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 leaders truly understand how their team is doing How Kelli scouts the competition by building authentic relationships with fellow CEOs Our BONUS RESOUR...
Jul 09, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 235
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 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 y...
Jun 25, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 234
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 real estate market. He realized that the future of the business was online. So, he acted. Today? 📈 85,000+ agents 🏆 Publicly traded 🏅 Named one of G...
Jun 11, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 233
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 treating customers like transactions. 1. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so...
May 28, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 232
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 leaders at every level create their own momentum shift. 1. Order your copy of the book here! 2. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite...
May 21, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 231
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 reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resou...
May 14, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 230
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 means turning observations into innovations. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection ques...
May 07, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 229
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 Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. You will learn why preparation is everything and the best performers understand their strengths a...
Apr 30, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 228
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 adversity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why asking “Compared to what?” cuts big challenges down to size. How to reframe your pain into purpose and lea...
Apr 23, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 227
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 growth—and what it really means to say yes to opportunity What running marathons taught him about clarity and leadership Our BONUS RESOURCE for this ep...
Apr 16, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 226
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-podcast/episode-224/ Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply to...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 225
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 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 rol...
Apr 02, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 224
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 might say that Coach K knows a little something about getting “buy in” from his team. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes...
Mar 26, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 223
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 setbacks. - Stay competitive – Track ideas, obstacles, and strategies to anticipate challenges before they happen. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode ...
Mar 19, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 222
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 role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell ...
Mar 12, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 221
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 overwhelming. Learn why elite leaders step up in defining moments—and how to recognize yours! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorit...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 220
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 ditch, you might as well whistle while you're doing it." Learn how he applies that to his leadership today! Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes D...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 219
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 drives results. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today...
Feb 19, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 218
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’t meet their expectations. His commitment to understanding his customers was one of the key reasons KFC became a global powerhouse. Our BONUS RESOURC...
Feb 12, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 217
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 services industry. Our BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply...
Feb 05, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 216
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. 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. D...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 215
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 question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and ...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 214
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 employee morale and performance. How David’s “aha moment” at Pepsi highlighted the critical need to acknowledge contributions and ensure every team member f...
Jan 15, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 213
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 and free PDF BONUS RESOURCE you will learn: How she balances her need to achieve with the patience to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments. Ho...
Jan 08, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 212
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 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 Publisher at Forbes Books ...
Dec 18, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 211
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 “Discuss, debate, decide, and align” model to his weekly leadership meetings. Our free BONUS RESOURCE for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes fr...
Dec 11, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 210
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 said I was going to help you avoid traffic jams, then you would. When you focus on the problem, it will serve as the North Star of your journey.” Our B...
Dec 05, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 209
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 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. Link...
Nov 27, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 208
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 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 Publisher at Forbes Book...
Nov 20, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 207
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 their fields. In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than eve...
Nov 13, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 206
