Start With A Win - podcast cover

Start With A Win

Adam Contoswww.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.
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Episodes

Quick Win - Transforming Team Culture for Extraordinary Results

Foster a results-driven team culture! Create an environment where achievements are acknowledged and celebrated, much like the thrill of scoring points and making plays in sports. Shift the focus from busywork to getting things done, setting clear expectations and offering regular feedback to guide your team toward key objectives. In the pursuit of success, remember that nothing happens until something happens. So, take the initiative to make things happen. That's your pathway to success! #Result...

Jan 23, 202636 sec

Adam Contos: The 5 Principles Winning Leaders Live By in 2026

This episode of Start With a Win is a no-nonsense wake-up call for leaders who refuse to drift into the future unprepared. Adam frames a bold close to 2025 and a decisive launch into 2026, he blends hard data, lived experience, and unfiltered conviction to challenge how leadership is actually practiced when the pressure is real. It’s not motivational fluff or distant theory - it’s a sharp, energizing look at what separates those who gain momentum from those who get left behind. If you’re ready f...

Jan 21, 202611 minEp. 366

Quick Win - Success is Built on Small, Consistent Wins

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Success is built on small, consistent wins—one yard at a time. Start with what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and soon you’ll be achieving the impossible! =========================== 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-...

Jan 16, 202627 sec

Quick Win - Get Feedback - Give Feedback

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want your team to excel? Keep feedback short, frequent, and focused on strengths to drive growth. Meaningful conversations make all the difference! 💬✨ #TeamGrowth #Leadership #Feedback =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.c...

Jan 09, 202618 sec

Jason Yarusi: Why Most Leaders Never Hit Their Goals

Dive into this compelling episode of Start With a Win with host Adam Contos as he sits down with the dynamic leader, Jason Yarusi. You’ll be drawn in by his powerful stories of transformation, strategic insight, and raw authenticity - all woven together with a sense of urgency that invites you to reflect and act. If you’re ready to shift perspectives, unlock new levels of influence, and ignite momentum in your leadership journey, this conversation is a must-listen. Jason Yarusi is a charismatic ...

Jan 07, 202629 minEp. 364

Quick Win - The NUMBER 1 Reason Why Conflicts Occur in Your Business

In the fast-paced world of business, one thing stands out as the primary catalyst for conflicts – the lack of effective communication. 🚫🤝 Time and time again, we've seen misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and friction arise simply because information wasn't shared, questions weren't asked, or voices weren't heard. 📢🤷 ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership =========================== Subscribe and Listen to ...

Jan 02, 202646 sec

Quick Win - Why Celebrating Success is CRUCIAL for Your Growth

In the dynamic world of business, it's essential to pause and recognize our accomplishments. When we take the time to applaud our wins, we do more than just acknowledge hard work; we nurture a positive atmosphere that fuels our collective spirit. Celebrate your wins! ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ========================...

Dec 26, 202539 sec

Quick Win - How to Stop Wasting Your Time and Start Succeeding!

In the bustling landscape of work, the ability to prioritize tasks isn't just a time-management strategy; it's a superpower that propels productivity and ensures meaningful progress. When you prioritize effectively, you're not just managing your to-do list; you're strategically channeling your energy towards the most impactful activities. Prioritization brings clarity to chaos. It helps you discern between what's urgent and what's important, preventing the trap of busyness without true accomplis...

Dec 19, 202532 sec

Cindy Waddle: 2025 Start With a Win Holiday Special

In this holiday edition of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with entrepreneur and former HR executive Cindy Waddle for a powerful conversation on trust-based leadership, human connection, and building cultures where people truly commit - not just comply. From compassion and accountability to purpose-driven business and heart-led influence, this episode explores what it really means to lead people in today’s world. Blending leadership wisdom, personal journey, and a touch of holiday fun, t...

Dec 17, 202526 minEp. 365

Quick Win - Turn Your Good Day Into a Great Day

Here's a little story I heard the other day that really got me thinking. A guy told me he was turning a great day into just a good one. I was like, 'Hold up, what?' But then he hit me with some wisdom: turn your good day into a great one. How? Well, it's all about seizing those opportunities to make your day better, every single day. It could be as simple as sharing a smile or expressing gratitude to someone. Or maybe it's reaching out to a customer just to say thanks. Trust me, turning a good d...

