The Midgame Mindset

Rich Bishop

Successful growth leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but their mindset is what separates them from everyone else. Join us as we dive into the pivotal moments that shape today’s top sales & marketing leaders, RevOps innovators, and entrepreneurs. From personal struggles to professional breakthroughs, each conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and bold moves that create success. This is where grit meets growth, and the game changes for good. Hosted by Rich Bishop

  1. 6d ago

    37: Why Your Hiring Process Is Broken (And How to Fix It)

    Is your current hiring process costing you top-tier talent? In this episode, talent strategist Desiree Goldey breaks down exactly why your hiring process is broken and provides actionable steps to fix it. If you are struggling with startup hiring or feeling the pressure of founder bottlenecks, it is time to rethink your talent strategy. We dive deep into common hiring mistakes that even experienced leaders make and explore how to improve the candidate experience to ensure you are attracting the right people. From refining your leadership practice to integrating AI in hiring, we cover the essential shifts needed to build a winning team. Whether you are scaling your company or focusing on sales leadership, these insights will help you streamline your recruiting efforts and secure the best professionals for your organization. Learn how to stop the cycle of bad hires and start building a foundation for long-term growth. #strategy #startup #leadership Key Takeaways: - Urgency does not mean that you can't go fast, but you should do urgency with precision. - Diagnose first. Audit second and then go. - The best thing AI did is expose your inefficiencies and expose where we're going wrong. - Don't try to have it replace what is good expertise and good knowledge. - I'm looking for what is the holdup. - We have to start being more self-aware about who we are as people and leaders. - Before you open your mouth, breathe. - Do what you say you're gonna do. - Don't put on your job description, we want a rock star or a ninja. - This is a practice. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Why leadership and hiring decisions compound 02:25 Make talent strategy part of the growth plan 05:17 Move fast with precision, not guesswork 06:44 Diagnose, audit, then act 08:05 Where AI helps, and where expertise matters 12:10 How copied job descriptions lead to bad hires 14:03 Find the real hiring need and business bottleneck 18:05 Recognize when the founder is holding the team back 21:22 Leadership as a reflective daily practice 23:09 Build connection through listening and trust 29:33 Lead across generations and working styles 30:50 Hire transparently for startup realities 39:35 Why Goldey wrote her leadership book 41:57 Book, consulting, and closing thoughts More About Desiree Goldey: - Follow Desiree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireegoldey/ - Do Better Consulting: https://dobetterconsulting.net/ - "Leadership Is a Practice, Not a Personality" by Desiree Goldey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMJVRJFH - Talentless podcast (co-hosted with Ashley King): https://www.talentlesspodcast.com/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

  2. Oct 20

    36: Why High Performers Burn Out And How to Stop It

    Discover the hidden patterns that lead to burnout among high performers and learn how to stop it. Many high achievers experience a mismatch between their drive for success and the stress that comes with it, ultimately affecting their mental health. In this episode, Cait Donovan explores the impact of organizational culture and leadership on burnout, and discuss the biological changes that occur when we're under constant stress. By understanding the root causes of burnout and implementing effective stress management techniques, you can protect your mental health and thrive in your personal and professional life. Learn how to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it, and find out how to create a supportive culture that promotes the well-being of high performers. #burnout #stress #leadership Key Topics: - Cait Donovan's personal burnout story - The signs and symptoms of burnout - The role of biological changes in burnout - The importance of sitting in the muck for recovery - Environmental and childhood factors influencing burnout - The difference between overwhelm and burnout - The concept of mismatch in roles and culture - Strategies for early detection and intervention - The impact of organizational culture on burnout - The importance of values and autonomy in work Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to burnout and Cait Donovan 00:29 Cait Donovan's background and podcast 02:22 Realization of burnout and personal story 04:12 The moment of truth and shame 07:07 Research on workplace factors and burnout 08:56 Biological changes in the brain due to chronic stress 12:06 Childhood trauma and its impact on burnout 15:29 The importance of sitting in the muck for healing 17:18 Brain imaging studies and burnout 20:10 Differentiating burnout from overwhelm 21:41 The role of values, culture, and mismatch 25:07 Organizational strategies to prevent burnout 30:52 Leadership's role in recognizing signs of mismatch 36:41 Creating a culture that supports well-being 44:19 The importance of authenticity and values in leadership 48:50 Closing thoughts and resources for recovery More About Cait Donovan: - Follow Cait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/ - Website and speaking programs: https://caitdonovan.com - "Mismatch: Why Good People Burn Out in Good Organizations" by Cait Donovan (out October 27, 2026): https://caitdonovan.com/mismatch - Pre-order "Mismatch" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HK414VMX - "The Bouncebackability Factor: End Burnout, Gain Resilience, and Change the World" by Cait Donovan: https://www.amazon.com/Bouncebackability-Factor-Burnout-Resilience-Change/dp/1735194905 - FRIED. The Burnout Podcast: https://caitdonovan.com/podcast More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com Mentioned in the episode: - "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn (attributed to Ram Dass in the episode): https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jon-kabat-zinn-phd/wherever-you-go-there-you-are/9780306832024/ - World Health Organization definition of burnout (May 2019): https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases

  3. Oct 5

    35: A Firefighter's Stop, Drop, Role Method for Decisions Under Pressure

    In this episode, Rich Bishop interviews David Landis about the importance of self-mastery, decision-making under pressure, and the power of identity in personal and professional growth. They explore practical tools like the stop-drop-roll method for managing fear and reactions, and discuss how to cultivate a resilient mindset for success. #leadership #personalgrowth #entrepreneurmindset Key Topics: - The role of self-identity in achieving goals - Decision-making under pressure from firefighting to business - The stop-drop-roll method for managing reactions and fear - The importance of personal culture and community - How to develop resilience and growth mindset - Balancing personal life, firefighting, and entrepreneurship - The impact of childhood and cultural narratives on self-belief - Strategies for pruning relationships and cultivating support networks - The science behind human behavior and change - Practical steps for stepping into the person you want to become Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest background 03:21 Dealing with schedule interruptions and the importance of vision 07:16 The significance of understanding who you want to be 10:43 The role of personal culture and narratives in self-belief 14:15 The influence of childhood and cultural stories 17:22 Recognizing and walking through fear 22:02 The importance of self-control and decision-making in fear 26:08 The concept of growth zones and testing limits 32:17 Choosing your culture and support network 36:41 Balancing firehouse, business, and family life 38:08 The power of intentionality and boundaries 39:06 The process of transforming identity and self-mastery 41:17 The influence of goals versus self-belief 42:52 Imagining the future and managing fears 44:22 Creating a memory of the future to guide responses 45:43 Practicing daily actions aligned with your desired identity 46:26 Starting with small steps and the importance of practice 48:23 The stop-drop-roll method for managing reactions 50:15 The role of self-assessment and feedback tools 51:14 Closing thoughts and contact information for David Landis More About David Landis: - Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlandisme/ - https://www.davidlandis.me/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

  4. Sep 21

    34: The Same Discipline That Got Him to the UFC Worked Against Him in Business

    In this episode, Clifford Starks shares insights from his journey from UFC fighter to leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of alignment in mind, heart, and skill set. Discover how mental toughness, intentionality, and strategic feedback loops can transform your approach to business and life. #leadership #mindset #strategy Key Topics: - The importance of alignment in mind, heart, and skill set - Lessons from Clifford Starks' UFC career and transition to coaching - The role of intentionality and repetition in mastering skills - Using feedback loops for rapid improvement in business and fighting - The mental shift from individual success to team success - Strategies for staying centered and managing pressure - The influence of mental models like the 48 Laws of Power and How to Win Friends and Influence People - Balancing aggression and collaboration in leadership - The significance of community, support systems, and asking the right questions - Applying fighting principles to business leadership and personal growth Episode Chapters: 00:00 The danger of hunger without alignment 04:09 The role of repetition and focus in skill mastery 08:11 Listening twice as much as speaking for better connection 12:29 The importance of balance between gas and brake in leadership 13:26 Learning to switch between different arenas and mindsets 17:10 Insights from the 48 Laws of Power and How to Win Friends 19:42 Balancing power and influence with authenticity 21:09 The importance of centering and self-awareness 22:00 Parallel between fighting and business strategies 24:16 The value of instant feedback loops in fighting and business 26:05 Focusing on the most important numbers and metrics 28:34 The role of fun and passion in mastery 30:38 The Fighters Formula: alignment in mind, heart, and skill 33:17 Refining skills and staying on track 36:22 Using dashboards and feedback for self-management 37:17 Advice for leaders considering a career pivot 39:23 The importance of trusted sources and community 41:06 The power of asking questions and curiosity 42:54 The significance of diverse perspectives 43:24 Closing thoughts and resources More about Clifford Starks: - Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-starks/ - https://www.thefightersformula.com/ - The Fighter's Formula (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Fighters-Formula-Winning-Life-Elite/dp/B0FCDBMBF2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2U2CTE61JOUIZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.INRA7zQLmvTo8phvMJFIwug5sclTV1ZT69rjTMW-fd1coKmT3J_qPBPXuBjcBOpxCaFmE3lzc0GaFWnJa_QCUk03gzV66UIp6LVulqgLdkLTi1_4z48EPYr26HFJtDiQlOvFl4Y1zGSnaBnHWlNKbtPaHtxnVNKqtxjsbLqIYbJCuMxx3-5BuG4pQXDEyh_qT0YGfm5QzcWFtDqcG619Sx32PMSAqXG9D_K857ejC0Y.aB1HMBwHmOT9dm8SE4yB0e69Tvrwwgumlst9yxUrQiE&dib_tag=se&keywords=clifford+starks&qid=1789494627&sprefix=slifford+starks%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1 More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

