GrowthReady Podcast

Coach Steve Mellor
  • 5.0 (65)
  • 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 298: Build a Growth Mindset That Thrives in Constant Change with Tim Cakir

    6D AGO

    Episode 298: Build a Growth Mindset That Thrives in Constant Change with Tim Cakir

    About the Guest: Tim Cakir is the Founder of AI Operator and a seasoned growth leader with over a decade of experience spanning growth marketing, executive leadership, and AI enablement. Formerly a CEO leading teams of 100+ people, Tim now focuses on helping companies and individuals adopt an AI-first mindset rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and intentional decision-making. He’s also a Growth Mentor, global operator, and vocal advocate for navigating permanent change with love over fear. About the Episode: In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Tim Cakir to explore what it truly means to be growth ready in an era of permanent change, especially as AI continues to reshape how we work, think, and lead. Key Takeaways: What “permanent change” really means in the AI eraGrowth mindset vs. fixed mindset in high performersCuriosity as a leadership advantageLove vs. fear as a decision-making frameworkWhy experimentation beats perfectionDecision journals and intentional decision-makingAvoiding consumption paralysis (consume → create)Using AI to remove friction and reclaim focusMental health, panic attacks, and presenceLeading yourself before leading othersLinks & Resources Mentioned AI OperatorThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizTools referenced: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, voice notes, AI agentsSend us 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 ...

    56 min
  2. Episode 297: From Fixing Laundromats to Building a $100M Empire: Why 'Why Not?' Changes Everything w/ Sardor Umrdinov

    DEC 10

    Episode 297: From Fixing Laundromats to Building a $100M Empire: Why 'Why Not?' Changes Everything w/ Sardor Umrdinov

    About the Guest: Sardor Umrdinov is a serial entrepreneur, founder, and ecosystem builder who went from growing up in Uzbekistan without basic resources — including a refrigerator — to running one of the largest appliance repair companies in the U.S., plus a rapidly scaling multi-business ecosystem. Sardor’s story is defined by relentless curiosity, extreme accountability, and a willingness to enter every new room before he feels ready. He’s a master of creating scalable structures, building internal accountability systems, and empowering teams to solve problems at the highest level. He hosts the Founder to Founder podcast, interviewing leaders building $100M–$1B companies. Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Steve Mellor and serial entrepreneur Sardor Umrdinov break down the mindset, discipline, and structure required to scale yourself and your business far beyond what you think you’re capable of. Sardor shares how growing up with constant discomfort — new languages, new environments, new failures — taught him to build readiness through action, not delay. He explains how he built an accountability “ecosystem,” why success requires a 360° support system, and how he scaled from technician to industry leader by solving bigger and bigger problems. This episode is a masterclass in growth for founders, leaders, and high performers who want to build momentum, expand capacity, and craft a structure that makes success inevitable. Key Takeaways: Why readiness is built through action, not preparationSardor’s childhood in Uzbekistan & early resilienceLeaving comfort zones repeatedly to develop identityBreaking down long-term goals into daily disciplineBuilding a 360° ecosystem of accountabilityHow internal “micro-boards” strengthen company growthThe 1–3–1 problem-solving rule for teamsWhy entrepreneurs should love big problemsBringing spouses into long-term vision planningBuilding companies designed to last 300 yearsCuriosity as a superpower in the AI eraSend us 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 ...

    47 min
  3. Episode 296: Relentless Resilience Even If You Feel Broken w/ Dr. John King

    DEC 3

    Episode 296: Relentless Resilience Even If You Feel Broken w/ Dr. John King

    About the Guest: Dr. John A. King is a poet, author of 27 books, speaker, former executive, and trauma-focused performance strategist who helps high-achieving leaders confront the internal battles they’ve spent a lifetime avoiding. Known for his blunt honesty, deep compassion, and the Finnish concept of sisu—“white-knuckled courage in the face of overwhelming odds”—John teaches others how to build “relentless resilience” from the inside out. His upcoming fiction thriller Sins of the Father continues his mission of transforming pain into purposeful creative work. Episode Summary: In this raw, deeply human conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. John A. King to explore the real meaning of growth: facing yourself. Not the polished, curated, high-performance version of yourself — but the unfiltered, uncomfortable truth you’ve avoided for years. John shares the moment his past crashed into his present (“Johnageddon”), how he rebuilt his identity from the inside out, and why most people never stop long enough to actually ask: Who am I? And what do I truly want? From trauma, resilience, morning routines, authenticity, performance myths, and redefining success, this episode is part gut punch, part wake-up call — especially for leaders who want to grow without losing themselves. Takeaways: The real meaning of relentless resilience and sisuWhy men struggle to confront their internal worldThe myth of the “performance mindset” industryAuthenticity vs. living from the outside inHow trauma masquerades as drive and ambitionThe hidden cost of success without self-awarenessBuilding rules & habits that stabilize your lifeWhy rejection doesn’t sting when you’re at peace with yourselfLetting your past refine you — not define youThe daily work of becoming someone you actually enjoy being with Links & Resources Mentioned Dr. John A. King — Website: https://drjohnaking.comMindFire Challenge (Free 5–6 Week Program)SociaSend us 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 ...

