GrowthReady Podcast

Coach Steve Mellor
  • 5.0 (66)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What does it mean to be ready to pursue growth? Should we pursue growth when we don't feel ready? And how do we achieve optimal growth by readying ourselves for everything that comes with it? The Growth Ready Podcast seeks to form a true appreciation for all facets of the growth process as we learn from high performers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Hosted by Steve Mellor, a seasoned high-performance executive coach and former US Olympic swim coach, each episode explores the pivotal moments that define true growth and the work that went into getting ready for it. Through candid conversation and detailed personal accounts, guests share their unique experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing transformation, and what it takes to get ready for every step of their growth journey.

  1. Episode 310: Lead With Yes - Authenticity, Reinvention, and Doing Work That Actually Fits w/ Raymond Lee

    2D AGO

    Episode 310: Lead With Yes - Authenticity, Reinvention, and Doing Work That Actually Fits w/ Raymond Lee

    About the Guest: Raymond Lee is the founder of CareerMinds, a virtual outplacement and leadership development company he started in 2008. After years of building the business, Raymond went through a deep season of self-reflection in late 2021 that reshaped how he saw leadership, identity, and growth. He later sold CareerMinds and stepped into a new chapter with even greater clarity around impact, authenticity, and helping people find work that truly aligns with who they are. He’s also the host of the Clocking Out podcast and author of the book Clocking Out. About the Episode: In this conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Raymond Lee for a powerful discussion on what it really means to be growth ready. Raymond shares why authenticity became the turning point in his life, how curiosity helped him move through fear, and why so many high-performers stay stuck in careers that look successful on the outside but feel misaligned on the inside. Key Takeaways: What “growth ready” means through the lens of authenticityWhy authenticity builds trust, connection, and leadership impactRaymond’s identity shift in December 2021Curiosity as a companion to authentic growthFear of change vs. the pain of staying the sameThe story behind the Clocking Out podcastRaymond’s mother’s career change into archaeology at age 50Why meaningful change starts with small steps“Lead with yes” as a practical mindset for reinventionAsking better questions: What excites me? What brings value?Using your story to help others find their true pathResources: CareerMindsClocking Out podcastClocking Out book by Raymond LeeFinding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David KesslerRaymond Lee on LinkedInSend a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    55 min
  2. Episode 309: Live With More Clarity Even When Life Gets Hard w/ Alison Hadden

    MAR 6

    Episode 309: Live With More Clarity Even When Life Gets Hard w/ Alison Hadden

    This special archive episode takes us back to summer 2020, when Steve Mellor interviewed Alison Hadden for his Women Changing the World series. What he only learned afterward was that Alison had found out just one day earlier that her cancer had returned and was terminal. She never mentioned it during the conversation. Instead, she spoke with clarity, strength, and intention about leadership, resilience, and living like there is no time to waste. Alison passed away in January 2022, but her message continues to inspire anyone seeking to live with more purpose, courage, and gratitude. About the Guest: Alison Hadden was a sales and marketing leader, athlete, and founder of the No Time to Waste Project. She built her career at high-growth companies including Active, Glassdoor, and Mindbody, and became known for her energy, leadership, and purpose-driven approach to life. After facing cancer, she turned her experience into a mission to help others live with greater gratitude, joy, and urgency. About the Episode Steve revisits a conversation first released when the podcast was still called Career Competitor. Part of the Women Changing the World series, this interview stands out for Alison’s remarkable presence and perspective in the face of devastating news. Rather than focusing on her diagnosis, Alison shared a message that still resonates: live with intention, lead with courage, and don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter. Key Takeaways: Leadership through adversityThe athlete mindset in business and lifeGrit, resilience, and perspectiveCancer, identity, and transformationGratitude, joy, and human connectionLiving with urgency and intentionLinks and Resources No Time to Waste Projectnotimetowasteproject.comSend a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    40 min
  3. Episode 308: COACHES CORNER: Raise Your Floor, Not Just Your Goals w/ Steve Mellor

    FEB 25

    Episode 308: COACHES CORNER: Raise Your Floor, Not Just Your Goals w/ Steve Mellor

    Most high performers chase ceilings: bigger goals, more revenue, bigger stages. Steve argues that what actually determines whether you feel steady in the moments that matter is your floor, your daily standards, mindset, and behaviors when no one is watching. He breaks down how “growth resistance” shows up subtly (protecting identity, reputation, competence), and why the path forward isn’t hype or intensity… it’s alignment. Key takeaways: Goals as “ceilings” vs. standards as your “floor”Why pressure exposes weak foundations (even when you look prepared)Effort vs. standards: the difference between looking ready and being ready“Growth resistant” behavior: protecting identity after failureGrowth resilience: treating failure as data and adjusting standardsMicrosoft / Satya Nadella “learn-it-all vs know-it-all” as a standards shiftAlignment over intensity: raising your floor to match rising stakesReflection prompt: “What is my floor right now—and is it built for what I’m pursuing?”Links & resources mentioned Satya Nadella / Microsoft culture shift (learn-it-alls vs know-it-alls) Send a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    14 min
  4. Episode 307: Stop Managing Time. Start Managing Energy with Clint Rahe

