Episodes

  • Quick Win - 3 Steps to Enhance Your Leadership Presence
    Jul 26 2024

    Leadership presence hinges on three critical elements: gravitas, communication, and appearance. The way you show up visually matters because people make subconscious judgments instantly. Are you presenting yourself professionally or appearing worn-down and neglected? Your attire, grooming, and overall demeanor reflect how much respect you command.

    Additionally, how you care for your body speaks volumes. Despite health challenges, improving your appearance, posture, smile, and skincare can enhance your presence significantly.

    Show up in a way that commands respect and trust—it's pivotal in how others perceive your leadership.

    #LeadershipPresence #ProfessionalAppearance #PersonalCare

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    1 min
  • She Was Homeless Now She is Millionaire
    Jul 24 2024

    Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a person’s mind that has a mindset of pushing beyond their limits, knowing the importance of education and perseverance, and the impact of living a life driven by purpose and continuous growth? Today on Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Grace Vandercruze, an inspiring leader with a remarkable journey from a homeless shelter to a formidable force in investment banking. Despite facing significant personal challenges, Grace has risen to prominence, mastering the art of mergers, acquisitions, and financial strategy. She shares her story of resilience, the influence of her grandmother's wisdom, and her adventurous spirit that led her to climb over 25 mountain peaks. As a bestselling author, she shares insights into her incredible journey, emphasizing the importance of self-belief. This episode is a must-listen to glean wisdom from a leader who has not only conquered the corporate world but also scaled some of the world's highest peaks.
    Grace Vandecruze is twenty years into a successful career as an investment banker, focused on the financial services industry, after having spent seven years as a financial auditor in public accounting. She is an insurance investment banking expert, advising companies and insurance regulators on mergers & acquisitions, financings, capital strategies, valuation, restructuring, private placements, due diligence and other transactions. She has developed an in-depth knowledge of all forms of corporate insurance and financial services transactions and financings in the debt and equity markets. Ms. Vandecruze has worked on numerous restructurings, debt and equity offerings (including IPOs), M&A transactions, demutualizations and regulatory projects in the global life and P&C reinsurance and insurance markets and more broadly in financial services.
    Ms. Vandecruze is active in the community and serves on numerous corporate boards, is a licensed sailor and has participated in several Wharton Leadership Treks which includes climbing over 25 mountain peaks on three continents. She is the international best-selling author of “Homeless to Millionaire - 6 Keys to UPLIFT Your Financial Abundance."


    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    24 mins
  • Quick Win - Respecting Time
    Jul 19 2024

    Here's the reality: as you gain stature, wealth, and advancement, your tolerance for wasted time decreases, while respect for your time increases. Respecting everyone's time is crucial—it's a significant deposit into your relationship account. Keep investing time in those relationships, and others will value you more. Remember, "early is on time."

    #RespectTime #BuildRelationships #QuickWin

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    1 min
  • The Power of Storytelling in Business
    Jul 17 2024

    In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos engages with Paul Smith, an expert in organizational storytelling whose insights have transformed leadership communication. From his rich background at Procter & Gamble to being named one of Inc Magazine's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, Paul delves into the profound impact storytelling can have on business success. Through captivating anecdotes and practical advice, he illustrates how stories can foster connection, drive engagement, and enhance leadership effectiveness. Tune in to discover the power of narrative in elevating your business and learn why every leader needs a repertoire of compelling stories to truly inspire and lead.

    Paul Smith is a leading expert on organizational storytelling and a top 100 leadership speaker according to Inc. Magazine. He is the author of three Amazon #1 bestsellers: Lead with a Story, Sell with a Story, and The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell. A former Procter & Gamble executive, Paul has trained leaders at Google, Ford, Bayer, Walmart, and many others. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School and lives in Mason, Ohio, with his family.

    00:00 Intro
    02:10 If I want to be a better leader than I need to do this.
    03:55 We are hard wired to appreciate this more than that…
    07:50 This was the pivotal moment I realized this is so important!
    13:02 This is the best teacher, this is a close second and everything else is third!
    14:20 Companies need four of these for the direction of the company.
    16:45 Can’t make it up and you need the organization involved.
    19:25 Don’t share just accomplishments need to share failures.
    24:50 Try this instead of coffee and do the least pleasurable task first and where’s why!

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    27 mins
  • Quick Win - Mastering the Art of First Impressions
    Jul 12 2024

    Mastering first impressions isn't just about the handshake and smile—it's about genuine interest and leaving a lasting positive impact. Start with warmth and curiosity, ask great questions, and end with gratitude and a smile. These steps build relationships that last.

