Best Mark Sanford Podcasts (2025)

1
Lincoln Equities Group CEO Lance Bergstein says: Keep your eyes up! 37:44

14d ago37:44

37:44

Ep. 236: Tennis & racing cars shaped Lance’s belief that decisiveness is a leader’s most powerful tool. As a nationally ranked tennis player, he learned to make high-stakes decisions alone. That same mindset now fuels his success as a CEO and professional race car driver—where speed, risk, and preparation define every outcome. Don't miss: • His “ey…

1
Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade found her birth parents at 47— now she leads with vulnerability 48:44

28d ago48:44

48:44

Ep. 235: Softball shaped Kelli's belief that great leadership is about setting others up to win. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how her time as a scrappy leadoff hitter inspired a team-first mindset—and how embracing her adoption story became the key to building trust and loyalty as a leader. Don't miss: Her simple 1–10 check-in that helps l…

1
Flexjet CEO Mike Silvestro was teammates with Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana— now he’s revolutionizing private aviation 41:01

1M ago41:01

41:01

Ep. 234: Notre Dame Football and having “Rudy” as a coach shaped the way Mike views “grit” and “grind” today! In this episode, you will learn how to turn personal wins into shared victories. “If you have a great day, make it a point to share that feeling with your entire organization,” he shares. “That way everyone can enjoy it and feel proud.” Our…

1
eXp World Holdings, Inc. CEO Glenn Sanford says: Opportunities are rarely missed, they are just given to someone else 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

Ep. 233: This CEO’s high school was so tiny that it didn’t have a track team, so he started a squad from scratch, built up the roster and even coached them, all while running a swift 4:25 mile along the way. That mindset—identifying a challenge and pursuing a solution—never left him. Years after starring on the team, Sanford saw an opening in the r…

1
CEO of EF World Journeys USA Heidi Durflinger on How to Stop Treating Customers Like Transactions 45:03

2M ago45:03

45:03

Ep. 232: Training for her ultramarathon in Spain helped Heidi break big goals into small, achievable steps. Her approach offers a compelling blueprint for building trust, inspiring teams, and elevating the customer experience. Rooted in small-town Kansas values and shaped by global experience, you will learn in this conversation how to stop treatin…

1
The New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark - Featuring Gen. Bernard Banks 38:17

3M ago38:17

38:17

Ep. 231: How does a moment become momentum? You will learn the model to capture, accelerate, and reverse momentum as featured in my new book with Gen. Bernard Banks. From commanding in Desert Storm to teaching at West Point and Rice University to transforming organizations, Bernie’s perspective is battle-tested, data-backed, and built to help leade…

1
Acrisure President John Tuttle encourages you to be a student of excellence 48:03

3M ago48:03

48:03

Ep. 230: From college football to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, John Tuttle has always thrived in competitive arenas. Now as President of Acrisure, he leads 19,000 employees in one of the fastest-growing fintech companies on the planet. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflect…

1
Kitson & Partners CEO Syd Kitson asks: Are you willing to drive in the storm? 39:42

3M ago39:42

39:42

Ep. 229: Playing for The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys shaped the creator of Babcock Ranch—America’s first solar-powered town. You will learn: Why Syd requires every team member to sign a Team Agreement—and what happens when they don’t. How a quarterly Day of Service strengthens company culture and community impact. Why great leadership mean…

1
Technology Executive and Thoroughbred Owner Mark Kornegay encourages you to run your own race 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

Ep. 228: Get excited for the Kentucky Derby with Spectrum Vice President Mark Kornegay! “Horses are like people—they can burn themselves out trying to keep up with the fastest ones, instead of running their own race,” he shared on this episode. Mark’s career also includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and he served as a Special…

