Let Me Speak To A Manager

Ian Mathews and Frank Cava
  • 5.0 (175)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We all want to grow our career or business, but yet we feel stuck, stagnant, and unable to push through the glass ceiling. Welcome to Let Me Speak To A Manager with Frank Cava and Ian Mathews, a podcast that is dedicated to teaching what it takes to build wealth and have fun doing it! Frank and Ian share entertaining business triumphs and failures that are both relatable and actionable. At times eloquent and succinct, and at other points blunt and obnoxious, this is their unique riff on the big questions they had early in their careers. Learn golden nuggets as they talk about standing out in a company, leading people, building cultures, persuasion, marketing, management, and building businesses from scratch. Light on theory and heavy on practical experience, they weave personal, and often humorous, stories from their collective 50 years of business experience. Frank Cava is an executive coach and the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies. Over his 25-year career, he has built and renovated more homes than tickets sold in an entire season by his Miami Dolphins. During his run from a Fortune 500 to founding Cava Companies, Frank led dozens of teams and built a reputation as a no-nonsense business consultant for small business owners and CEOs. Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy. He is also the CRO of the technology startup Keep Technologies, a featured writer for Forbes, and a prolific capital raiser. In 2018, Ian retired from corporate America after serving two decades as a senior executive for two Fortune 500 companies, while moonlighting as an advisor for a tech startup with a $28-million exit. Ian’s daily newsletter is followed by more fans than you will find at home games of his beloved Detroit Lions. Together, Frank and Ian will help you build a better success mindset, tackling topics from how to get a job, how to ask for a raise, landing a promotion, deciding when to leave your company, starting a business, leading people, becoming a better first-time manager, overcoming doubt and procrastination, and many more. Whether you’re trying to climb up the career ladder, raise money for a corporation, or starting your own business, Frank and Ian’s unique, valuable, and relevant voice will help you achieve all of your goals. Join Let Me Speak To A Manager and get an inside track of how to position yourself so you can be attractive on the market.

  1. 16H AGO

    The Four Personality Styles That Determine Every Sale

    In this episode, Frank and Ian break down the most overlooked skill in sales, leadership, and communication: the ability to read people and adapt your approach. Too many salespeople, managers, and founders rely on scripts, tactics, and “best practices” without understanding who they’re actually talking to. The result? Ghosted deals, stalled conversations, frustrated teams, and missed opportunities. Frank and Ian explain why traditional sales training is failing in today’s market, why the Golden Rule doesn’t work in business, and how understanding social styles and personality types can dramatically improve sales performance, leadership effectiveness, and relationship-building. They walk through the four core social styles: Driver, Expressive, Amiable, and Analytic, and show how mismatched communication styles quietly kill deals, create tension on teams, and sabotage leadership credibility. This episode is a practical guide for anyone in sales, entrepreneurship, management, or leadership who wants to communicate more effectively, ask better questions, and close more deals without being pushy or manipulative. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern sales training focuses on the wrong things How to read people before you try to sell or lead them Why “treat people how you want to be treated” fails in business The four social styles that influence every buying decision How personality mismatches silently kill deals Why execution beats tactics when communication breaks down How great leaders adapt instead of forcing their style Why asking the right questions matters more than pitching ⏱️ Show Notes & Timestamps 00:00 – Banter and episode setup Frank and Ian set the tone and tee up a conversation about sales, leadership, and communication. 00:28 – Why sales training is broken right now Why focusing on closing tactics instead of people creates ghosting, friction, and lost deals. 01:55 – Why the Golden Rule doesn’t work in sales or leadership Treating people how you want to be treated fails when they don’t think like you. 03:40 – Selling vs. reading the room Why awareness beats scripts in high-stakes conversations. 06:15 – The cost of misreading people in business How personality mismatches quietly sabotage deals and teams. 09:20 – Introduction to social styles An overview of the four core social styles and how they show up at work. 11:18 – Driver personalities explained Fast-paced, decisive, and results-focused — and how they unintentionally steamroll others. 14:05 – Expressive personalities explained Vision-driven, energetic communicators who thrive on ideas and momentum. 17:30 – Amiable personalities explained Relationship-first thinkers who value trust, harmony, and consistency. 20:45 – Analytic personalities explained Detail-oriented decision-makers who prioritize logic, data, and process. 25:10 – Michael Jordan vs. Ted Lasso A powerful metaphor for understanding personality clashes in sales and leadership. 27:02 – If you can’t read people, nothing else matters Why social awareness is the foundation of every successful sale. 27:47 – Doing everything right and still losing the sale How better questions and adaptability create control without pressure. 29:30 – Final thoughts on adaptive leadership and communication Why great leaders learn to flex instead of forcing outcomes.

