The Winning Edge with Leonard Wheeler

Iconic Nation Media
Iconic Nation Media
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Winning Edge — the podcast where champions are built, and legacies are made. I'm Leonard Wheeler, former NFL player turned entrepreneur of 24 years and co-Executive Director of the NFL Legends Community. After years on the field, I've learned that the real game starts when the stadium lights go out. This show is your all-access pass to the mindset, strategies, and leadership lessons that fuel success beyond sports. Each week, we'll dive into what it truly takes to win in business, leadership, and life. We'll discuss how elite athletes, game-changing entrepreneurs, and industry leaders turn discipline into dominance and setbacks into comebacks. Whether you're an athlete transitioning into your next chapter or a high-performer ready to level up, this podcast will give you the playbook to own your future. It's time to redefine winning, together. Join me every Tuesday - available everywhere you get your podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn, which you can find in the show notes. Subscribe now and let's build your legacy. The next play is yours. Powered by Brotherhood in Motion and Iconic Nation Media

  1. 3d ago

    When Did You Stop Believing in Yourself?

    https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion Join us Sept. 24th in Charlotte for Brotherhood Connection at: brotherhoodinmotion.com Chapters:  00:00 Introduction: The Power of Belief and Self-Identity 01:51 Childhood Dreams and Unlimited Possibilities 03:54 The Impact of Labels and External Opinions 05:12 Votes in Life: How Experiences Shape Our Beliefs 06:36 The Accumulation of Evidence and Identity Formation 07:33 Negative Votes: Failure, Rejection, and Betrayal 09:02 The Power of Words and Self-Talk 10:01 Borrowed Opinions and External Validation 12:05 The Role of Forgiveness in Healing and Growth 13:20 Rebuilding the Self: From Ruins to Resilience 15:58 The Courage to Find Your True Self 17:28 Releasing the Buried Self and Moving Forward 19:00 Reflecting on Childhood Dreams and Defining Words 20:01 Gratitude and Personal Transformation

  2. Aug 11

    What If You're Wrong? How Bias, Ego, and Pride Hold You Back (Part 2)

    YouTube -  @BrotherhoodinMotion  Join us Sept. 24th in Charlotte for Brotherhood Connection at: https://www.brotherhoodinmotion.com/  In this episode of The Winning Edge podcast, host Leonard Wheeler presents "Part Two of Going Beyond Bias," addressing internal barriers to personal development and self-awareness. Key Themes & Concepts Narcissism & Self-Awareness: True self-awareness begins when "the mirror replaces the microscope." Rather than diagnosing others, individuals should examine their own behaviors—such as dominating conversations, needing constant praise, avoiding apologies, and struggling to accept feedback. Assumptions vs. Curiosity: Assumptions are unverified stories formed without sufficient evidence, often straining relationships. Replacing assumptions with curiosity creates connection and grounds responses in reality rather than internal narrative. Projection: People frequently project their own insecurities, fears, and unresolved trauma onto others. Addressing the traits that provoke irritation in others often reveals unaddressed personal challenges. Growth Mindset: A fixed mindset treats current limitations as a permanent identity, whereas a growth mindset views them as a baseline for improvement. Embracing coaching and remaining teachable are essential for long-term progress. Emotional Reasoning: While emotions are real and valid, they are not always reliable indicators of truth. Individuals should acknowledge their feelings without allowing them to dictate actions or govern decisions. Leonard concludes by emphasizing that real personal growth requires honesty, the courage to confront personal blind spots, and a commitment to helping others succeed.  Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to narcissism and self-awareness 02:35 Kimberly discusses the misuse of the term narcissism 04:03 The importance of qualified mental health diagnosis 05:02 Self-examination questions to identify narcissistic tendencies 07:57 Self-awareness begins when the mirror replaces the microscope 09:16 The danger of assumptions and stories we create 12:40 Projection and how it affects our perceptions 18:11 Fixed mindset versus growth mindset in personal development 20:33 The power of a growth mindset and continuous learning 22:39 The unreliability of feelings and emotional intelligence 26:10 Practical steps to manage emotions and challenge feelings 27:18 The importance of awareness and humility in leadership 29:23 The value of being teachable and coachable 30:13 Growth, wisdom, and wholeness as life goals 30:23 Encouragement to invest in others and lead by example

  3. Aug 4

    What If You're Wrong? How Bias, Ego, and Pride Hold You Back (Part 1)

    https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion Join us Sept. 24th in Charlotte for Brotherhood Connection at: brotherhoodinmotion.com Summary: In this episode, Leonard Wheeler explores the profound impact of biases, blind spots, ego, pride, and how our perspectives shape our success and relationships. He encourages self-examination and humility as keys to personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Going Beyond Bias 03:11 The Power of Perspective and Its Impact on Success 04:04 Growing Up in the Projects and Cultural Influences 05:22 Life Through Our Stories and Filters 06:16 The Innocence of Children and Bias 07:23 Examining Your Own Thinking 08:35 What Is Bias? A Hidden Influence 09:52 Bias About Money, Leadership, and Potential 11:48 The Danger of Certainty and Blind Spots 12:37 The Film Room Analogy in Football and Life 14:30 Humility and Watching Your Own Film 16:10 Confirmation Bias and Searching for Evidence 17:27 The Cost of Ego and the Power of Confidence 22:10 Confidence vs. Ego in Leadership 29:03 Pride as a Barrier to Growth 31:58 Humility and Entering Conversations with Curiosity