1
Former Cal Rugby Player Robert Paylor asks: What is paralyzing you? 55:53

3M ago55:53

55:53

Ep. 227: A devastating injury during the National Championship game left Robert paralyzed from the neck down. Told he’d never walk again, he began a new journey, one fueled by his three-word mantra: “Compared to what?” Robert shares how that question helped him shift from victimhood to victory—and how you can use the same mindset to lead through ad…

1
Amway CEO Michael Nelson teaches you how to embrace change 43:39

4M ago43:39

43:39

Ep. 226: Running marathons shaped this CEO’s 35-year rise from “Amway Project Intern” to the corner office. From his first days at Amway to overseeing 14,000 employees in 100 countries, Michael reflects on his journey to teach you: How to avoid creating a culture where people are panicked to fail Why raising your hand opens the door to leadership g…

1
PART 2 - Legendary Turnaround CEO Alan Mulally Reveals How ‘Working Together’ Saved Ford 33:10

4M ago33:10

33:10

Ep. 225: Our conversation explores powerful leadership lessons in radical transparency—revealing why honest reporting, even when the news isn’t good, is essential for real progress. Learn how the Ford executives brought challenges to the table to solve them together. If you missed part 1, listen here: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podc…

1
PART 1 - Legendary Turnaround CEO Alan Mulally Reveals How ‘Working Together’ Saved Ford 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

Ep. 224: Former Boeing and Ford CEO went to Kansas on a gymnastics scholarship and later competed in a semi-pro tennis circuit. Learn how sports shaped one of Fortune’s "World’s Greatest Leaders." To listen to PART 2 of the conversation, visit: https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-224/ Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode inclu…

1
Coach K shares two questions you should ask to elevate team performance 35:25

4M ago35:25

35:25

REWIND EPISODE: In celebration of March Madness, we are “rewinding” back to my conversation with 5-time National Champion Coach K! In his 42 seasons at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski built a dynasty that few programs in the history of the game can match. As the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Basketball Team, he brought home six gold medals. So you mi…

1
Summize CEO Tom Dunlop asks: How are you controlling the uncontrollables? 39:54

5M ago39:54

39:54

Ep. 222: Europe’s top badminton player turned founder and CEO of the AI-powered platform revolutionizing contract management joins the show! You'll learn how to: - Use customer feedback wisely – Stay true to your vision without trying to please everyone. - Prioritize progress over perfection – Keep moving forward instead of getting stuck on minor s…

1
Nucor Executive Tabitha Stine was taught, “Pick up your hammer and do your job.” 38:12

5M ago38:12

38:12

Ep. 221: As an executive at the largest steel producer in the U.S., Tabitha brings her softball and volleyball experience to the world of structural engineering. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new …

1
Empower Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton shares practical tips to avoid burnout 37:10

5M ago37:10

37:10

Ep. 220: Marta described herself as a “maniac about soccer,” but by her senior year of high school, she walked away from the game, a choice she later regretted. Years later, as an accomplished investment strategist, that lingering regret shaped a critical career decision—one that taught her the power of seizing opportunities, even when they feel ov…

1
REI COO Cameron Janes’ coach told him, “If you have to dig a ditch, you might as well whistle while you do it.’’ 31:09

5M ago31:09

31:09

Ep. 219: Brown University’s rowing team shaped Cameron as he endured grueling six-day-a-week practices under the relentless watch of Coach Scott Roop. Exhausted and frustrated, he hit an all-time low. Then, during a brutal practice, as the crew rowed endlessly with no relief in sight, Roop’s words stuck with him for life: "If you have to dig a ditc…

1
CEO Coaching International Founder Mark Moses: Are you asking yourself the right questions? 34:47

6M ago34:47

34:47

Ep. 218: This U.S. Squash National Champion and 12X IRONMAN teaches you how to “Think Big” in your business. You don’t necessarily have to write an 8,000lb elephant into a meeting like Mark did, but this episode will show you how to elevate your team’s vision, break down massive goals into achievable steps, and create a culture of execution that dr…