    FEB 18

    Episode 307: Stop Managing Time. Start Managing Energy with Clint Rahe

    If you’re a high performer, leader, or founder… chances are your calendar is stacked, your brain is overloaded, and you’re trying to ‘push through’ like that’s the job. Today’s guest, Clint Rahe, former Royal Air Force PTI turned executive coach and author of The Cognitive Athleteworks with C-suite leaders who should be in their peak years… but instead are burnt out, exhausted, and running on empty. In this episode, you’ll learn how to sustain high performance without paying for it with your health, your focus, or your family. We’re breaking down cognitive periodizationhow to create seasons in business how to use micro-recovery to reduce stress between meetings, how to protect deep work, and how to set boundaries that actually stick. Key takeaways -Knowledge workers as cognitive athletes (and why overload kills learning) -Burnout at the top: why leaders hit their “peak years” exhausted -Cognitive periodization: creating “seasons” in business where none exist -Recovery that actually works (micro-breaks, active recovery, energy resets) -The “letdown effect” (why people get sick right after pressure ends) -Energy management vs. time management -Saying no strategically (deep work vs shallow work) -Practical leadership habits: 15-minute daily planning + end-of-day review -Meeting hygiene: 25-min meetings, breaks, and better transitions -Circadian rhythms + scheduling work that fits your energy Links & resources mentioned -Clint’s website: thecognitiveathlete.com.au -Clint on LinkedIn (best place to connect) -Clint’s weekly newsletter (Wednesdays) Clint’s podcast (short episodes, Mondays) -Book: The Cognitive Athlete (US availability mentioned as Feb 27 on Amazon) -Microsoft Human Factors Lab research mentioned (EEG + breaks between meetings) -Amazon meeting practice referenced (reading memo at start) #GrowthReady #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoach #BurnoutRecovery #ProductivityHacks  Send a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    50 min
  5. Episode 306: Leading with Truth: How Betsy Cerulo Builds Growth from the Heart

    FEB 11

    Episode 306: Leading with Truth: How Betsy Cerulo Builds Growth from the Heart

    About the Guest: Betsy Cerulo is a seasoned entrepreneur, federal contractor, and accessibility advocate with over 36 years of leadership experience. She is the CEO of an organization specializing in accessibility staffing and services, supporting blind, deaf, and neurodivergent communities. Betsy is also an author, mentor, and champion for heart-centered leadership grounded in truth, accountability, and compassion. In this powerful GrowthReady conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Betsy Cerulo to explore what it really means to be growth ready in today’s volatile, uncertain environment. Together, they unpack why truth, awareness, and flexibility are non-negotiable leadership skills, how to lead people through uncertainty without false reassurance, and why heart-centered leadership doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Betsy also shares lessons from building a 36-year business, launching a complementary accessibility technology venture, and investing in long-term trust instead of chasing quick wins. This episode is a masterclass in earned confidence, ethical leadership, and sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: What it truly means to be growth readyTruth as a leadership practice (not a personality trait)Heart-centered leadership vs. “kumbaya leadership”Leading teams through uncertainty and fearAccountability, boundaries, and compassionNavigating unknowns without false certaintyBuilding trust and “reserves” over decadesWhy patience beats “get rich quick” thinkingIntentional networking for introverted leadersAccessibility, advocacy, and inclusive leadershipSend a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    46 min
  6. Episode 305: Build Unbreakable Health Standards Without Sacrificing Life w/ Luke DePron

    FEB 4

    Episode 305: Build Unbreakable Health Standards Without Sacrificing Life w/ Luke DePron

    About the Guest: Luke DePron is a health and performance coach and the founder of The Fitment Project, where he helps high-performing men reclaim their health, energy, and confidence without extreme fitness tactics or unrealistic routines. Luke is known for his pragmatic, psychology-first approach to fitness helping clients build identity-based habits, minimum effective standards, and sustainable systems that integrate seamlessly into real life, careers, and family responsibilities. About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Luke DePron to unpack why most driven professionals fail at health and how to finally make it stick. Luke explains why success isn’t about motivation, 30-day challenges, or doing more but about setting guaranteed minimum standards, upgrading identity, and respecting the seasons of life you’re actually in. They dive deep into how confidence is built through competence, why unrealistic goals quietly destroy self-belief, and how leaders can integrate fitness into their lives without sacrificing family, performance, or sanity. This conversation reframes health not as another pressure but as the foundation that unlocks the next level of leadership and performance. Takeaways: Building confidence through competence, not motivationThe power of guaranteed minimum standardsBeginner mindset and lowering the barrier to entryWhy “doing more” often backfires for high performersIdentity-based decision making (Fit Dad, Fit Leader)Avoiding the all-or-nothing fitness trapIntegrating health into real life, travel, and familySeasons of life and sustainable performanceHealth as the foundation of elite leadershipLong-term systems vs short-term intensityResources Mentioned The Fitment Project – https://fitmentproject.comLuke DePron on LinkedIn (mentioned as primary social platform)Send a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    49 min
  7. Episode 304: Stop Being “Chaos Ready”: Build a Business That Can Handle Real Growth with Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

