionPoint+ websiteJoe Smarro’s books on AmazonErnie & Joe: Crisis Cops on HBOInstagramLinkedInFacebookSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

In this episode, Steve sits down with Samara Bay to unpack what it really means to be “ready” when the stakes are high. Together, they explore the connection between body, mind, and communication—and why so many high-performers flatten their presence by trying to hide fear instead of working with it. Samara explains how public speaking is really about power, permission, and presence. She shares why “readiness” is more of a body-based practice than a mental state, how love-based thinking can shift us out of fight-or-flight, and why the warm-up before any important conversation may be the real work. Key Takeaways: Why readiness is more physical than mentalThe role of body awareness in communicationPublic speaking as a reflection of power and self-trustHow fear creates a flattened version of usWhy naming what’s happening in the room builds trustThe shift from fear-based thinking to love-based communicationSocial evaluative threat and the modern version of fight-or-flightWhy context matters in every communication momentThe importance of imagination, curiosity, and play in leadershipWhy warm-ups and rituals matter before big momentsMissed opportunity as the hidden cost of poor communicationLinks and Resources Mentioned Permission Inc. — permissioninc.coPermissionaries newsletter — available via Samara’s websitePermission to Speak by Samara BayUpcoming TEDx talk — Samara said it will be shared on her website once releasedSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the guest: Megan Torrance is a workplace learning and development leader who helps organizations create better systems for growth, performance, and skill development. In this conversation, she brings together practical insight from her work in learning design, her perspective on AI as an augmentation tool, and her own lived experience as an athlete, coach-supported leader, and endurance hiker. About the episode: In this episode, Steve sits down with Megan Torrance to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. Megan reframes growth as what we learn from a leap, not just the leap itself, and explains why readiness is less about feeling fully prepared and more about having the mindset, tools, support, and willingness to step into the next challenge anyway. Megan shares how real growth happens when people are clear on the goal, supported with the right systems, and willing to reflect in the middle of discomfort. Key topics and themes discussed What “growth ready” really meansWhy growth comes from learning through the leapThe difference between being a teacher and teachingWhy workplace learning should focus on performance, not completionReflection as a critical part of the learning loopThe role of AI in personalized learning and leadership developmentReadiness, uncertainty, and the “gulp” before the next challengeBuilding systems that make the next right action easierCuriosity as a driver of long-term growthExpanding capacity inside and outside of workLessons from ice hockey, coaching, and endurance hikingResources mentioned Megan Torrance on LinkedInTorrance Learning — torrancelearning.comAI Implementation Guide for L&D by Megan TorranceKhan AcademyMagicSchoolSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the guest: Meghan Popoleo is the President of The O’Connor Group, where she has spent the last decade helping organizations grow through strong people strategy, culture, and leadership. She came into the business from the nonprofit world, openly admits she did not start out loving HR, and has grown into a values-driven leader known for vulnerability, execution, collaboration, and people-first leadership. About the episode: In this conversation, Steve sits down with Meghan to unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” Megan shares why vulnerability is not weakness, but a leadership advantage, especially when you’re scaling a company, building culture, navigating succession, leading hard conversations, and raising a family at the same time. For founders, executives, and high-performers, this episode is a practical reminder that sustainable growth starts with values, trust, and the courage to ask for help. Key Takeaways: Why vulnerability is essential for personal and professional growthMegan’s journey from nonprofit leadership into HR and people operationsThe partnership between Megan and founder Marsha O’ConnorHow hard conversations strengthen leadership tandemsProtecting company culture during growthWhy “teammate” matters more than “employee”Women in leadership, motherhood, and asking for helpThe tension between saying yes, learning fast, and avoiding overwhelmBuilding new service lines without losing core valuesWhy relationships are a true growth leverCreating communities that support female leaders and entrepreneursLinks and resources mentioned: The O’Connor Group: www.tocgrp.comThe O’Connor Group on LinkedIn57th Street Partners Shadow HerSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the Guest: Raymond Lee is the founder of CareerMinds, a virtual outplacement and leadership development company he started in 2008. After years of building the business, Raymond went through a deep season of self-reflection in late 2021 that reshaped how he saw leadership, identity, and growth. He later sold CareerMinds and stepped into a new chapter with even greater clarity around impact, authenticity, and helping people find work that truly aligns with who they are. He’s also the host of the Clocking Out podcast and author of the book Clocking Out. About the Episode: In this conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Raymond Lee for a powerful discussion on what it really means to be growth ready. Raymond shares why authenticity became the turning point in his life, how curiosity helped him move through fear, and why so many high-performers stay stuck in careers that look successful on the outside but feel misaligned on the inside. Key Takeaways: What “growth ready” means through the lens of authenticityWhy authenticity builds trust, connection, and leadership impactRaymond’s identity shift in December 2021Curiosity as a companion to authentic growthFear of change vs. the pain of staying the sameThe story behind the Clocking Out podcastRaymond’s mother’s career change into archaeology at age 50Why meaningful change starts with small steps“Lead with yes” as a practical mindset for reinventionAsking better questions: What excites me? What brings value?Using your story to help others find their true pathResources: CareerMindsClocking Out podcastClocking Out book by Raymond LeeFinding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David KesslerRaymond Lee on LinkedInSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

This special archive episode takes us back to summer 2020, when Steve Mellor interviewed Alison Hadden for his Women Changing the World series. What he only learned afterward was that Alison had found out just one day earlier that her cancer had returned and was terminal. She never mentioned it during the conversation. Instead, she spoke with clarity, strength, and intention about leadership, resilience, and living like there is no time to waste. Alison passed away in January 2022, but her message continues to inspire anyone seeking to live with more purpose, courage, and gratitude. About the Guest: Alison Hadden was a sales and marketing leader, athlete, and founder of the No Time to Waste Project. She built her career at high-growth companies including Active, Glassdoor, and Mindbody, and became known for her energy, leadership, and purpose-driven approach to life. After facing cancer, she turned her experience into a mission to help others live with greater gratitude, joy, and urgency. About the Episode Steve revisits a conversation first released when the podcast was still called Career Competitor. Part of the Women Changing the World series, this interview stands out for Alison’s remarkable presence and perspective in the face of devastating news. Rather than focusing on her diagnosis, Alison shared a message that still resonates: live with intention, lead with courage, and don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter. Key Takeaways: Leadership through adversityThe athlete mindset in business and lifeGrit, resilience, and perspectiveCancer, identity, and transformationGratitude, joy, and human connectionLiving with urgency and intentionLinks and Resources No Time to Waste Projectnotimetowasteproject.comSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

Most high performers chase ceilings: bigger goals, more revenue, bigger stages. Steve argues that what actually determines whether you feel steady in the moments that matter is your floor, your daily standards, mindset, and behaviors when no one is watching. He breaks down how “growth resistance” shows up subtly (protecting identity, reputation, competence), and why the path forward isn’t hype or intensity… it’s alignment. Key takeaways: Goals as “ceilings” vs. standards as your “floor”Why pressure exposes weak foundations (even when you look prepared)Effort vs. standards: the difference between looking ready and being ready“Growth resistant” behavior: protecting identity after failureGrowth resilience: treating failure as data and adjusting standardsMicrosoft / Satya Nadella “learn-it-all vs know-it-all” as a standards shiftAlignment over intensity: raising your floor to match rising stakesReflection prompt: “What is my floor right now—and is it built for what I’m pursuing?”Links & resources mentioned Satya Nadella / Microsoft culture shift (learn-it-alls vs know-it-alls) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

