Let Me Speak To A Manager

Ian Mathews and Frank Cava
  • 5.0 (196)
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Stop playing small and start winning the game of business. 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 actually 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.

  1. How To Change Anyone's Mind

    4d ago

    How To Change Anyone's Mind

    How do you change someone's mind when you don't have authority over them? Ian and Frank break down the psychology of persuasion, influence, and leadership by examining stories from Steve Jobs, Apple, corporate leadership, sales, entrepreneurship, and their own careers. They explore why smart people resist new ideas, how ego impacts decision-making, and practical techniques for influencing bosses, executives, customers, business partners, and even family members. Through examples ranging from Apple's development of the iPhone and Apple TV to real-world leadership and business situations, they reveal why the best leaders aren't surrounded by yes-men and why some of the most successful innovations happen because someone was willing to challenge the status quo. Whether you're managing up, leading a team, selling an idea, or trying to navigate difficult conversations, this episode offers practical frameworks for gaining buy-in without creating conflict. Topics include: Why people overestimate their expertise The Steve Jobs persuasion paradox How to influence stubborn leaders Managing up effectively Using questions instead of arguments The role of ego in decision-making When to let people fail Why disagreement can be a leadership superpower How great leaders create cultures that challenge ideas 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

    59 min
  2. Do You Maximize or Satisfice?

    May 25

    Do You Maximize or Satisfice?

    People tend to fall into two categories as decision-makers. The first group is maximizers, those who strive to make choices that will return the maximum benefit. Then there are the satisficers (made-up word blending satisfy and suffice), those whose choices are determined by more modest criteria and nothing more. In this episode, we look at both approaches' ramifications and reflect on critical decisions we've made in our own careers. In this episode: “The Paradox of Choice”Why maximizers struggle to enjoy the journeyParalysis by analysisWhat type of questions do you ask yourself when making a big decision?The concept of “mental accounting”Do the results of our decisions correlate with satisfaction?Where do famous CEOs fall on this spectrum? 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

    1h 10m
  3. How Smart People Get Fooled by Randomness

    May 18

    How Smart People Get Fooled by Randomness

    Why do smart people make terrible decisions? Because humans are wired to mistake randomness for patterns. In this episode, Ian and Frank break down: • Why one bad month doesn’t mean someone is failing • How managers overreact to short-term results • The psychology behind “hot streaks” and panic decisions • Why great leaders focus on process instead of emotion • The dangers of survivorship bias, recency bias, and emotional thinking • How investing, business, sports, and even relationships are impacted by randomness Using stories ranging from Miguel Cabrera’s “bad” season start, blackjack strategy, Bitcoin hype cycles, baseball statistics, real estate speculation, and even 9/11 travel psychology, this conversation explores how people get trapped by emotional decision-making and short-term thinking. If you’ve ever: • Panicked after a setback • Chased hype after someone else succeeded • Overcorrected too quickly • Wondered if you’re in a slump or just stuck in your head …this episode is for you. The best leaders don’t react emotionally to randomness. They slow down, study the process, and make decisions based on patterns over time. 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

    1h 4m
  4. Backward Induction: How to Reverse Engineer Any Goal

    May 11

    Backward Induction: How to Reverse Engineer Any Goal

    In this episode, Ian and Frank break down the real difference between goals and resolutions, and why most people never achieve the things they say they want. Using stories from sports, business, leadership, sales, fitness, and personal growth, they unpack how elite performers reverse engineer success by focusing on measurable actions, process goals, and momentum instead of vague ambition. From John Daly vs Bryson DeChambeau, Kobe Bryant vs Bo Jackson, and P90X to GE leadership lessons, the conversation explores: Why talent without process eventually plateausHow to break massive goals into actionable daily stepsThe psychology of momentum and inertiaWhy “I’ll figure it out” isn’t a strategyThe importance of showing your workHow great managers coach people toward action instead of anxietyWhy the next logical step matters more than a 10-year vision The biggest takeaway: You don’t need to have the entire roadmap figured out. You just need to know the next move. __________________________________ 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

    51 min
  5. Can You Work 40 Hours a Week and Still Be Considered Ambitious?