    #FirstImpressions #RelationshipBuilding #PositiveImpact

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    1 min
  • Transforming Ideas into Profits: Insider Tips
    Jul 10 2024

    In today’s episode of Start With a Win, our guest, entrepreneurial titan Fred Cary takes the stage. With a storied career spanning the creation of over ten companies and a knack for transforming nascent ideas into billion-dollar enterprises, Fred reveals the raw truths behind startup success. As the CEO of IdeaPros, he's on a mission to democratize entrepreneurship, guiding aspiring business leaders through the often-perilous journey of transforming visions into realities. Join an engaging conversation that not only uncovers Fred's secrets to navigating the startup jungle but also offers what is required to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. With captivating stories and actionable insights, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to turn their business dreams into reality. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true master and uncover what it takes to make your mark in the competitive world of business.
    Frederick Cary, a powerhouse entrepreneur and CEO of IdeaPros, a company that guides qualified entrepreneurs through the complexities and pitfalls of the startup world. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Fred started many businesses in different industries, created many successes, and acquired thousands of lessons along the way. His desire to give back to a community of like-minded eccentrics led him to create IdeaPros, the world’s first super venture partner – a company that could roll up its experienced sleeves and provide every entrepreneur with the opportunity to see their vision become a real company with a real product. He also produces a weekly show for entrepreneurs that has been viewed by over 4 million people.

    00:00 Intro
    02:10 Our Market has a gaping hole and its growing rapidly…
    03:42 To be an entrepreneur, you need to be able to go here and be comfortable with it!
    09:20 Have a pretty good idea however have to be this human with a high level of this to be an entrepreneur.
    13:10 Trend for a successful entrepreneur is this typical age range
    17:17 Here is what people are most blind to when wanting to start a business!
    19:04 A person that has best chance to succeed will do this…
    20:42 Entrepreneurship and this are polar opposites, at first.
    22:48 Biggest challenge is this, so do your research.
    25:24 One of the best answers in over 300 episodes of how to start your day with a win!

    https://www.instagram.com/officialfredcary/
    https://www.ideapros.com/
    fred@ideapros.com


    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    27 mins
  • Quick Win - Increase Productivity and Positivity
    Jul 5 2024

    Start your day with gratitude. Write down 3 things you're thankful for. This simple practice sets your brain in the right place. Studies show employees are 78% more effective when they practice gratitude daily. Why? A positive attitude helps you see opportunities, not just challenges. So, practicing gratitude puts you in an opportunistic mindset from the start, leading to better performance.

    #GratitudeWorks #PositiveMindset #QuickWin

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    1 min
  • The Secret to Business Culture
    Jul 3 2024

    In this riveting Start With a Win part two episode join host Adam Contos and Professor Jay Barney as they dive deep into the transformative power of storytelling within organizations. Discover how culture change can lead to extraordinary business success, from Gillette's breakthrough in the Indian market to Procter & Gamble's empowering approach to feminine care. With compelling narratives and theatrical examples, like a "bread and water" dinner that turned a company's fortunes around, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership and innovation. Tune in to explore the secrets of engaging employees and revolutionizing corporate culture, ensuring that every listener walks away inspired to craft their own powerful stories for success.

    Jay B. Barney is a Presidential Professor of Strategic Management and holds the Lassonde Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at the Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, and is a Senior Research Scholar at INSEAD. His research on firm resources, capabilities, and competitive advantage has been widely recognized, with over 200,000 citations. He has published over 100 articles and eight books. He has held various editorial positions, including editor-in-chief of the Academy of Management Review. A Fellow of both the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society, he has received numerous awards, including the Irwin Outstanding Educator Award (2005), Academy of Management Scholarly Contributions Award (2010), and the CK Prahalad Scholar-Practitioner Award (2019).

    00:00 Intro
    01:15 Replacing old with the new and must demonstrate the new…
    04:01 Wow zero market share to 20% market share…
    05:48 Break the past with a path to the future, path can’t be this!
    07:30 A person has to build their OWN story…
    08:07 There has to be this for doing a cultural change…
    13:21 That was credible example of head and heart!
    16:51 How long do you think a story will distribute through a company?
    23:01 A massive aha moment…
    24:25 I ask the question this way!

    The Secret of Culture Change https://eccles.utah.edu/team/jay-barney/

    ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership

    ===========================
    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

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    26 mins