If you’re a high performer, leader, or founder… chances are your calendar is stacked, your brain is overloaded, and you’re trying to ‘push through’ like that’s the job. Today’s guest, Clint Rahe, former Royal Air Force PTI turned executive coach and author of The Cognitive Athleteworks with C-suite leaders who should be in their peak years… but instead are burnt out, exhausted, and running on empty. In this episode, you’ll learn how to sustain high performance without paying for it with your health, your focus, or your family. We’re breaking down cognitive periodizationhow to create seasons in business how to use micro-recovery to reduce stress between meetings, how to protect deep work, and how to set boundaries that actually stick. Key takeaways -Knowledge workers as cognitive athletes (and why overload kills learning) -Burnout at the top: why leaders hit their “peak years” exhausted -Cognitive periodization: creating “seasons” in business where none exist -Recovery that actually works (micro-breaks, active recovery, energy resets) -The “letdown effect” (why people get sick right after pressure ends) -Energy management vs. time management -Saying no strategically (deep work vs shallow work) -Practical leadership habits: 15-minute daily planning + end-of-day review -Meeting hygiene: 25-min meetings, breaks, and better transitions -Circadian rhythms + scheduling work that fits your energy Links & resources mentioned -Clint’s website: thecognitiveathlete.com.au -Clint on LinkedIn (best place to connect) -Clint’s weekly newsletter (Wednesdays) Clint’s podcast (short episodes, Mondays) -Book: The Cognitive Athlete (US availability mentioned as Feb 27 on Amazon) -Microsoft Human Factors Lab research mentioned (EEG + breaks between meetings) -Amazon meeting practice referenced (reading memo at start) #GrowthReady #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoach #BurnoutRecovery #ProductivityHacks  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the Guest: Betsy Cerulo is a seasoned entrepreneur, federal contractor, and accessibility advocate with over 36 years of leadership experience. She is the CEO of an organization specializing in accessibility staffing and services, supporting blind, deaf, and neurodivergent communities. Betsy is also an author, mentor, and champion for heart-centered leadership grounded in truth, accountability, and compassion. In this powerful GrowthReady conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Betsy Cerulo to explore what it really means to be growth ready in today’s volatile, uncertain environment. Together, they unpack why truth, awareness, and flexibility are non-negotiable leadership skills, how to lead people through uncertainty without false reassurance, and why heart-centered leadership doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Betsy also shares lessons from building a 36-year business, launching a complementary accessibility technology venture, and investing in long-term trust instead of chasing quick wins. This episode is a masterclass in earned confidence, ethical leadership, and sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: What it truly means to be growth readyTruth as a leadership practice (not a personality trait)Heart-centered leadership vs. “kumbaya leadership”Leading teams through uncertainty and fearAccountability, boundaries, and compassionNavigating unknowns without false certaintyBuilding trust and “reserves” over decadesWhy patience beats “get rich quick” thinkingIntentional networking for introverted leadersAccessibility, advocacy, and inclusive leadershipSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the Guest: Luke DePron is a health and performance coach and the founder of The Fitment Project, where he helps high-performing men reclaim their health, energy, and confidence without extreme fitness tactics or unrealistic routines. Luke is known for his pragmatic, psychology-first approach to fitness helping clients build identity-based habits, minimum effective standards, and sustainable systems that integrate seamlessly into real life, careers, and family responsibilities. About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Luke DePron to unpack why most driven professionals fail at health and how to finally make it stick. Luke explains why success isn’t about motivation, 30-day challenges, or doing more but about setting guaranteed minimum standards, upgrading identity, and respecting the seasons of life you’re actually in. They dive deep into how confidence is built through competence, why unrealistic goals quietly destroy self-belief, and how leaders can integrate fitness into their lives without sacrificing family, performance, or sanity. This conversation reframes health not as another pressure but as the foundation that unlocks the next level of leadership and performance. Takeaways: Building confidence through competence, not motivationThe power of guaranteed minimum standardsBeginner mindset and lowering the barrier to entryWhy “doing more” often backfires for high performersIdentity-based decision making (Fit Dad, Fit Leader)Avoiding the all-or-nothing fitness trapIntegrating health into real life, travel, and familySeasons of life and sustainable performanceHealth as the foundation of elite leadershipLong-term systems vs short-term intensityResources Mentioned The Fitment Project – https://fitmentproject.comLuke DePron