    May 4

    Can You Work 40 Hours a Week and Still Be Considered Ambitious?

    Ian and Frank tackle one of the most uncomfortable truths in business and life: success still requires hard work, and most people simply aren’t willing to do it. Through personal stories, brutal feedback from real-world marketing, and examples from figures like Dana White and Seth Rogen, they break down why “hustle culture” has gotten a bad reputation and what’s actually true about winning in today’s world. They explore: The myth of shortcuts and “silver bullets” Why consistency beats talent over time The psychological reality of wanting to quit The compounding effect of effort across years How to know if your path is even worth the grind The core message is simple but challenging: If you don’t quit, you still have a chance. If you do, you don’t. 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

    39 min
  6. The "Rubicon" Fallacy, Ego Traps, and Why Changing Course is Easier Than You Think

    Apr 27

    The "Rubicon" Fallacy, Ego Traps, and Why Changing Course is Easier Than You Think

    This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in business and personal growth: commitment. Using stories from the NFL, entrepreneurship, and history, Ian and Frank explore the difference between reversible and irreversible decisions and why most people get it completely wrong. From the Miami Dolphins’ repeated rebuild failures to the historical moment of “crossing the Rubicon,” they unpack what it really means to go all in. They challenge the idea that most decisions are life-or-death, arguing instead that people often overestimate risk while simultaneously undercommitting to what actually matters. The result? Stalled progress, wasted potential, and frustration. Through personal stories of quitting stable careers, investing hundreds of thousands into failed and successful ventures, and building businesses from scratch, they reveal a hard truth: Most people aren’t stuck… they’re just unwilling to fully commit or fully pivot. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by a decision, unsure whether to go all in, or stuck in something that isn’t working, this episode will help you reframe risk, commitment, and what it actually takes to move forward. 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

    41 min
  7. How To Stay Focused On What’s In Your Control (And Stop Ruminating On The Things You Cannot Change)

    Apr 20

    How To Stay Focused On What’s In Your Control (And Stop Ruminating On The Things You Cannot Change)

    Why do people fixate on one mistake when failure is almost always the result of many small breakdowns? In this episode, Ian and Frank break down how recency bias and blame culture sabotage performance in business, leadership, and life. Using legendary sports moments like the Bill Buckner error, the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl loss, and Chris Webber’s infamous timeout, they reveal a deeper truth: it’s rarely the final mistake that costs you… it’s everything leading up to it. This episode is a masterclass for leaders, managers, and high performers on how to shift from a victim mindset to a growth mindset, refocus on what’s actually in your control, and build consistent momentum using the “zero to one” principle. You’ll learn how top performers avoid blame traps, how great managers redirect teams toward ownership, and why small daily actions matter more than big, emotional reactions. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or tempted to blame circumstances, this episode will reset your perspective and give you practical tools to take back control. 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

    43 min
  8. Stop Giving Discounts: The Art of Saying NO (Without Losing the Deal)

    Apr 13

    Stop Giving Discounts: The Art of Saying NO (Without Losing the Deal)

    This episode breaks down the lost art of saying no in sales and leadership, especially in tough markets. Ian and Frank explore how easy markets create bad habits, where teams rely on discounts, exceptions, and weak communication instead of skill. As conditions tighten, those habits get exposed. Using examples from The Godfather, Rocky III, and real-world sales scenarios, they unpack: Why saying “maybe” is actually weaker than saying “no”How to deliver a clear, confident, and empathetic noThe importance of understanding the real customer needHow to offer trade-offs and alternatives instead of concessionsWhy the person most willing to walk away has the most power 👉 Strong salespeople don’t avoid tension. They navigate it with clarity, conviction, and control. 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

    46 min
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5
out of 5
196 Ratings

About

Stop playing small and start winning the game of business. 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 actually 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ian Mathews and Frank Cava
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 LetMeSpeakToAManagerPodcast.com
  • Show Website
    Let Me Speak To A Manager

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