Advice can change your life, but only if you're listening to the right people. In this episode, Ian and Frank explore the best advice they've ever received, the worst advice they ignored, and the lessons that completely changed their careers. They share personal stories about turning down traditional career paths, walking away from secure executive positions, leaving engineering and management tracks, and learning why even well-intentioned advice can send you in the wrong direction. You'll learn: • How to tell the difference between good advice and bad advice • Why most advice reflects the other person's fears, not your potential • The danger of taking career advice from people who've never taken the risks you want to take • Why seeking multiple perspectives leads to better decisions • How confidence and self-awareness help you trust your own instincts • The role mentors, parents, coaches, and bosses play in shaping your future Whether you're changing careers, starting a business, making a major life decision, or simply trying to figure out your next step, this conversation will help you become more intentional about who you listen to and when it's time to trust yourself instead. Topics: career growth, leadership, mentorship, decision making, entrepreneurship, confidence, business, personal development, career advice, success mindset 00:00 Intro & Why Advice Matters 07:04 The Worst Advice Ian's Mom Ever Received 16:29 How Family Expectations Shape Your Career 24:08 When Good Intentions Become Bad Advice 33:08 The Conversation That Changed Frank's Career 40:01 Why You Need Outside Perspectives 48:58 Why Ian Ignored Everyone and Chose Sales 55:14 Four Rules for Taking Better Advice 1:04:31 Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself Got suggestions for future episodes or advice for the hosts of this podcast? Email ian@5on4.group to get in touch with Ian and Frank. Interested in group or individual management and executing training with Ian Mathews? Check out 5on4 Group’s Leadership Essentials: 12-Week Course. Interested in investing in one of Frank’s upcoming projects? Check out Cava’s upcoming projects and investment opportunities and contact us here. Let Me Speak To A Manager is the definitive podcast for management training, career navigation, and high-stakes negotiation. Hosted by Frank Cava and Ian Mathews, this show pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build wealth, lead elite teams, and master the psychology of business. Frank (CEO of Cava Companies) and Ian (CEO of 5on4 Group) bypass the fluff of "business school theory" to give you raw, actionable strategies from their 50 years of combined experience in Fortune 500 executive leadership and entrepreneurship. Each week, we dive into: Career Advancement: How to ask for a raise, land a promotion, and stand out in any company.Leadership & Culture: Building high-performing teams and scalable business cultures.Sales & Persuasion: Mastering the art of the deal and the psychology of marketing.The Success Mindset: Overcoming procrastination and glass ceilings to achieve your goals. Whether you are a first-time manager, an aspiring executive, or a founder building from scratch, Frank and Ian offer a unique, blunt, and often humorous "riff" on the triumphs and failures of the corporate world. Join us to get the inside track on how to make yourself the most valuable person in the room. If you listen to any of the following shows, we are sure that you will like ours too! Diary Of A CEO with Steven BartlettThe $100 MBA Show with Omar ZenhomThink Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques with Matt AbrahamsMy First Million with Sam Parr and Shaan PuriThe Learning Leader Show with Ryan HawkCraig Groeschel Leadership PodcastThe Jefferson Fisher Podcast