    31 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Why Most People Stay Broke: They're Too Cheap to Reinvest in Their Skills

    In this episode, Frank and Ian unpack the real return on investing in yourself through conferences, coaching, and focused mastery. What starts as classic banter turns into a grounded conversation about why most people stall out in their careers, how clarity beats overwhelm, and why narrowing your lane is the fastest path to long-term success. Frank shares how nearly a decade of attending the same conference created compounding returns, from strategic debt solutions for ADUs to high-trust relationships that only come with time and repetition. Ian reflects on his own journey, from corporate transition to finding his investing edge, and why his biggest breakthroughs always followed moments where he stopped trying to learn “on the cheap.” Together, they explore FOMO, niche dominance, long-tail thinking, and why saying no to most opportunities is the hidden skill behind outsized returns. The episode closes with a reminder that mastery is built slowly, intentionally, and by consistently reinvesting in what you do best. 00:00 Banter 01:40 Conferences, perception, and audience awareness 03:00 Why conferences feel uncomfortable (and that’s normal) 05:45 The overwhelm problem and choosing the “right” room 08:30 Why expectations determine conference ROI 09:50 How veterans actually use conferences 11:00 A real example that changed business direction 14:05 The ADU lending problem and a breakthrough conversation 17:45 Why most people stop investing in their craft 20:55 Becoming world-class by narrowing your lane 22:15 The long tail, niches, and finding your people 25:45 Lifelong learning and delayed returns 27:35 One relationship can change everything 29:30 FOMO, discipline, and saying no 31:00 Why focus beats diversification 32:40 Fake business trips and Vegas jokes 33:30 Final thoughts and closing

    35 min

  3. 11/25/2025

    How to Ask Difficult Questions Without Starting an Argument

    Summary Ian and Frank explore the nuances of communication, particularly in the context of marriage, sales, and management. They discuss the importance of assertiveness, the impact of status threats, and the effectiveness of self-deprecation and humor in easing tough conversations. The duo emphasizes the need for psychological safety and the use of accusation audits to foster open dialogue. They also highlight the significance of opt-in questions to empower others in discussions, ultimately concluding that effective communication is crucial for successful management and relationships. Takeaways Marriage is a living, breathing thing, not a noun. Assertiveness is key in uncomfortable conversations. Sales requires asking personal questions delicately. Status threats can lead to defensive reactions. Self-deprecation can ease tough conversations. Humor can lower status and create rapport. Accusation audits can diffuse tension. Creating psychological safety encourages honest feedback. Opt-in questions empower the other party. Effective communication is essential for management. Chapters 00:00 The Petty Argument: A Marriage Story 02:54 Assertiveness in Communication 05:44 Sales and Management Dynamics 08:58 Status Threats in Conversations 10:04 The Power of Self-Deprecation 12:33 Cunningham's Law in Coaching 30:15 Mastering Negotiation Tactics 35:45 The Art of Accusation Audits 39:47 Creating Psychological Safety in Conversations 44:58 Navigating Tough Feedback 50:45 The Importance of Adaptability in Management CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti. https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/ https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava https://frankcava.com/ Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title. https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/ https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572 https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