1
Restaurant Executive George Tinsley Sr. asks: What’s left on your customer’s plate? 31:36

6M ago31:36

31:36

Ep. 217: After playing for the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA, George transitioned from professional basketball to business, learning from another Colonel – Founder of KFC Harlan Sanders. Sanders’ attention to detail was unmatched. He didn’t just talk to customers—he observed them, analyzing what they left uneaten, what made them smile, and what didn…

1
GFI CEO Eric Olson asks: What if everything you've done prepared you for this moment? 38:50

6M ago38:50

38:50

Ep. 216: Instead of dwelling on the disappointment that his San Jose State Football career was cut short due to injury, this CEO chose to view his past experiences as preparation for his next chapter. He leaned into the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness learned on the field to build one of the fastest-growing organizations in the financial…

1
Socure CEO and Founder Johnny Ayers says: Fuel Your Competitive Spirit—Have You Tried Underwater Hockey? 35:50

6M ago35:50

35:50

Ep. 215: Boston College Football and Baseball shaped the founder of the world’s leading identity verification company. Learn how his athletic background influenced the leadership that earned him the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, helped Socure land on Inc.'s Best Places to Work list, and inspired his surprising new hobby—underwater ice hockey. …

1
Red Roof President Zack Gharib shares the conversation that changed his career 32:09

7M ago32:09

32:09

Ep. 214: College basketball in Lebanon played a pivotal role in shaping Zack’s leadership. With more than two decades of experience in the lodging industry, he now manages 700 properties and 60,000 rooms across the United States and Japan. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection quest…

1
Yum! Brands Co-Founder David Novak shares the secret weapon for every leader 40:57

7M ago40:57

40:57

Ep. 213: The parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell thrives on a leadership philosophy rooted in recognition—a principle David Novak first learned from his dad while playing Little League. In this episode, you’ll get a masterclass in: The importance of heartfelt, consistent recognition and how simple gestures can significantly boost employ…

1
Olympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulker teaches you how to shorten the cycle to success 42:16

7M ago42:16

42:16

Ep. 212: After starting her career in venture capital, Kristen discovered a new passion—cycling—and made the bold decision to leave her role to pursue the sport full time. Remarkably, just seven years after taking up cycling, she became a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first Team USA Women’s Road Race medalist in 40 years. In this episode a…

1
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby asks: Is your team spending enough time together? 27:45

8M ago27:45

27:45

Ep. 211: Baseball and football shaped this executive with 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. “Some of my favorite athletic memories were in our front yard,” Scott shares in this episode. “Playing sports forces you to count on others and have others count on you.” Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from …

1
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro asks: Are you aligned when your team leaves the huddle? 33:22

8M ago33:22

33:22

Ep. 210: Cornell Football shaped Jimmy Pitaro who honed his leadership skills as a wide receiver! If you ask him what he misses most about his playing days, it’s not the competition or the glory—it’s the huddle. Why? Because the huddle is where you come together, make decisions, and leave aligned. In this episode, Jimmy shares how he applies his “D…

1
Waze Founder Uri Levine says: Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution 31:01

8M ago31:01

31:01

Ep. 209: Basketball, cycling, and skiing shaped this entrepreneur who founded two companies valued at more than $1 billion each. His secret? Concentrating on solving everyday problems that customers face. “When I was building Waze, if I had told you I was creating an AI crowd-sourced navigation system, you wouldn’t have cared,” he said. “But if I s…

1
Former United CEO Oscar Munoz says: It is never too late to do the right thing 37:36

8M ago37:36

37:36

Ep. 208: Football fields and marathon trails shaped this executive's approach to discipline, teamwork, and maintaining a competitive edge. These lessons became the foundation of his leadership at Coca-Cola, United Airlines, and now in his roles on the Board of Directors for Salesforce, CBRE, Archer, Fidelity Investments, and Televisa Univision. Our…

1
Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber asks: What are you doing to fill your company’s scrapbook? 35:58

