What if your personal ambition could be a force for collective empowerment? Jaclyn Johnson is the powerhouse founder behind Create & Cultivate, the largest media company dedicated to ambitious women. A serial entrepreneur with multiple multi-million dollar exits under her belt, Jaclyn has dedicated her career to empowering underrepresented founders with the tools they need to thrive. Her latest venture, Cherub, connects angel investors with entrepreneurs. Jaclyn has built a reputation as one of the most respected female entrepreneurs by creating and scaling impactful businesses. In our conversation today, we explore redefining work on your own terms, trusting your gut, and fully embracing your ambition.
Order my new book- Dynamic Drive- available now!
How can we turn fleeting inspiration into lasting motivation? In this episode, I dive into the transformative power of dopamine and its role in sustaining drive over time. Drawing from my book, Dynamic Drive, I share insights on how this natural neurotransmitter can help us celebrate progress, acknowledge efforts, and appreciate the significance of small milestones along our journeys. I highlight compelling research, including the IKEA effect, which shows how personal effort enhances our emotional attachment to our goals. By prioritizing the journey and recognizing our achievements—no matter how small—we can keep our motivation alive and thriving.
Order my new book- Dynamic Drive.
Almost 25 years ago, Malcolm Gladwell captured our attention with his groundbreaking book, The Tipping Point. Now, he returns with a fresh perspective in Revenge of the Tipping Point, exploring the darker side of how ideas and trends spread. A mega-bestselling author and host of the popular podcast Revisionist History, Gladwell has been named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People. In our conversation, we discuss how group dynamics shape individual performance, the tendency of leaders to overvalue team cohesion at the expense of effectiveness, and the outsized influence of outliers in shaping trends and behaviors. It’s a fascinating conversation about the complexities of social change and the forces that drive it, offering insights into how we can effect meaningful change in our communities.
Order my new book- Dynamic Drive.
What’s the secret to work-life balance? I get asked this question all the time and here’s what I’ve come to realize: we’re asking the wrong question because balance isn’t the answer. In this episode, I tackle the exhausting myth of balance that so many of us chase, only to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and guilty. I share my personal journey of realizing that what we truly crave isn’t balance but alignment—an intentional process that prioritizes what matters most to us, not what others expect of us. By reflecting on my own struggles and breakthroughs, I encourage you to consider how to move your potential in the right direction, embrace the inherent imbalance of pursuing your goals, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.
Order my new book, Dynamic Drive, available now!
We used to view failure as the opposite of success. Now, we’re often torn between two conflicting approaches: “avoid failure at all costs” or “fail fast, fail often.” Neither perspective helps us distinguish between good and bad failure, leading us to miss the chance to fail well. In this episode, we explore the complexities of failure with Amy Edmondson, a renowned Harvard Business School professor and leading expert in organizational behavior. In her book, Right Kind of Wrong, Amy presents a framework for understanding and navigating failure effectively. She provides actionable strategies to transform failure into a powerful catalyst for growth, teaching us how to recognize when failure is beneficial and how to minimize its unproductive aspects. Her insights will help you cultivate a growth mindset, take smart risks, and learn from your failures.
Get my new book, Dynamic Drive- https://getdynamicdrive.com/
Have you ever caught yourself stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk that keeps you from reaching your full potential? In this episode, I dive into how to break free from these limiting beliefs using my Total Mindset Reset (TMR) framework, a core concept from my new book, Dynamic Drive. I share my own journey of overcoming self-doubt and reveal how shifting your mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. Discover how recognizing, replacing, and reinforcing positive scripts can help you pursue your goals with renewed purpose and resilience.
Order my new book- DYNAMIC DRIVE- available now! getdynamicdrive.com
Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, turned the startup she began in her living room into a billion-dollar brand, selling it to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion and becoming its first female CEO. Recognized on Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women list, Jamie is also an investor in over 15 companies and a passionate mentor and philanthropist. She is the New York Times bestselling author of “WORTHY” and “BELIEVE IT” and host of the top-ranked “The Jamie Kern Lima Show.” In this episode, Jamie reflects on her journey, discussing how to trust your intuition, build self-worth and find your true calling.
Have you ever had someone speak a truth into your life that shakes you up and wakes your soul? For me, it was my mom telling me, “You can be better. You can be great.” Her words unlocked a drive within me that I didn’t know existed. As a sports agent, I’ve seen firsthand how drive can transform lives and how complacency can quietly sabotage potential. Over the years, I’ve learned that drive isn’t innate; it’s something you can cultivate. In this episode, I share how tapping into that drive, rather than settling for mediocrity, can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your biggest goals. I’ll also challenge you to reflect on where you might be settling in your own life and provide tools to reignite your own Dynamic Drive.