  4. Jul 28

    You're Not Who You Pretend to Be | Escaping the Performance Trap

    https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion Join us Sept. 24th in Charlotte for Brotherhood Connection at: brotherhoodinmotion.com Summary Who are you when the applause stops? In this episode of The Winning Edge, former NFL player and executive coach Leonard Wheeler explores the Performance Trap—the belief that your worth is tied to your success, title, achievements, or the expectations of others. Drawing from his NFL career, leadership coaching, and personal faith journey, Leonard shares why so many high performers secretly struggle with insecurity, imposter syndrome, and living behind a mask. Most importantly, he explains how authenticity—not performance—is the key to lasting confidence and fulfillment. If you've ever felt pressure to constantly prove yourself, this episode is for you. Winning Edge Challenge: Have one honest conversation this week. Remove one mask. Choose authenticity over performance. Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, faith, mental wellness, and becoming the best version of yourself. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Winning Edge 00:35 The Performance Trap 02:10 When Success Becomes Your Identity 04:00 The Mask We Wear 06:20 Chasing Approval 08:40 Success Can't Silence Insecurity 10:35 Imposter Syndrome Explained 12:45 Confidence vs. Self-Doubt 14:30 Why Brotherhood Matters 16:40 Stop Performing. Start Living 18:00 Winning Edge Challenge

  5. Jul 21

    Part 2 - The 7 Dimensions of Winning Wellness

    Instagram - https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion

  6. Jul 14

    The 7 Dimensions of Winning Wellness (Part 1)

    Instagram - https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion Show Notes: What does it really mean to win? In this episode of The Winning Edge, Leonard Wheeler continues his exploration of the Seven Dimensions of Winning Wellness, focusing on three critical areas: relationships, finances, and purpose. Leonard shares why relationships require intentional time, how our mindset around money impacts our well-being, and why even highly successful people can still feel empty when they aren't connected to a greater purpose. He also shares practical "Winning Plays" to help you strengthen your relationships, improve your financial wellness, and use your experiences and gifts to make an impact. Because true success isn't just about what you accomplish—it's about who you become and the lives you impact along the way. Chapters 00:00 – Brotherhood in Motion 01:24 – The Seven Dimensions of Winning Wellness 02:26 – Relational Wellness: Relationships Are Your Greatest Investment 08:25 – Financial Wellness: Building a Better Money Mindset 14:58 – Purpose Wellness: Success vs. Purpose 16:40 – Why Your Story Matters 20:01 – Winning Plays for Living With Purpose 20:37 – The 30-Day Winning Wellness Challenge 22:21 – You Are Enough

  7. Jul 7

    10 Lies You've Believed Your Entire Life (And They're Holding You Back)

    Instagram - https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion What if the advice you've heard your entire life isn't actually true? In this thought-provoking episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, former NFL player Leonard Wheeler challenges ten of the most common phrases we've accepted as truth. From "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" to "Follow your heart" and "Money can't buy happiness," Leonard explores why these popular sayings often lead us away from wisdom instead of toward it. Drawing from his own experience battling prostate cancer, his NFL career, his faith, and decades of leadership, Leonard reveals how truth—not tradition—creates transformation. If you're looking to grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, this episode will challenge the way you think and inspire you to live with greater purpose. Chapter: 00:00 Intro 01:10 The lies we've been told and believed 02:00 Lie #1: "What You Don't Know Won't Hurt You" 04:15 Lie #2: "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" 06:45 Lie #3: "Time Heals All Wounds" 08:50 Lie #4: "Follow Your Heart" 10:45 Lie #5: "Fake It Till You Make It" 13:05 Lie #6: "Money Can't Buy Happiness" 15:45 Lie #7: "Everything Happens for a Reason" 18:20 Lie #8: "Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones" 21:45 Lie #9: "The Grass Is Always Greener" 24:25 Lie #10: "Winning Is Everything" 27:30 Final thoughts: Why truth changes the way you live

  8. Jun 23

    Announcing the Launch of Brotherhood in Motion!

    Instagram - https://instagram.com/brotherhoodinmotion YouTube - https://youtube.com/brotherhoodinmotion In this episode, Leonard Wheeler shares the transformative power of brotherhood, vulnerability, and honest conversations among men. Discover how creating intentional spaces like Brotherhood in Motion can save lives, foster growth, and change the narrative around masculinity. Chapters:   00:00 Launching a Movement for Change 02:34 The Personal Journey of Leonard Wheeler 04:01 The Struggles Behind the Strength 05:48 Redefining Strength and Vulnerability 07:16 Building a Community of Support 08:40 A Vision for Brotherhood in Motion 09:46 The Call to Action for Men

See All (36)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Winning Edge — the podcast where champions are built, and legacies are made. I'm Leonard Wheeler, former NFL player turned entrepreneur of 24 years and co-Executive Director of the NFL Legends Community. After years on the field, I've learned that the real game starts when the stadium lights go out. This show is your all-access pass to the mindset, strategies, and leadership lessons that fuel success beyond sports. Each week, we'll dive into what it truly takes to win in business, leadership, and life. We'll discuss how elite athletes, game-changing entrepreneurs, and industry leaders turn discipline into dominance and setbacks into comebacks. Whether you're an athlete transitioning into your next chapter or a high-performer ready to level up, this podcast will give you the playbook to own your future. It's time to redefine winning, together. Join me every Tuesday - available everywhere you get your podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn, which you can find in the show notes. Subscribe now and let's build your legacy. The next play is yours. Powered by Brotherhood in Motion and Iconic Nation Media

Information

More From Iconic Nation Media