Start With A Win - podcast cover

Start With A Win

Adam Contosβ€’www.adamcontos.com
Every day you have a choice. You can wake up and choose to give in to mediocrity and complacency, you can choose bad habits and poor choices, and you can do the bare minimum to get by and fly under the radar. Or you can choose to make today the day that sets you apart from the crowd, you can choose to start doing the right things, the things that will set you up for success. You can choose to create a life that is worth living, worth waking up to, and worth sharing with the world around you. Today You can choose to start with a win.
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Mastering Personal Branding in 2025 / Paige Velasques Budde

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with marketing trailblazer Paige Velasquez Budde to dive into the evolving world of branding and trust in leadership. As corporate credibility dwindles, the modern CEO must rethink their approachβ€”moving beyond faceless logos to create people-...

Mar 19, 2025β€’32 minβ€’Ep. 346

Quick Win - Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them?

Is your energy inspiring your team or draining them? Leadership isn’t just about strategyβ€”it’s about the energy you bring to it. Positive energy fuels motivation and morale. Show up with purpose, speak with positivity, and lead with confidence. #Leadership #TeamMotivation #PositiveEnergy ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com ==========================...

Mar 14, 2025β€’41 sec

Quick Win - Without trust, you’re not leadingβ€”you’re micromanaging

Without trust, you’re not leadingβ€”you’re micromanaging. Trust is built through integrity, transparency, and consistency. It drives innovation, collaboration, and high-performing teams. Today’s action step: Do one thing to build trust. Admit a mistake, keep a promise, or ask for input. Trust grows one action at a time. What step will you take today? #Leadership #Trust #Teamwork ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership W...

Mar 07, 2025β€’40 sec

The Secret to Building High-Performing Teams / Mike Robbins

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with leadership expert and former pro baseball player Mike Robbins to explore the essence of high-performing teams. From the boardroom to the playing field, they discuss the power of culture, chemistry, and commitment in building winning organizations...

Mar 05, 2025β€’27 minβ€’Ep. 345

Quick Win - Are you afraid of feedback?

Are you afraid of feedback or do you see it as a tool for growth? Great leaders embrace constructive criticism and foster a culture where feedback is normal. According to Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are three times more engaged. This week, ask someone for honest feedback on an area you want to improve. Reflect on it and take action. Feedback is a gift. How will you use it to grow? #Leadership #Feedback #GrowthMindset ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“...

Feb 28, 2025β€’42 sec

Quick Win - Being busy isn’t the same as being productive

Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Leaders drive results by focusing on impactful work, not endless tasks. The 80/20 rule reminds us that 20% of our actions create 80% of our results. Today’s action step: Prioritize your to-do list. Highlight 1–3 tasks with the biggest impact and tackle those first. Work smarter, not harder. What’s your top priority today? #Leadership #Productivity #Focus ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamc...

Feb 21, 2025β€’49 sec

Coach JV Shares His TOP Secrets For Creating Freedom in Business

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the power of holistic freedom with his guest, Coach JV. Coach JV shares his remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and building a thriving ecosystem of businesses. He reveals what is required to achieve t...

Feb 19, 2025β€’27 minβ€’Ep. 344

Quick Win - Big goals are achieved one step at a time

Big goals are achieved one step at a time. Celebrate the small winsβ€”they build momentum, confidence, and creativity. Today, identify one small win and celebrate it. Success is in the details. ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ ...

Feb 07, 2025β€’44 sec

STOP Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back / Jenna Capozzi

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➑︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➑︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT ============...

Feb 05, 2025β€’25 minβ€’Ep. 343

Quick Win - Leadership Isn’t About Titles

Leadership isn’t about titles or assigning blameβ€”it’s about ownership. When things go wrong, resist the urge to point fingers. Instead, ask, How can I take ownership and fix this? True leaders own the problem and the solution. ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamCo...

Jan 31, 2025β€’44 sec

Quick Win - Advice for Dealing with a Difficult Boss

Ever found yourself dealing with a challenging boss? Trust me, I've been there too. But let me share a little secret with you: tough situations can be the stepping stones to something great. Take a peek at this nugget of wisdom I'm dropping. Discover why staying true to yourself, even in the face of adversity, is the ultimate career power move. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your skills and leadership potential, laying the groundwork for future success. Don't miss out on this chance to turn...