Order your copy of Molly's new book, Dynamic Drive.
Disappointments and setbacks are inevitable, but how we handle them reveals our true character. Can you grow through what you go through? Florida State coach Mike Norvell is one of the top college football coaches in the country. Since taking over in 2019, Mike has revitalized the Seminoles program, leading his team to an undefeated record last season. Despite this success, Florida State was controversially left out of the College Football Playoff. Mike’s response is a masterclass in handling adversity, and we’re digging into that and so much more today. In this episode, we explore his approach to leading through challenges, action-based leadership, and why success ultimately hinges on building meaningful relationships.
Preorder Molly's new book, Dynamic Drive!
I wrote my new book, Dynamic Drive, to show that you can achieve greatness AND find fulfillment. In a world obsessed with fleeting success, it’s possible to pursue your goals unapologetically—without compromising what truly matters most. In this episode, I dive into redefining the concept of "drive.” Traditionally, drive has been about a singular goal and achievement, but this linear approach often leads to burnout—and even complacency. I argue that instead of focusing solely on achieving a goal, we should adopt a concept I call "Dynamic Drive." This approach emphasizes continuous self-improvement and aligning our actions with our core values and purpose. Unlike traditional drive, which is finite and solely focused on an outcome, Dynamic Drive is about constant growth and renewal, helping us avoid the trap of complacency and ensuring that our pursuit of a better life is both sustainable and fulfilling.
Preorder Molly's new book at https://getdynamicdrive.com/
In a world focused on efficiency, hospitality might feel like a lost art. But it’s never been more important to make people feel seen. In this episode, Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, and co-producer of the hit TV show The Bear, shares his secrets for transforming ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. Under his leadership, Eleven Madison Park evolved from a struggling two-star brasserie to the Best Restaurant in the World. How did he do it? By redefining hospitality. In this episode, we explore the power of intentional leadership and what happens when you give people the permission to create extraordinary experiences for others. We can all find the magic in what we do— for ourselves, the people we work with, and the people we serve.
In my experience working with high performers, one common thread stands out: the transformative power of curiosity. In this episode, we uncover how curiosity isn't just a behavior, but a fundamental mindset that fuels growth and resilience. From reframing curiosity as integral to our identity rather than just an action, to understanding its role in fostering deeper connections and seizing opportunities, we walk through practical strategies for cultivating curiosity in everyday life.
What does it take to achieve and sustain greatness? On this episode, I’m joined by two-time national championship coach Dan Hurley. In six seasons at the helm of the University of Connecticut men's basketball program, Dan has accomplished things that had never been done in the storied program's history. With back-to-back national championships, Dan has earned his reputation as one of the faces of college basketball and one of its best coaches. In our conversation today, we talk about what it takes to build a winning culture, how to stay motivated, and leading in a high-pressure environment. Explore the mindset of a championship coach as Dan Hurley shares his leadership playbook for success.
Years ago, I asked legendary golf teacher Butch Harmon what separates the best from the rest. I’ll never forget his answer: “The best recover from adversity faster than everyone else.” On my latest solo podcast, I'm diving into how we can build resilience not just to bounce back from challenges, but to grow through them. Think of resilience like a muscle—we have to work it to make it stronger. Resilience is the pathway to personal growth and transformation. By reframing setbacks and adversity as opportunities for development, we can emerge stronger and more capable than before. Ultimately, building resilience isn't just about returning to where we were; it's about becoming a better version of ourselves through each challenge we face. Here are five ways to develop resilience:
Preorder Molly Fletcher's new book, Dynamic Drive, at https://getdynamicdrive.com/.
Derrick Hayes is the visionary behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and his story is one of grit and entrepreneurial hustle. After relocating from Philadelphia, Derrick opened his first restaurant in a tiny gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia. His journey took an unexpected turn when a chance encounter with Grammy Award-winning artist Eve propelled his business into the spotlight. Today, the restaurant chain named after Derrick’s father has expanded to multiple locations and is rapidly growing through franchising. A self-made entrepreneur, Derrick has been featured in Essence, People, and Good Morning America and was named to the Forbes Next 1000 List. On this episode, we talk about overcoming challenges, never giving up and lifting others as you pursue your dreams. It’s a powerful testament to how resilience and persistence can transform any vision into reality.