9M ago35:58

35:58

Ep. 207: This 7-time Dutch National Diving Champion earned a full scholarship to the University of Houston and went on to lead growth at global giants like Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Today at Logitech, she is recognized as one of the "Most Influential Women in Business." Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from to…

1
Forbes Books CEO Adam Witty wants you to “die empty.” 41:49

9M ago41:49

41:49

Ep. 206: Basketball shaped this executive who created a done-for-you system to simplify book publishing for busy business leaders. Adam’s innovative approach to publishing caught the attention of Forbes, leading to the creation of Forbes Books, where he helps prominent executives around the world become authors and establish greater authority in th…

1
Canva Chief Evangelist Guy Kawasaki says: Don’t make a mission statement, make a mantra. 37:01

9M ago37:01

37:01

Ep. 205: Taking up hockey at 44 and surfing at 60, this exec embodies a lifelong drive for new challenges—a trait shaped during his years under Steve Jobs at Apple. As one of Apple’s original team members, he played a pivotal role in marketing the groundbreaking Macintosh. As Chief Evangelist at Apple and now at Canva, Guy has devoted his career to…

1
Century 21 CEO Mike Miedler says: Success comes from consistent effort— do the work! 38:14

9M ago38:14

38:14

Ep. 204: Football and IRONMAN Competitions shaped this executive who started from the bottom of Century 21 and worked his way up to CEO over two decades. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as …

1
Touchstone Investments CEO Blake Moore says: If the play breaks down, go find somebody to block! 32:59

10M ago32:59

32:59

Ep. 203: Playing in one of the coldest games in NFL History shaped this executive. From undrafted free agent to the Super Bowl, Blake Moore describes his journey and teaches us about the mindset of continuous improvement, the value of versatility, and the best way to empower your team. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quo…

1
Planet Fitness (ECP) Board Member Omar Simmons explains why you can run faster in a relay 42:15

10M ago42:15

42:15

Ep. 202: Princeton Track shaped this executive who became the Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners (ECP) and expanded ECP Planet Fitness from 15 to 100 units. Omar serves on the boards of Urban Air, The Good Feet Store, and the International Franchise Association, embodying his belief that "no one creates value by themselves.” Our BONUS R…

1
Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice encourages you to build bridges as a leader 40:26

10M ago40:26

40:26

REWIND EPISODE: In celebration of 200 episodes published, we are “rewinding” back to one of my favorite conversations from 2022— my interview with Dr. Condoleezza Rice. You may know her as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Director of Stanford’s Hoover Institution, but in this episode you will learn her background as a figure skate…

1
World Wide Technology CEO Jim Kavanaugh says working hard never goes out of style 31:22

10M ago31:22

31:22

Ep. 200: Professional soccer shaped this executive who now leads more than 10,000 employees at WWT, a global powerhouse generating $20 billion in annual revenue. The company helps 80 Fortune 500 companies modernize their IT infrastructure and create cutting-edge digital experiences. Recently, Jim was named one of Glassdoor’s top 25 CEOs in America!…

1
Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson says: Don’t “punt” your opportunity to be special! 37:41

10M ago37:41

37:41

Ep. 199: Cornell Football shaped this executive, who still holds three of the six longest punts in the program's history, and his 'yards per punt' average still ranks in the top 10 all-time. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. “When I we…

1
Great Clips CEO Steve Hockett says: Act like you’ve been there so when you arrive you’re never surprised 34:21

11M ago34:21

34:21

Ep. 198: Growing up in small town South Dakota, this CEO learned to play golf on some of the roughest terrain: sand. While he cheerfully concedes he isn't the world's best golfer, Steve, who played on his high school’s team, took what he learned about persistence and applied it to his career at Great Clips. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode inclu…

1
Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller shares the unforgettable impact of a 9/11 hero 36:38

11M ago36:38

36:38

Ep. 197: New York firefighter Stephen Siller never showed up to his tee time with his brothers on September 11th, 2001. When he received news of the attack, Stephen turned around and drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his ba…