    1h 7m

  4. 11/17/2025

    21 Lessons From Warren Buffet's Retirement Letter

    In this conversation, Ian and Frank explore a variety of themes ranging from travel experiences and culinary adventures to the legacy of Warren Buffett. They discuss the importance of public speaking, the value of handwritten communication, and the lessons learned from Omaha. The conversation also delves into the significance of relationships in business, reflections on longevity and luck, and the role of cash flow in business success. As they wrap up, they emphasize the importance of humility, kindness, and the need for effective succession planning in organizations. Chapters 00:00 Travel Tales and Unexpected Adventures 02:48 Warren Buffett's Final Shareholder Letter 05:51 The Importance of Handwritten Communication 08:39 Lessons from Omaha and Relationships 11:46 The Power of Humility and Gratitude 14:41 Coca-Cola's New Coke Fiasco and PR Mastery 33:49 The Art of Humble Communication 37:25 Nostalgia and Marketing Mastery 41:15 Leadership and Legacy 44:01 Luck, Longevity, and Humility 47:01 The Weight of Responsibility 55:19 The Impact of Relative Deprivation 58:09 A Vision for the Future 59:59 Lessons from Life and Legacy CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti. https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/ https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava https://frankcava.com/ Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title. https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/ https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572 https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

    1h 18m

  5. 11/10/2025

    Abundance vs. Scarcity: Why You Benefit More From Sharing Than Hoarding Your Best Ideas And Secrets

    Episode Summary In this episode, Frank and Ian dig into the age-old entrepreneurial dilemma: when do you share your ideas, and when do you keep them close to the vest? Frank wrestles with whether to present a cutting-edge affordable dwelling unit (ADU) investment strategy to his mastermind peers — a move that could either elevate his brand or arm his competitors. Together, Ian and Frank explore how business leaders balance transparency, competition, abundance mindset, and strategic advantage. Along the way, they talk about real estate innovation, honest leadership, giving and receiving feedback, and the value of shooting people straight — even when it’s uncomfortable. This episode is a raw, candid conversation on trusting your instincts, leading with integrity, and playing the long game in both business and relationships. Show Notes & Chapters 00:00 – Dodgers, Jerseys, and Modelo Moments Frank shares a funny story from a Dodgers game — and Ian calls him out for “team-hopping.” 01:20 – The Struggle: To Share or Not to Share Frank preps for a mastermind talk and debates whether to reveal his ADU investment strategy publicly. 02:30 – Inside the Mastermind Room Frank explains who’s in the audience, the dynamic between investors and operators, and what’s at stake. 04:00 – The 12% Return Question Ian shares a conversation with a potential investor about why the deal’s strong ROI is legit — not “too good to be true.” 05:40 – Competitors, Capital, and Calculated Risks Should Frank reveal details of his financing structure, or will that open the door to copycats? 07:20 – The Opportunity in Collaboration Frank considers whether sharing could actually attract partnerships and expansion opportunities. 09:00 – Why Execution Beats Ideas Ian argues that even if others hear the idea, few will execute it with the same rigor. 10:30 – The Abundance Mindset Shift Frank and Ian discuss why there’s enough opportunity for everyone — and why fear-based decisions limit growth. 14:50 – Leadership and Scarcity in the Workplace Ian shares parallels between hoarding information in corporate settings and limiting team growth. 17:00 – Shooting People Straight Frank explains his “operating system” of honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable — and why people thank him for it. 18:50 – Radical Feedback & Real Coaching Ian breaks down why leaders must tell the truth, give direct feedback, and stop avoiding hard conversations. 22:00 – Feedback Is a Gift The duo wraps up with lessons on authenticity, leadership, and listening — featuring an unforgettable line from a mentor: “The good Lord blessed you with one mouth and two ears for a reason. Shut your mouth and listen.” Key Takeaways Protecting your ideas often stems from fear, not strategy. Execution is what separates winners from imitators. Honest feedback builds stronger teams and relationships. Abundance creates opportunity; scarcity creates isolation. Being known for integrity is the ultimate brand advantage. CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti. https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/ https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava https://frankcava.com/ Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title. https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/ https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572 https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