Jan 17, 2025β€’32 sec

Overwhelmed? Listen To This / Jan Rutherford

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the depths of leadership with Jan Rutherford, a former Green Beret turned executive coach and entrepreneur. Together, they explore the profound parallels between leading in the wilderness and leading in the boardroom, uncovering the traits that define exceptional leaders. With vivid stories from battlefields and boardrooms alike, Jan shares insights on resilience, decision-making under pressure, and the delicate balance between sel...

Jan 15, 2025β€’30 minβ€’Ep. 342

Quick Win - Habit Changes: Your Shortcut to Success

Let's talk about the power of habit changes in unlocking success. Imagine transforming your daily routine to fuel your journey to greatness. Swap that morning donut for a healthy snack, or trade social media scrolling for productive sales calls. It's all about replacing old habits with new ones that propel you forward. Trust me, habit replacement is the shortcut to success you've been searching for. Don't miss out on today's quick win! #SuccessTips #HabitChanges #QuickWins ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩�...

Jan 03, 2025β€’47 sec

7 Leadership Tools You Need in 2025

Today on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the critical leadership trends for 2025, offering actionable insights to help leaders thrive in the new year. From leveraging AI and decision-making to fostering human connection, and team well-being, his insights cover strategies to enhance profitability, build trust, and drive results. This episode is packed with wisdom to set your leadership on the path to success. Tune in and get ready to lead strong in 2025! ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴...

Jan 01, 2025β€’12 minβ€’Ep. 341

5 Leadership Lessons I Learned in 2024

This episode of Start With a Win dives into the top leadership lessons of 2024, host Adam Contos welcomes wife, Kelly Contos, they blend humor, personal anecdotes, and professional observations to explore what makes leaders, leaders. Packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, this holiday-themed discussion delivers an engaging and thought-provoking take on leadership that will leave you eager for more. 00:00 Intro – Five Leadership topics of 2024 01:59 Almost half of employees say Lead...

Dec 25, 2024β€’35 minβ€’Ep. 340

Quick Win - The Secret to Scaling

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership The secret to scaling? Systems. Efficient, replicable systems keep things running smoothly as you grow. Build them, work them, and watch your business thrive! πŸ”§πŸ“ˆ #BusinessGrowth #Scaling #Systems =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➑︎ https://podc...

Dec 20, 2024β€’24 sec

BECOME a Confident Leader with These Proven Strategies / Kelli Thompson

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the journey of building confidence, navigating systemic challenges, and redefining leadership from a personal and professional perspective with guest Kelli Thompson. Kelli an award-winning executive coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, explores the tools and mindset shifts necessary for womenβ€”and everyone elseβ€”to lead with clarity and self-assurance. Kelli shares her inspiring story of resilience and transformation, from...

Dec 18, 2024β€’29 minβ€’Ep. 339

How To Grow a Business with Leadership

Some people want to start a business but are overwhelmed to the point of inaction. Yet strategic action offsets overwhelm. How can you propel yourself to move forward in your career? Today on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos joins Pat on his podcast: In the latest episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso invites Adam Contos, a Partner at Area 15 Ventures, to speak about building ventures through effective leadership. Adam shares some of his favorite books and most influential mento...

Dec 11, 2024β€’38 minβ€’Ep. 338

5 Deadly Leadership Mistakes EVEN EXPERTS Make

In today’s episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos dives into key leadership challenges and strategies for overcoming them. Adam explores how personal mindset, clarity in communication, team development, and humility play vital roles in successful leadership. He underscores the ripple effect leaders have on their teams and organizations, emphasizing the importance of starting each day positively, communicating effectively, fostering growth in others, and managing ego. Packed with relatable anec...

Dec 04, 2024β€’24 minβ€’Ep. 337

Leaders, It's Time to Step Up

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com Today on Start With a Win, join Adam Contos as he takes the spotlight on Franchise Masters, presented by Netsertive and Franchise Filming. Adam's journey is nothing short of extraordinaryβ€”from navigating the dangers of the streets to counterterrorism, and ultimately, leading in the world of franchising. Discover p...