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 295: Ask Better Questions Even If You’re Afraid of Not Having the Answers with Jen Mueller

    NOV 26

    Episode 295: Ask Better Questions Even If You’re Afraid of Not Having the Answers with Jen Mueller

    About the guest: Jen Mueller is a veteran sports broadcaster with more than 20 years on NFL and MLB sidelines, including as the longtime team reporter for the Seattle Seahawks. She’s known for her mastery of strategic communication, her ability to build trust in seconds inside high-stakes locker rooms, and her signature method of crafting powerful, specific questions that unlock honest, meaningful conversations. Through her platform Talk Sporty to Me, Jen teaches leaders, teams, and high performers how to communicate with the confidence, clarity, and intentionality of elite athletes. About the episode: In this GrowthReady conversation, Jen Mueller pulls back the curtain on what 25 years inside professional locker rooms taught her about confidence, communication, and high performance. She and Steve explore how leaders can ask better questions, stack daily wins, build trust quickly, and show up intentionally, even when you feel unprepared or overwhelmed. Jen shares her “bubble gum moments,” her 60–90-second rule for meaningful conversations, and the surprising mindset shift that helped her grow in an environment that wasn’t always welcoming. This episode will resonate with anyone navigating discomfort, wanting to communicate with more impact, or trying to build confidence day by day. Takeaways:  Why not having all the answers is key to growthHow Jen builds trust with elite athletes in under 90 secondsThe power of specific questions vs. broad open-ended onesHow to journal like a high performer using Jen’s 5 post-game categories“Bubble gum moments”, stacking small intentional winsUsing time as your ultimate performance metricBuilding confidence before opportunities arriveHow leaders can communicate like pro athletesPreparing for moments long before anyone is watchingOwning your voice and not opting out of conversationsLinks and Resources: Talk Sporty To MeJen Mueller on social: @TalkSportyToMeJen Mueller on LinkedIn: Jen Mueller (Talk Sporty To Me)Send us 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 294: Unlock Your True Purpose Even If You’ve Tried Everything Before with Paul Davis

    NOV 19

    Episode 294: Unlock Your True Purpose Even If You’ve Tried Everything Before with Paul Davis

    About the guest: Paul Davis is a business strategist, intuitive consultant, author, and expert in aligning leaders with their unconscious blueprint to unlock purpose, direction, and fulfillment. With decades of experience turning companies around and guiding high-performers toward meaningful clarity, Paul blends business acumen with deep intuitive insight to help people uncover who they truly are and what they are meant to do. About the episode: In this powerful conversation, Paul Davis takes us far deeper than traditional conversations about “purpose” and “passion.” He explains why so many leaders unknowingly pursue the wrong goals, repeat the same unfulfilling cycles, and operate on beliefs that work against them. Paul breaks down how intuition, often ignored or misunderstood, is actually the key to discovering our unconscious blueprint and uncovering what we’re truly here to do. Together, we explore how to align with authenticity, why hunger is the RESULT of inner work (not the starting point), and how high performers can finally find clarity that sticks. Takeaways: Why hunger is a byproduct of clarity, not the starting pointThe difference between passion, purpose, and your unconscious “quest”How intuition actually works, and why most people misinterpret itThe role of beliefs and how they quietly limit successHow to sense the difference between intuition and rational thinkingWhy following what “everyone else is doing” leads to burnout and misalignmentAuthenticity as expressing your “genius oneness” rather than mimicking othersHow business owners can build differently by trusting their intuitive blueprintThe value of handwriting, meditation, and self-reflection in unlocking insightResources Mentioned: Paul’s website - https://davisbusinessconsultants.com/Paul’s books - https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Snakes-Ladders-Game-Life-ebook/dp/B0FXS3HSS7Reference to Les BrownSend us 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 ...

