GrowthReady Podcast

Coach Steve Mellor

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

    5D AGO

    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 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 ...

    51 min
  2. 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 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 ...

    57 min
  3. Episode 302: How Obsession (Not Goals) Unlocks Your Growth with Alan Franks

    JAN 14

    Episode 302: How Obsession (Not Goals) Unlocks Your Growth with Alan Franks

    About the Guest: Alan Franks is a financial planner, entrepreneur, speaker, and the author of Empowered Money. With 15+ years of experience helping individuals align their finances with their fullest lives, Alan’s obsession is clear: helping people take ownership of their money so they can show up more fully in every other part of life. His approach fuses strategy, psychology, and leadership, making him not just a financial advisor, but a true change agent. Episode Summary: In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Alan Franks to kick off the year with a conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about goal-setting, obsession, and high performance. They explore how true growth doesn’t start with external goals, it starts with internal alignment and personal integrity. Key Topics & Takeaways: Obsession vs. Goals: Why real results require focusThe role of personal integrity in performanceFinancial planning as a tool for freedom, not restrictionHow to lead even if you're not in a “leadership” roleThe importance of tracking and manual awarenessCreating internal alignment to prepare for external successEmbracing playfulness amidst high performance cultureBuilding systems that allow space, health, and joyLinks & Resources Mentioned Alan’s book: Empowered-Money.comFree Financial Plan: Available via Empowered-Money.comBusiness Valuation Tool: TheBusinessPlanningInstitute.comBook Mentioned: The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. WattlesBook Mentioned: The Gap and the Gain by Dan SullivanBook Mentioned: The One Thing by Gary KellerMovie Referenced: City SlickersSend 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
  4. Episode 301: Unlock Calm, Clarity & Purpose, Even If Your Mind Never Slows Down w/ Benedict Beaumont

    JAN 7

    Episode 301: Unlock Calm, Clarity & Purpose, Even If Your Mind Never Slows Down w/ Benedict Beaumont

    About the Guest: Benedict Beaumont is a breathwork facilitator, transformational teacher, and guide who helps high-performers reconnect with their inner wisdom, emotional clarity, and personal potential, all through the accessible yet powerful practice of breathwork. Benedict’s journey spans childhood asthma, personal resistance, deep self-discovery, and an eventual awakening through breath practice. Today, his teachings integrate somatic experience with spiritual grounding, making breathwork practical for leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday humans seeking direction, healing, and growth. In this deeply experiential conversation, Steve and Benedict explore how breathwork can reveal clarity, unlock inner strength, and reconnect us to the parts of ourselves we often neglect. Benedict shares his personal story — from asthma and avoidance to transformation and purpose — and guides listeners through a powerful breathwork session designed to slow the mind, heighten awareness, and illuminate the decisions we’ve been wrestling with. Key Topics & Themes The link between how we breathe and how we show up in life.Why high-performers resist what’s best for them — and how to overcome it.Breathwork as a tool for decision-making clarity.How childhood experiences shape adult resistance and trust.The relationship between spirituality, inner wisdom, and breath.Why neglecting your relationship with yourself has profound consequences.The “journey from the head to the heart” — and how breath bridges the gap.How breathwork simplifies what we tend to complicate.Building trust with yourself, the universe, God, or whatever you believe in.Resources Mentioned Benedict Beaumont’s Breathwork Trainings & ResourcesBreathwork practice guidelines mentioned during the sessionSend 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 ...

    58 min
  5. Episode 300: Belief, Effort, and the Willingness to Say Yes with Pat Fellows

    12/31/2025

    Episode 300: Belief, Effort, and the Willingness to Say Yes with Pat Fellows

    About the Guest: Pat Fellows is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and co-founder of Fresh Junkie Racing, one of the leading endurance event organizations in the southeastern United States. With decades of experience in coaching, hospitality, music, and large-scale race production—including the iconic Louisiana Marathon—Pat is known for his relentless “say yes and figure it out” mindset. His story is a masterclass in belief, resilience, and execution without certainty. About the Episode: This milestone 300th episode of the GrowthReady Podcast is an unfiltered, in-person conversation between Steve Mellor and longtime friend Pat Fellows. Together, they unpack what it actually means to be growth ready—especially when there’s no proof, no roadmap, and plenty of reasons to say no. From building massive endurance events with zero precedent to swimming 34 miles without ever questioning if it was possible, Pat shares how belief is formed through action, effort, and conviction—not confidence or certainty. This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performers who feel stuck waiting for permission, clarity, or evidence before taking the next step. Key Topics & Themes What it really means to be Growth ReadyThe power of a “yes-first” mindsetBelief built through capability and effort, not outcomesWhy waiting for proof keeps people stuckSaying yes when everything tells you noLeading through uncertainty and self-doubtMental toughness, depression, and momentumWhy execution beats confidence every timeHow high-performers get “unstuck”Reframing fear as fuel Resources Mentioned Fresh Junkie RacingLouisiana MarathonEndurance training & event production insightsSend 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
  6. Episode 299: Transform Your Life, Even If You’ve Been Stuck for Years w/ Justin Burgess

    12/24/2025

    Episode 299: Transform Your Life, Even If You’ve Been Stuck for Years w/ Justin Burgess

    About the Guest : Justin Burgess is a Louisiana-based insurance entrepreneur, health advocate, and rising voice in the fitness and performance world. After spending years stuck in mediocrity, overweight, unhealthy, and settling for a corporate life, Justin radically transformed his body, mindset, and career. He lost 60 pounds, rebuilt his confidence, and launched his own brokerage with a mission built on transparency, effort, and people over profits. Episode Summary: In this energizing, relatable conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with insurance entrepreneur and fitness-driven high performer Justin Burgess to unpack what personal growth really looks like when you decide you've had enough of your own excuses. Justin shares the story of going from complacent and unhealthy to losing 60 pounds, rebuilding his confidence, launching his own business, and reshaping his entire identity as a leader, father, and husband. He breaks down the power of community, discipline, transparency, and choosing to “bet on yourself”, even when doubt follows you into every new opportunity. Key Takeaways: The moment Justin realized he was living below his potentialLosing 60 pounds and rebuilding confidenceHow fitness unlocked growth in business and relationshipsCommunity, vulnerability, and doing hard things with othersThe patience required in relationship-driven industriesBuilding a personal brand with transparencyThe “people over profits” philosophyBetting on yourself and saying yes before you’re readyLinks & Resources Mentioned Justin Burgess — LinkedInJustin’s Socials: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, FacebookSend 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
  7. Episode 298: Build a Growth Mindset That Thrives in Constant Change with Tim Cakir

    12/17/2025

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

    12/10/2025

    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
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.