1
America’s Life Coach Tim Storey wants you to “go plural.” 32:27

11M ago32:27

32:27

Ep. 196: Baseball and tennis influenced the life of the author Oprah calls “The Ultimate Comeback Coach.” Tim Storey has impacted millions of people in 75 countries through his keynote speeches and books. Whether he's working one-on-one with celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and Kanye West or sharing his wisdom on interviews like this one, Tim alw…

1
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro says: The best way to tell a story is to believe in it 32:33

11M ago32:33

32:33

Ep. 195: Basketball was Josh’s primary sport and he was good enough at it that in his senior year of high school he was invited to play in the Tri-Valley League All-Stars game in Massachusetts! He recounts how he initially felt somewhat out of place, but the game had an incredible ending! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite …

1
Deloitte Consulting CEO Dan Helfrich says: If you are choosing between you and the firm, choose you. 29:50

12M ago29:50

29:50

Ep. 194: Georgetown Soccer shaped this executive who, after playing for the Hoyas, took on the role of the program's play-by-play announcer. Two decades later, he’s only missed one game. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply Dan’s insights. In this episode …

1
Ethan Allen CEO Farooq Kathwari asks: What did you do this week to improve your talent and service? 31:44

12M ago31:44

31:44

Ep. 193: Cricket shaped the longest-tenured CEO ever featured on Corporate Competitor! Since 1988, he has managed to avoid burnout by "focusing on the most important things." Today, he diligently reviews weekly reports from his leadership team, posing questions such as, "What did you do this week to enhance your talent and service, expand your mark…

1
Lumen CEO Kate Johnson says: Feedback is not criticism, it is unlocking the next level. 43:03

12M ago43:03

43:03

Ep. 192: Tennis and track shaped former Microsoft US President and current CEO of Lumen – the company that owns and operates one the world’s biggest, most connected fiber networks. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Looking for a speake…

1
Broadridge CEO Tim Gokey asks: Are you willing to take yourself out of the boat if it makes the team better? 26:34

1y ago26:34

26:34

Ep. 191: This financial services company hired eight of the women on the US Olympic rowing team. This partnership is led by Tim who went to Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship while captaining his Boat Club to its most successful season in 40 years. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a …

1
LogicMonitor CEO Christina Kosmowski encourages you to form a personal board of directors 30:24

1y ago30:24

30:24

Ep. 190: Northwestern University Soccer shaped this executive who held leadership roles at Salesforce and Slack before taking on the role of CEO at LogicMonitor, which helps companies monitor, manage, and maintain IT infrastructure. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so …

1
President of ERA Real Estate Alex Vidal shares four business lessons from completing an IRONMAN 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

Ep. 189: Alex shares 4 lessons that remain the same whether you devoting 500 hours to IRONMAN training or overseeing operations for more than 40,000 affiliated brokers and sales associates across 2,400 offices worldwide. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can appl…

1
Guild Chief Product & Technology Officer Rohan Chandran asks: Will you be ready when a momentous opportunity arises? 45:35

1y ago45:35

45:35

Ep. 188: Cricket shaped this executive’s decision to attend Stanford University. Rohan became a founding member of the cricket media site Cricinfo, which was later acquired by ESPN, and a member of the Stanford Supernovas Cricket Team, an alumni team that recently hoisted a league trophy. Today, he works at Guild – an education benefits company tha…

1
U.S. Navy Blue Angels Commander Alex Armatas shares how to build your high-trust organization 33:07

1y ago33:07

33:07

Ep. 187: Absolute faith in each other is imperative among members of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels precision flying team, where soaring canopy-to-canopy at 500 mph is all part of a day’s work. In this episode, “Boss” Armatas – a former lacrosse and basketball player— teaches you how to build trust, repair trust, resist micromanaging, and debrief effe…

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