on LinkedIn (mentioned as primary social platform)Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the guest: Dr. Alexa D’Agostino is a “doctor of marketing” and founder/operator who’s built and scaled multiple businesses. She’s known for blending sharp performance marketing thinking with operational reality, systems, metrics, team structure, and the mindset required to scale without breaking. She also runs an invite-only mastermind built around proximity to high-level operators and coaches. About the episode: Most leaders say they want growth, more revenue, more clients, more recognition but Dr. Alexa D’Agostino calls out the uncomfortable truth: many businesses aren’t growth ready… they’re chaos ready. In this conversation, Steve and Alexa unpack what “growth ready” really means when pressure hits: clean systems, clear roles, scalable offers, and metrics that matter. Key topics: “Growth ready” vs. “chaos ready” (and why most businesses are the latter)Why scaling exposes problems instead of fixing themThe non-negotiables: systems, lanes, people, and a scalable offerMetrics that matter (CPA, LTV) vs. vanity metrics (likes/followers)Delegation, automation, and building a machine that works without youFailure: not the fear of it, but the avoidance of what you already know must changeCuriosity as interrogation: using fear as dataMindset as an operating system and why it must be upgradedThe role of environment: outgrowing people, protecting energy, and choosing alignmentIntegrity under pressure: the gap between stated values and calendar realityLinks and resources mentioned Dr. Alexa D’Agostino: https://alexadagostino.com/Social handle mentioned: “Dr. Alexa D’Agostino” (on most platforms)Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the Guest: Rebecca Mountain is a high-performance coach, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of the Mountain Method. With an electrifying story of transformation, from growing up in a cult to becoming a leader in personal development, Rebecca helps people eliminate the “knowing-doing gap” so they can unlock success in work, life, and love. Episode Summary: Rebecca shares her journey from escaping a cult to becoming a renowned coach and author. Together, they unpack the myth of “readiness,” how to turn excuses into launch pads, and the practical frameworks Rebecca uses to help clients bridge the gap between knowing and doing. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentionality, and building self-trust, packed with actionable insights for leaders, high performers, and anyone facing big changes. Key Topics Discussed The myth of “readiness” and why you’re never truly readyRebecca’s story: leaving a cult and rebuilding from scratchExcuses vs. launch pads: using adversity as fuelThe power of self-trust and finding your “why”Frameworks for high performance: beliefs, decisive action, habitsThe knowing-doing gap and how to close itEmotional resilience and the real role of emotions in leadershipPractical strategies to move from thought to actionLinks & Resources Mentioned Rebecca’s websiteFollow Rebecca on socials: @bexmountainThe Mountain Method: Learn more about her 100 Days to Peak Performance programBrendan Burchard's High Performance Habits (referenced framework)#GrowthMindset #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #SelfTrust Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

About the Guest: Alan Franks is a financial planner, entrepreneur, speaker, and the author of Empowered Money. With 15+ years of experience helping individuals align their finances with their fullest lives, Alan’s obsession is clear: helping people take ownership of their money so they can show up more fully in every other part of life. His approach fuses strategy, psychology, and leadership, making him not just a financial advisor, but a true change agent. Episode Summary: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Alan Franks to kick off the year with a conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about goal-setting, obsession, and high performance. They explore how true growth doesn’t start with external goals, it starts with internal alignment and personal integrity. Key Topics & Takeaways: Obsession vs. Goals: Why real results require focusThe role of personal integrity in performanceFinancial planning as a tool for freedom, not restrictionHow to lead even if you're not in a “leadership” roleThe importance of tracking and manual awarenessCreating internal alignment to prepare for external successEmbracing playfulness amidst high performance cultureBuilding systems that allow space, health, and joyLinks & Resources Mentioned Alan’s book: Empowered-Money.comFree Financial Plan: Available via Empowered-Money.comBusiness Valuation Tool: TheBusinessPlanningInstitute.comBook Mentioned: The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. WattlesBook Mentioned: The Gap and the Gain by Dan SullivanBook Mentioned: The One Thing by Gary KellerMovie Referenced: City SlickersSend us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...