Dec 12, 202535 sec

Quick Wins - What is Accountability?

What is accountability and why does it matter to you? In fact, businesses with specific accountability have higher levels of success. Check it out! ⚡️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/id14385...

Dec 05, 202548 sec

Jon Marashi: How He Built a $1 Billion Company

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this inspiring episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with Dr. Jon Marashi - the renowned cosmetic dentist trusted by Hollywood’s elite - to uncover how he transformed raw ambition into a thriving, world-class practice. From humble beginnings and bold cross-country leaps of faith to mastering a...

Dec 03, 202528 minEp. 363

Quick Win - Implement Effective Performance Metrics

Implement effective performance metrics! Establishing performance indicators, commonly known as KPIs or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), is a pivotal step in defining the benchmarks for success. 📈 Without a clear understanding of where we should be performing, the bar we set for ourselves, progress can seem elusive. So, what are your performance metrics? 🤔 Dive into the world of KPIs and OKRs, defining the objectives that align with your overarching goals and the key results that signify ach...

Nov 28, 202548 sec

Quick Win - The Secret to Effective Resource Management

Enhance your team's productivity through strategic resource management! Assess and allocate time, budget, and personnel effectively to maximize results. Beware of resource creep, which can lead to unnecessary spending and wasted time. Combat business waste by continually evaluating resource utilization, ensuring optimum efficiency, and identifying areas for cost savings. Achieve more by managing resources efficiently. That's your quick win for the day! #ResourceManagement #Efficiency #Productivi...

Nov 21, 202539 sec

Steve Cadigan: Interview With LinkedIn's Very First Chief HR Officer

What if everything we thought we knew about loyalty, leadership, and the future of work is about to be rewritten? In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Steve Cadigan - LinkedIn’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer and one of the most respected minds in global talent strategy - to explore the shifting realities of today’s workforce. From the rise of a restless generation to the untapped power of learning and mobility inside organizations, this conversation challeng...

Nov 19, 202525 minEp. 362

Quick Win - The Key To Making Smart Business Decisions

Making smart business decisions is the cornerstone of your company's longevity and prosperity. It's about seeing the bigger picture, analyzing options, and choosing the path that aligns with your goals. So, remember, every decision counts – make them wisely! 🌟💼 ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== ...

Nov 14, 202540 sec

Quick Win - Revolutionize your decision-making processes!

Revolutionize your decision-making processes! Streamline efficiency and eliminate delays by implementing clear procedures within your organization. Try the 3-2-1 rule: bring 3 thoughts, 2 options, and 1 suggestion to the table for each decision. Empower your team members to make informed choices within their scope, fostering growth and reducing bottlenecks. Encourage learning about situations through exploring options, ultimately benefiting your business. #DecisionMaking #EfficiencyBoost #Leader...

Nov 07, 202544 sec

Adrian Koehler: This Is Why Most Business Coaching is Bullshit

Get ready to challenge everything you think you know about leadership and coaching. In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Adrian Koehler, a fearless executive coach who has worked with everyone from Navy SEALs to global innovators. Together, they dig into the raw, unfiltered realities of leadership - where broken commitments, uncomfortable truths, and radical authenticity collide. This conversation isn’t about clichés or motivational platitudes - it’s about the real wor...

Nov 05, 202540 minEp. 361

Quick Win - Empathy is the BACKBONE of effective leadership

Empathy isn't just a soft skill; it's the backbone of effective leadership, especially in the dynamic landscape of business. A leader's ability to understand and share the feelings of their team members fosters a work environment built on trust, collaboration, and innovation. In the ever-evolving world of business, where challenges are diverse and solutions require creativity, empathy becomes a catalyst for success. It allows leaders to connect with their team on a human level, transcending prof...

Oct 31, 202534 sec

Quick Win - 3 Steps to Enhance Your Leadership Presence

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 enhanc...

Oct 17, 20251 min

Jonathan Bennett: The #1 Job of a Leader is to Replace Yourself

In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Jonathan Bennett, a seasoned executive, advisor, and coach who has walked the path from building a thriving consulting firm to reinventing his career with deeper purpose. Together, they peel back the curtain on what most leaders avoid discussing - transitions, fulfillment, and the hidden weight of leadership. With candor and insight, Jonathan shares stories of growth, reinvention, and the art of truly listening - offering a rare win...