    35 min

  6. 11/03/2025

    "If You Lie Down With Dogs, You Wake Up With Fleas" - Lessons From The NBA's Latest Gambling Scandal

    Summary In this conversation, Ian & Frank jump into the intersection of gambling, organized crime, and sports integrity, particularly focusing on the recent NBA scandal involving players and the mafia. The guys discuss the cultural significance of gambling in America, the portrayal of the mafia in films like The Godfather, and the implications of legalized gambling on sports integrity. They reflect on the consequences of poor decisions made by athletes and the ongoing challenges of maintaining the integrity of sports in a gambling-driven environment. Takeaways Gambling has deep roots in American culture, often viewed as harmless. The Godfather movies provide a nostalgic lens on organized crime. Recent NBA scandals highlight the risks of gambling in sports. Cheating in sports undermines the integrity of the game. The mafia has historically capitalized on gambling as a vice. Legalized gambling has blurred the lines of sports integrity. Athletes face significant consequences for poor decisions related to gambling. The expansion of gambling markets increases the temptation to cheat. Maintaining the integrity of sports is crucial for their value. The future of sports may hinge on effective regulation of gambling. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gambling and the Mafia 02:53 The Godfather Movies: A Deep Dive 05:42 The Evolution of Gambling in America 08:52 NBA Scandal: Cheating and Integrity 11:53 The Consequences of Bad Decisions 14:35 The Blurred Lines of Legal Gambling 17:47 The Mafia's Adaptation to Changing Times 23:21 The Evolution of Sports Betting 25:17 The Temptation of Cheating in Sports 27:09 The Impact of Legalized Gambling on Sports 29:02 The Future of Fair Competition in Sports 33:37 The Six Stages of Entrepreneurship and Sports Integrity 38:45 The Consequences of Cheating in Sports CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti. https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/ https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava https://frankcava.com/ Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title. https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/ https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572 https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

    44 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Zig When Everyone Zags: How to Stand Out in a Copy-Paste World.

    💡 Episode SummaryIn this episode, what starts as a lighthearted chat about AI filters turns into a powerful conversation about originality, risk-taking, and what it means to build a life that actually fits you. The guys reflect on their own early career decisions — Frank choosing homebuilding over commercial construction despite ridicule, Ian walking away from engineering to pursue sales when everyone told him not to — and how those moments of going against the grain shaped everything that came next. They also unpack why conformity feels comfortable, why discomfort often signals growth, and how cultural “waves” — from fashion to business trends — reveal when it’s time to zig while everyone else is zagging. By the end, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to build a career, business, and life that are tailor-made — not mass-produced. 🧭 Key ThemesOriginality vs. Automation – Why AI-made content (and AI-made thinking) is making individuality more valuable than ever.Career Crossroads – Choosing a path that fits you, even when mentors or peers don’t understand.Comfort & Growth – How staying too close to “home” — physically or mentally — can stunt your evolution.Cultural Cycles – Why what’s “old-fashioned” often becomes revolutionary again.Significance & Variety – Two core human needs that drive our craving for purpose and difference.🧩 Memorable Moments(45:30) Frank jokes about being an “AI bot” who kept his real-life weight — proving authenticity is the new flex.(47:50) Ian vents about how LinkedIn’s turned into a scroll of sameness — “If everyone’s using the same tool to write the same thing, what are we even reading?”(49:40) Frank’s story of choosing homebuilding over the “respectable” commercial route, and getting mocked for it.(52:14) Ian’s parallel story: rejecting an engineering cubicle job to chase growth in sales.(55:40) A hilarious riff on NBA fashion — why the one player dressing like it’s 1988 would now stand out the most.(1:03:00) Frank’s stat: 80% of Americans live within 100 miles of where they grew up — and why the great innovators almost never do.(1:07:18) The banker who told Frank, “What the hell are you doing?” when he bought homes for $18K — and how that “crazy” decision became a career-defining move.