    JAN 28

    Episode 304: Stop Being “Chaos Ready”: Build a Business That Can Handle Real Growth with Dr. Alexa D’Agostino

    About the guest: Dr. Alexa D’Agostino is a “doctor of marketing” and founder/operator who’s built and scaled multiple businesses. She’s known for blending sharp performance marketing thinking with operational reality, systems, metrics, team structure, and the mindset required to scale without breaking. She also runs an invite-only mastermind built around proximity to high-level operators and coaches. About the episode: Most leaders say they want growth, more revenue, more clients, more recognition but Dr. Alexa D’Agostino calls out the uncomfortable truth: many businesses aren’t growth ready… they’re chaos ready. In this conversation, Steve and Alexa unpack what “growth ready” really means when pressure hits: clean systems, clear roles, scalable offers, and metrics that matter. Key topics: “Growth ready” vs. “chaos ready” (and why most businesses are the latter)Why scaling exposes problems instead of fixing themThe non-negotiables: systems, lanes, people, and a scalable offerMetrics that matter (CPA, LTV) vs. vanity metrics (likes/followers)Delegation, automation, and building a machine that works without youFailure: not the fear of it, but the avoidance of what you already know must changeCuriosity as interrogation: using fear as dataMindset as an operating system and why it must be upgradedThe role of environment: outgrowing people, protecting energy, and choosing alignmentIntegrity under pressure: the gap between stated values and calendar realityLinks and resources mentioned Dr. Alexa D’Agostino: https://alexadagostino.com/Social handle mentioned: “Dr. Alexa D’Agostino” (on most platforms)Send a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    51 min
  8. Episode 303: Take Bold Action Even When You’re Not Ready with Rebecca Mountain

    JAN 21

    Episode 303: Take Bold Action Even When You’re Not Ready with Rebecca Mountain

    About the Guest: Rebecca Mountain is a high-performance coach, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of the Mountain Method. With an electrifying story of transformation, from growing up in a cult to becoming a leader in personal development, Rebecca helps people eliminate the “knowing-doing gap” so they can unlock success in work, life, and love. Episode Summary: Rebecca shares her journey from escaping a cult to becoming a renowned coach and author. Together, they unpack the myth of “readiness,” how to turn excuses into launch pads, and the practical frameworks Rebecca uses to help clients bridge the gap between knowing and doing. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentionality, and building self-trust, packed with actionable insights for leaders, high performers, and anyone facing big changes. Key Topics Discussed The myth of “readiness” and why you’re never truly readyRebecca’s story: leaving a cult and rebuilding from scratchExcuses vs. launch pads: using adversity as fuelThe power of self-trust and finding your “why”Frameworks for high performance: beliefs, decisive action, habitsThe knowing-doing gap and how to close itEmotional resilience and the real role of emotions in leadershipPractical strategies to move from thought to actionLinks & Resources Mentioned Rebecca’s websiteFollow Rebecca on socials: @bexmountainThe Mountain Method: Learn more about her 100 Days to Peak Performance programBrendan Burchard's High Performance Habits (referenced framework)#GrowthMindset #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #SelfTrust Send a text Support the show Connect with Steve Mellor Stay connected and keep growing with Steve: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor Book Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.com Support the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163 Connect with GrowthReady Join the community and keep your growth journey going: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellor Official Website - https://growthready.com/ ---- This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

    57 min
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5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

What does it mean to be ready to pursue growth? Should we pursue growth when we don't feel ready? And how do we achieve optimal growth by readying ourselves for everything that comes with it? The Growth Ready Podcast seeks to form a true appreciation for all facets of the growth process as we learn from high performers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Hosted by Steve Mellor, a seasoned high-performance executive coach and former US Olympic swim coach, each episode explores the pivotal moments that define true growth and the work that went into getting ready for it. Through candid conversation and detailed personal accounts, guests share their unique experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing transformation, and what it takes to get ready for every step of their growth journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Steve Mellor
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    254
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GrowthReady Podcast
  • Show Website
    GrowthReady Podcast