Nov 27, 2024β€’13 minβ€’Ep. 336

The Shocking Truth About Building Business Systems Most Entrepreneurs Don't Know

In this captivating episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes franchise innovator Sam Ballas, founder and CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill. Sam shares his fascinating journey from Wall Street executive to thriving restaurateur and franchising expert, recounting how a single restaurant venture sparked a transformative career. Together, they delve into building enduring business systems, scaling horizontally and vertically, and what it truly takes to create and sustain a successful...

Nov 20, 2024β€’30 minβ€’Ep. 335

This is Critical to Your Leadership with Anne Morriss

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com In this engaging part two episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes back Anne Morriss where they dive into the often-underestimated power of soft leadership skills in transforming organizational culture. They explore the challenges of burnout, inefficient meeting cultures, and the fear of change that ...

Nov 13, 2024β€’26 minβ€’Ep. 334

Why Your Leadership Style Is Doomed to Fail with Anne Morriss

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com If you're looking to unlock your potential as a leader, push beyond conventional approaches, and inspire meaningful action, this part one episode is a must-listen. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you rethinking how to approach leadership, not just in business, but in life. Start With a Win, h...

Nov 06, 2024β€’22 minβ€’Ep. 333

Quick Win - Get Your Employees Engaged

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Engaged employees are a force multiplier! Gallup data shows high engagement drives 23% more profitability. Invest in your team’s connection to the missionβ€”it’s the key to growth! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➑︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p...

Nov 01, 2024β€’24 sec

5 Practices to Become a Stronger Leader

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Today’s on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with Christian Muntean, founder of Vantage Consulting and author of Training to Lead, to discuss leadership development and its critical role in business success. Christian shares insights from his background in international disaster relief and athletics, drawing parallels between athletic training and leadership training....

Oct 30, 2024β€’31 minβ€’Ep. 332

Quick Win - Build a System in Your Business

⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want to grow a business? Focus on building a reliable system that consistently delivers value to customers. A solid system is the backbone of any successful business. #BusinessTips #GrowthStrategy #AdamContos =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:πŸ“± =========================== YT ➑︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➑︎ h...

Oct 25, 2024β€’23 sec

WHY You Need to Become a Caring Leader with Daisy Auger-Dominguez

Grab paper/pen, your computer, your journal, in this engaging episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with workplace strategy expert Daisy Auger-DomΓ­nguez to explore the art of building thriving, high-performing teams in today’s evolving work environment and you will want to take notes! With a career spanning leadership roles at Google, Disney, and Vice Media, Daisy shares her journey from credit risk analyst to people-centric leadership. They discuss the pivotal role empathy and...

Oct 23, 2024β€’28 minβ€’Ep. 331

The Fundamentals of Leadership Development with a Public Company CEO

In this episode of Start With a Win , host Adam Contos is on The Inspiring Leadership podcast with Scott Comey. Scott interviews Adam about the leadership lessons he learned from his military and SWAT days, all the way through being CEO of RE/MAX Holdings and other ventures. Adam shares the importance of Emotional Intelligence and offers the 3 A's of Awareness. He also offers his best tips on the importance of personal development and how your people rely on YOU learning and growing. This is a l...

Oct 16, 2024β€’30 minβ€’Ep. 330

Quick Win - The Surprising Secret to Driving Exceptional Results

Elevate your team's results with influential leadership! Lead by example, demonstrating commitment and a strong work ethic. Utilize persuasive communication to align efforts with organizational goals. Cultivate a positive attitude, strong decision-making skills, and lasting relationships. Your influence inspires action. That's your key to success! #InfluentialLeadership #LeadershipExcellence #TeamEmpowerment ⚑️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘒𝘡'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘢𝘳 π˜“π˜¦π˜’π˜₯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩π˜ͺ𝘱? ➑︎ https...

Oct 11, 2024β€’37 sec

Health Habits That Make You a BETTER Leader

Calling all Leaders, this is Part 2 with Blair LaCorte, if you missed Part 1 go back and listen as that is a masterclass of leadership wealth, you can’t miss! In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam welcomes back dynamic business leader Blair for the insightful conversation on longevity. Blair unveils the often-overlooked crisis of health span in America, where the nation ranks 39th globally in longevity, despite its technological advancements. With a focus on actionable advice, Blair reveals ...

Oct 09, 2024β€’28 minβ€’Ep. 329
Hosted on Transistor
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android