Oct 15, 202527 minEp. 360

Quick Win - Overcoming Procrastination: How to Get Things Done Now

Boost your productivity by prioritizing critical tasks and projects! Instead of merely checking boxes, focus on meaningful activities that make a real impact. Identify and prioritize tasks that contribute most to personal and organizational success. By concentrating on what truly matters, you'll achieve more and make a lasting difference. That's the key to a more productive day! #ProductivityHacks #TaskPrioritization #SuccessStrategies ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓...

Oct 10, 202535 sec

Quick Win - Maximize Productivity: How to Set Clear, Achievable Goals and Take Action

Make today count by setting clear, achievable goals with specific actions and outcomes. Planning your day ensures you don't miss opportunities that come your way. Don't wander aimlessly—have a plan, execute it, and achieve your goals. #DailyGoals #ActionPlan #Productivity ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===================...

Oct 03, 202556 sec

Anne & Frances: This 5-Day Leadership Framework Will Change Your Business

This episode of Start With a Win brings together two of the most dynamic voices in leadership, Anne Morriss and Frances Frei, for a conversation that challenges outdated business mantras and replaces them with a powerful alternative. With wit, clarity, and decades of experience guiding organizations and leaders at the highest levels, they reveal how true impact is created - not by choosing between speed and care, but by mastering both. From Harvard classrooms to global boardrooms, their insights...

Oct 01, 202541 minEp. 359

Quick Win - Overcoming Procrastination: How to Get Things Done Now

Boost your productivity by prioritizing critical tasks and projects! Instead of merely checking boxes, focus on meaningful activities that make a real impact. Identify and prioritize tasks that contribute most to personal and organizational success. By concentrating on what truly matters, you'll achieve more and make a lasting difference. That's the key to a more productive day! #ProductivityHacks #TaskPrioritization #SuccessStrategies ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓...

Sep 26, 202535 sec

Quick Win - Be a Sponge!

One of the top skills every leader needs: constant learning. Trust me, it's a game-changer. Remember what my mentor once told me? Be a sponge. But here's the kicker: being a leader isn't just about soaking up knowledge, it's about giving back too. Soak up new insights, then share them with others. That's how you level up as a leader. Leaders learn, and learners lead. Don't miss out on today's quick win! #LeadershipSkills #ContinuousLearning #QuickWins ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪...

Sep 19, 202538 sec

Jim Stevenson: How to Build Team Culture in 2025

This episode of Start With a Win dives deep into the heart of leadership and culture with Jim Stevenson, founder and CEO of The Bletchley Group. From global brands to scrappy startups, Jim has been in the trenches helping businesses transform, scale, and thrive. Adam and Jim uncover why culture is the true engine of growth, how leaders unknowingly sabotage their teams, and what it really takes to build organizations that win. Packed with candid stories, hard-earned lessons, and bold insights, th...

Sep 17, 202528 minEp. 358

Quick Win - The Real Secret to Success: Consistency Is Key

Ever wondered about the real secret to success? Spoiler alert: it's not overnight. It's all about consistent effort, day in and day out. Trust me, there's no such thing as an overnight success story. Success is built on small, actionable steps taken every single day. So, roll up your sleeves, put in the work, and watch those small efforts compound into something incredible. That's your quick win for today! #SuccessMindset #ConsistencyIsKey #QuickWin ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵...

Sep 05, 202534 sec

Dr. Alexa Chilcutt: How to Improve Your Executive Presence Instantly

In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos is joined by Dr. Alexa Chilcutt - executive presence expert and faculty lead at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School - for an eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to lead with confidence, credibility, and authenticity. From navigating imposter syndrome to mastering the unspoken signals that define how others perceive you, this episode uncovers the often-overlooked elements that can elevate -or quietly undermine - your leader...

Sep 03, 202532 minEp. 356

Quick Win - Respect People's Time

Positive influence vs. negative influence: Imagine two people—one with a smile, seeking opportunities to excel in business, eager to help and succeed. The other avoids interaction, spreading misery and negativity. The difference is clear: positivity drives growth and success, while negativity hinders progress. Human nature often leans towards negativity, so consciously choose positive influences. Support those who uplift and inspire, rather than drain energy with negativity. Seek positivity in y...

Aug 22, 202559 sec
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