  5. Aug 10

    32: The 3 Types of Leaders - Only 1 Gets Hired

    In this episode, Rich Bishop interviews Christine Campbell-Rapin to explore how entrepreneurs and sales leaders can build momentum regardless of economic conditions. They discuss the importance of fundamentals, data-driven decision making, and shifting from likable expert to must-hire authority. #leadership #entrepreneur #marketing Key Topics: - The importance of managing business fundamentals regardless of economic cycles - How to leverage data and nuance for better decision making - The difference between being a likable expert and a must-hire authority - Strategies for entrepreneurs to build demand and demand demand - The role of leadership, ownership, and decision-making in growth Episode Chapters: 00:00 The reality of momentum and economic cycles 00:27 Christine Campbell Rappan's background and expertise 01:24 The importance of managing business fundamentals 02:19 From startup to big business: Christine's journey 04:17 Lessons from working at Procter and Gamble 06:10 Blending startup agility with big business stability 08:01 The importance of structure and predictability 09:00 Leadership lessons from corporate experience 12:21 The power of understanding nuance in markets 15:36 Getting out of the ivory tower and engaging in the marketplace 20:40 Balancing art and science in sales and marketing 24:19 The role of data and leadership in decision making 28:33 The difference between a likable expert and a must-hire authority 37:01 The importance of honest feedback and self-trust 43:33 Overcoming doubts and imposter syndrome 48:41 The client waterfall workshop and business growth principles 51:20 How to connect with Christine and take the next step More about Christine Campbell Rapin: - https://www.christinecampbellrapin.com / - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecampbellrapin.com / - https://www.instagram.com/christinecampbellrapin / More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

  6. Jul 20

    31: Every House Was Fifty Bucks, and That's Why She Won

    In this episode, Trisha Dork shares her inspiring journey from homelessness to building a successful real estate empire. She discusses the importance of community, training, and leadership in scaling a business and creating a legacy. #entrepreneurship #resilience #leadership Key Takeaways: - Building a business with a mission to serve and strengthen the community - The significance of training and education in agent success - The importance of culture fit over just sales ability - Using social media to identify proactive and engaged agents - The value of continuous learning and adapting in business - The necessity of pruning and maintaining a positive team culture Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Trisha's background 01:21 Early career and founding Elite Realty 04:11 The 'Jury McGuire' moment and starting over 05:38 Creating MyStars Academy and training programs 07:01 Growing up homeless and family resilience 10:07 Values, culture, and building a team 14:39 Training challenges in real estate 15:37 The gaps in real estate education and training 18:17 Educating clients and building trust 20:34 Scaling and hiring strategies 24:41 Using social media for recruitment and culture fit 27:00 Hiring from within and team development 30:23 Pruning and maintaining team culture 34:13 Scaling with purpose and values 36:02 The importance of leadership and psychology 40:14 Transitioning into sales and leadership roles 43:17 Resilience and perseverance in sales 45:08 Closing thoughts and contact information More about Trisha Dork Banks: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-dork-banks-22b6898/ - Elite Life Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@elitelifepodcast - Elite Realty: https://www.eliterealtymi.com/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

  7. Jul 6

    30: You're Not Burnt Out You're Misaligned

    In this episode, Rich Bishop interviews Ashley Jablow about navigating change, innovation, and avoiding burnout in leadership. They explore practical tools for reflection, managing pace, and designing a life aligned with personal values. #innovation #leadership #personalgrowth Key Topics: - Understanding innovation as change and renewal - The impact of pace and speed on leadership and innovation - Tools for reflection and self-awareness in high-pressure environments - Strategies to prevent burnout through alignment and values - The role of constraints and guardrails in fostering creativity - Managing AI fatigue and technological acceleration - The importance of micro-moments of reflection in daily routines - Personal stories of career shifts and entrepreneurial journeys Episode Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Burnout and Its Impact 01:17 The Journey of Ashley Jappo 04:02 Defining Innovation and Change 07:17 Navigating Hesitations Around Change 09:26 Government vs. Private Sector Innovation 13:08 Finding the Right Pace in Work 14:33 The Importance of Reflection 17:52 AI Fatigue and Market Pressures 21:34 Recognizing and Preventing Burnout 24:26 Developing Self-Tuning Skills 28:32 Designing a Personal Path Forward 32:50 Balancing Fast-Paced Environments 36:35 The Leap to Entrepreneurship 42:03 Creating a Plan for Change 46:36 Tools for Reflection and Clarity More about Ashley Jablow: - Wayfinders Collective: https://www.wayfinderscollective.com/ - Resources discussed in the episode: https://www.wayfinderscollective.com/shop - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjablow/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Successful growth leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but their mindset is what separates them from everyone else. Join us as we dive into the pivotal moments that shape today’s top sales & marketing leaders, RevOps innovators, and entrepreneurs. From personal struggles to professional breakthroughs, each conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and bold moves that create success. This is where grit meets growth, and the game changes for good. Hosted by Rich Bishop