Managing your energy isn't just about productivity—it's about reclaiming control over what truly matters. In my two decades as a sports agent, I witnessed firsthand how top performers fiercely protected and optimized their energy for peak performance. Transitioning into the more traditional business world, I was struck by most people’s complete lack of intention when it comes to energy management. The good news? It’s something we can control. In my latest solo episode, I share a straightforward strategy to regain control, reset and refocus, and prioritize effectively. It will empower you to take control of your energy before the world decides for you.
Damon West has an incredible journey of transformation and redemption that you won’t want to miss. A promising college football quarterback, Damon seemingly had it all before a career-ending injury spiraled into drug addiction. By his early professional years, Damon was hooked on meth and running a burglary ring to fuel his habit. Sentenced to 65 years in a Texas maximum-security prison, Damon found sobriety and a new purpose in life. Since his parole more than seven years later, Damon has dedicated his life to inspiring others. Today he is a much sought-after speaker and best-selling coauthor of “The Coffee Bean” with Jon Gordon. On this episode, we talk about overcoming adversity, transforming your environment and the power of mindset.
Have you ever had to deal with difficult people? You know, the ones who make you cringe when you see their name pop up on your phone? Maybe it's your boss, a demanding client, or a high-maintenance family member. On this episode, I’m tackling a universal challenge: dealing with difficult people. I share my own experience working with a particularly challenging boss early in my career—and what I learned about shifting perspective and managing energy in these situations. I break down strategies for navigating difficult relationships and reveal how you can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and connection.
What if everything we’ve been told about happiness is wrong? So wrong that it’s making us miserable? On this episode, I chat with Stephanie Harrison, an expert in the science of happiness and the creator of the New Happy philosophy. Stephanie's journey began when she realized that having everything she ever wanted still left her feeling deeply unhappy. Over the next ten years, she set out to discover what truly makes people happy, and her findings might surprise you. Stephanie has compiled her insights into her debut book, New Happy. We discuss the three lies that society tells us about happiness: that we need to be perfect, constantly achieve more, and do everything alone. We'll also explore a counterintuitive truth: to be truly happy, we need to help others find happiness.
How do we navigate change that’s unexpected? This is a question that I’ve found a lot of people are struggling with today. Change is inevitable, whether it's in our personal lives, careers, or society at large. It's like that surprise guest who shows up uninvited when you least expect it… and is here to stay. While we can't always control change, we do have some say in how we respond to it. That doesn’t make it easy though!
Here are three questions to help you get back on track when life throws you a curveball:
By asking ourselves these questions, we can begin to navigate the unexpected with a bit more grace and resilience.
Are people better off because you’re leading them? That’s the number one question that leadership expert John Maxwell says you need to ask as a leader. John is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach and speaker whose passion is to develop leaders at all levels. He is the founder of The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team and EQUIP, a nonprofit organization that has trained more than 5 million leaders in 180 countries. John was a pastor for more than 30 years before devoting himself full time to speaking and writing. His new book is called High Road Leadership. On this episode, we talk about the principles of high road leadership, the difference between success and significance, and why you should focus on growth over goals.
Have you ever noticed how achievement and fulfillment can get mixed up? On my first solo episode of the podcast, I talk about how I learned this lesson the hard way (Enneagram Type 3 over here!). While you can have both, it’s important not to confuse them. Achievement centers on tangible outcomes, but it’s often temporary and can get addicting. Fulfillment is something deeper. It’s about finding purpose and living by your values. It lasts longer and feels more real. Without it, success can feel empty.
Here are three questions I use to check in with myself, when I feel the lines start to blur:
What if taking control of your health was easier than you thought? Today’s guest Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and co-founder of Levels, a health technology company with the mission of reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. In her new book Good Energy, she explains why nearly every health problem we face can be explained by how well the cells in our body create and use energy. The good news? We have more control than we think. On this episode, Dr. Means shares five tests to help you evaluate your metabolic health, the five components of the “Good Energy Eating Plan” and three things to eliminate from your diet today.
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman is a rising star in the world of college football. With the Fighting Irish positioned for success in his third season as head coach, Marcus reflects on his leadership journey-- from standout player to NFL hopeful to college coach. In this episode, we talk about facing adversity, seizing opportunities, and leading with authenticity.
Robin Sharma is one of the top leadership and personal growth experts in the world. He’s mentored billionaires, superstar athletes, world class entrepreneurs and world leaders. His #1 international bestsellers, including The 5AM Club, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and The Leader Who Had No Title, have sold millions of copies and made Robin one of the most widely read authors alive. His new book The Wealth Money Can’t Buy teaches a life-altering system to help you lead your richest life before it’s too late. On this episode, we explore the 8 hidden habits of authentically wealthy people and what holds most people back from living a more fulfilling life.