    52 min
  6. Episode 293: Build Real Wealth Without Burning Out with Lane Kawaoka

    NOV 12

    Episode 293: Build Real Wealth Without Burning Out with Lane Kawaoka

    About the guest: Lane Kawaoka is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Wealth Elevator, a platform dedicated to helping high-net-worth individuals and business owners move beyond traditional investing. A former engineer turned full-time investor, Lane has built a multimillion-dollar portfolio through alternative investments and has built a thriving community that connects accredited investors to real opportunities. About the episode: In this episode of GrowthReady, host Steve Mellor sits down with Lane Kawaoka, a former engineer who traded his stable career for financial freedom through smart investing and community building. Lane shares his journey from buying his first rental property in 2009 to now leading a network of accredited investors and entrepreneurs focused on growing wealth outside the traditional stock market. You’ll hear Lane’s insights on the internal vs. external factors that drive growth, why curiosity and humility matter more than ever in business, and how community, not isolation, is the ultimate currency of the wealthy. This conversation is packed with practical mindset shifts for high performers looking to scale not just their income, but their impact. Takeaways: How to know when it’s time to change what got you hereWhy curiosity is the secret growth advantage for leadersThe importance of community and structured connectionHow Lane transitioned from engineer to full-time entrepreneurThe difference between external market shifts and internal growthThe “wealth elevator” framework for building true financial freedomWhy social relationships, not money, are the real currency of successHow to stay grounded while scaling to 8 figures and beyondConnect with Lane: Lane’s Book: The Wealth Elevator – Available on AmazonLane’s Podcast: The Wealth ElevatorSend us 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 ...

    47 min
  7. Episode 292: Redefine Your Identity and Achieve Unreasonable Growth with Dr. Nona Djavid

    NOV 5

    Episode 292: Redefine Your Identity and Achieve Unreasonable Growth with Dr. Nona Djavid

    Most leaders set goals that feel safe, but safe goals don’t create transformation. In this episode, Dr. Nona Djavid shares how to rewire your brain, expand your identity, and design a vision so bold it scares you, then make that vision feel safe enough to live. We break down her 4-step framework for unreasonable growth, the neuroscience behind identity change, and how to become the person your next chapter requires. About the Guest: Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and mindset strategist helping high-performing leaders and business owners design “unreasonable” visions and scale their results without burnout. Through her Unreasonable Method™ and neuroscience-backed frameworks, she teaches individuals to expand their identity, align behaviors, and achieve quantum leaps in life and business. About the Episode: In this GrowthReady episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. Nona Djavid to explore how to go beyond SMART goals and design the life you truly want by thinking, and being bigger. Nona shares her four-step framework for turning “unreasonable” visions into grounded realities, explaining how our nervous system, identity, and behaviors all shape what we believe is possible. This episode unpacks the neuroscience behind change, the difference between realistic and transformative goals, and why your current identity might be holding you back from the future you’re capable of creating. The 3 types of goals: SMART, Inspired, and UnreasonableWhy your nervous system resists big goals (and how to reprogram it)The science of identity expansionThe role of embodiment in achieving successBalancing safety and stretch in your visionWhy behavior consistency starts with who you believe you areHow to set goals that pull you forward instead of pushing you to burnoutLinks & Resources Mentioned Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on Instagram: @drnonadjavidWatch Dr. Nona’s free 90-minute Quantum Leap Workshop (DM her “Quantum Leap” on Instagram to get the link)Book Recommendation: UnSend us 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 ...

    47 min
  8. Episode 291: How to Build Founder Confidence When No One Believes in You with Anya Cheng

    OCT 29

    Episode 291: How to Build Founder Confidence When No One Believes in You with Anya Cheng

    About the Guest: Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's. Taelor’s mission is to help people dress up to achieve their goals, whether it's for a job interview, date night, or big presentation, because looking good shouldn’t be a barrier to success. About the Episode: In this episode, host Steve Mellor talks with Anya Cheng about her leap from corporate exec to founder of Taelor.AI. She shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, bootstrapped with limited resources, and turned repeated “no’s” into millions in funding. If you’re building something big and feeling unseen, this one’s for you. Takeaways: From imposter syndrome to self-beliefShifting from employee to entrepreneur mindsetGrowing with limited resourcesTurning rejection into opportunityTaelor.AI: using AI to boost confidenceNetworking through loose tiesCircular fashion & sustainable techRedefining success on your own termsExperience effortless style with rental and personal styling services: Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription. Use code: PODCAST25 Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membership Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription. Use code: ArmoirexTaelor Sign up at: https://www.armoire.style/refer/ArmoirexTaelor Give the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style: Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFF Use code: PODCASTGIFT Purchase at: https://taelor.style/products/menswear-rental-gift-card Send us 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 ...

    53 min
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5
out of 5
65 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 GrowthReady Podcast
  • Show Website
    GrowthReady Podcast

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