The Best Boss Ever

Carl Thomas
  • 4.9 (27)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Carl Thomas hosts the series, in which extraordinary guests discuss their best and worst bosses, keys to effective leadership, winning management styles, what works, what doesn’t, why, and everything in between. Car's guest list is a who's who in Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Each episode is jam-packed with humor, wisdom, tips, tricks, and creative problem-solving. Subscribe now, and don't miss another one!

  1. JAN 6

    Season 5. Episode 7. Dan Mannix went from Lead Dog to Underdog. On his way to Top Dog. If you ever thought about starting your own company, this is for you!

    In this episode, Dan Mannix shares his journey from his early career in sports marketing to founding his own agency, Lead Dog Marketing, and eventually transitioning to CSM and starting Underdog. He emphasizes the importance of professional persistence, building connections, and the value of workplace diversity. Dan reflects on his experiences in the NBA and the Olympics, highlighting the significance of teamwork and trust in achieving success. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the fast-paced world of sports marketing.

    53 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Season 5, Episode 6. Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium and Suites at Crypto.com Arena at LA Live

    In this episode of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Carl Thomas interviews Michelle Kajawara, Senior Vice President for Premium Seating Sales and Service at Crypto.com Arena. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey, starting from her early days as an executive assistant to her current leadership role. She discusses the importance of mentorship, navigating challenges, and the lessons learned from her experiences in the live events industry. The conversation highlights the significance of attitude, integrity, and enthusiasm in leadership, as well as memorable moments from her time at the arena.

    45 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Season 5, Episode 5. Professor John Cairney combines academic research with real-world business issues for Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

    In this episode, Professor John Cairney shares his unique journey from Canada to Australia, highlighting the influence of mentorship in his academic pursuits. He emphasizes the importance of research impact on real-world issues and navigates the complexities of sports marketing. He reflects on his leadership experience during COVID-19 and the preparations for the upcoming 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, advocating for innovative university-industry collaborations and the role of disruption in leadership.

    49 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    Season 5. Episode 4. Frank Vuono is unique. From Young and Rubicam to NFL Properties, then founding two agencies: ISI and 16WMarketing, his creativity, character and work ethic never wavered. Watch

    Frank Vuono is one of a kind. In this session, he shares his extensive career journey in the sports business, highlighting the importance of mentorship, relationships, and leadership. He reflects on his experiences at Young and Rubicam, NFL Properties, and his own agency, discussing the lessons learned from both good and bad bosses. Frank also delves into the creation of the NFL Quarterback Club, emphasizing the significance of honesty and integrity in business.

    47 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Season 5, Episode 3. Carlos Padilla II, Head of Sports at Fortune 50 company, DOW.

    Carlos Padilla shares his journey in sports marketing, emphasizing the importance of relationships, vulnerability, and continuous learning. He discusses his career path, the transition from selling to buying sponsorships, and the role of strategy and AI in marketing. Carlos highlights the significance of transparency in sponsorships and the science behind sports marketing, ultimately advocating for accountability and personal growth in both professional and personal life.

    49 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Season 5, Episode 2. Mike Mooney is an impresario at heart. What is that you ask? From K-Mart to executive coach with stops at Agencies, Brand and Rights Holder, his breadth of experience is why.

    In this episode of The Best Boss Ever, host Carl Thomas interviews Mike Mooney, a seasoned professional in the marketing and motorsports industry. Mike shares his journey from working at Cotter Group to leading marketing efforts at Nextel and eventually starting his own coaching practice. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the influential leaders in his life, the challenges of navigating corporate politics, and the importance of intentionality in leadership. Mike emphasizes the lessons learned from both great and not-so-great bosses, and how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership and coaching.

    44 min

  7. SEASON 5, EPISODE 2 TRAILER

    What was your first job? We all start somewhere, and if we're lucky we have a boss like this!

    In this episode of The Best Boss Ever, host Carl Thomas interviews Mike Mooney, a seasoned professional in the marketing and motorsports industry. Mike shares his journey from working at Cotter Group to leading marketing efforts at Nextel and eventually starting his own coaching practice. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the influential leaders in his life, the challenges of navigating corporate politics, and the importance of intentionality in leadership. Mike emphasizes the lessons learned from both great and not-so-great bosses, and how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership and coaching.

    1 min

  8. SEASON 5, EPISODE 2 TRAILER

    Have you had a bad boss? Yes, is the answer. We all have. So how should you handle it?

    In this episode of The Best Boss Ever, host Carl Thomas interviews Mike Mooney, a seasoned professional in the marketing and motorsports industry. Mike shares his journey from working at Cotter Group to leading marketing efforts at Nextel and eventually starting his own coaching practice. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the influential leaders in his life, the challenges of navigating corporate politics, and the importance of intentionality in leadership. Mike emphasizes the lessons learned from both great and not-so-great bosses, and how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership and coaching.

    1 min
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Trailers

4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Carl Thomas hosts the series, in which extraordinary guests discuss their best and worst bosses, keys to effective leadership, winning management styles, what works, what doesn’t, why, and everything in between. Car's guest list is a who's who in Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Each episode is jam-packed with humor, wisdom, tips, tricks, and creative problem-solving. Subscribe now, and don't miss another one!

Information

  • Creator
    Carl Thomas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carl Thomas
  • Show Website
    The Best Boss Ever