    46 min

  8. 10/06/2025

    Why Can’t We Recognize The Good Old Days Until They’re Gone? How To Step Off The Hedonic Treadmill

    Episode SummaryIan and Frank explore the fleeting nature of life’s best moments and why we so often miss them while they’re happening. From playoff baseball traditions and movie outings with their kids to nostalgic sports memories, the conversation underscores that “the good old days” aren’t just behind us—they’re happening right now. Along the way, they debate whether teams should celebrate small victories, pull in lessons from business and psychology, and remind us that presence and gratitude turn everyday moments into something worth remembering. Show NotesEpisode Highlights 0:00 — Intro banter and the setup: playoff baseball and family traditions4:52 — Frank’s mantra: “These are the good old days”8:40 — Why experiences have a shelf life: the “last time” problem13:27 — Parenting, presence, and savoring what won’t last forever17:58 — Should sports teams celebrate small wins? Or only championships?23:49 — Pop culture lessons: The Office, Breaking Bad, and NFL coaching moments30:22 — Business takeaways: why leaders should stop grading wins and celebrate progress37:05 — Hedonic adaptation: why we get used to good things too quickly41:48 — Nostalgia, goggles, and champagne: gratitude in everyday life46:35 — Closing reflections: recognizing “peak moments” in real timeKey Takeaways for Listeners Presence is everything — what feels ordinary now may become your most cherished memory later.Celebrate the small wins — in sports, business, and life, don’t wait for a championship to acknowledge progress.Traditions matter — rituals, even small ones, anchor relationships and create lasting meaning.Fight hedonic adaptation — gratitude and perspective are antidotes to taking good things for granted.Remember: “These are the good old days” — the moments worth celebrating aren’t just behind you. CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti. https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/ https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava https://frankcava.com/ Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title. https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/ https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572 https://twitter.com/ianbmathews

    42 min
See All (168)

5
out of 5
175 Ratings

About

We all want to grow our career or business, but yet we feel stuck, stagnant, and unable to push through the glass ceiling. Welcome to Let Me Speak To A Manager with Frank Cava and Ian Mathews, a podcast that is dedicated to teaching what it takes to build wealth and have fun doing it! Frank and Ian share entertaining business triumphs and failures that are both relatable and actionable. At times eloquent and succinct, and at other points blunt and obnoxious, this is their unique riff on the big questions they had early in their careers. Learn golden nuggets as they talk about standing out in a company, leading people, building cultures, persuasion, marketing, management, and building businesses from scratch. Light on theory and heavy on practical experience, they weave personal, and often humorous, stories from their collective 50 years of business experience. Frank Cava is an executive coach and the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies. Over his 25-year career, he has built and renovated more homes than tickets sold in an entire season by his Miami Dolphins. During his run from a Fortune 500 to founding Cava Companies, Frank led dozens of teams and built a reputation as a no-nonsense business consultant for small business owners and CEOs. Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy. He is also the CRO of the technology startup Keep Technologies, a featured writer for Forbes, and a prolific capital raiser. In 2018, Ian retired from corporate America after serving two decades as a senior executive for two Fortune 500 companies, while moonlighting as an advisor for a tech startup with a $28-million exit. Ian’s daily newsletter is followed by more fans than you will find at home games of his beloved Detroit Lions. Together, Frank and Ian will help you build a better success mindset, tackling topics from how to get a job, how to ask for a raise, landing a promotion, deciding when to leave your company, starting a business, leading people, becoming a better first-time manager, overcoming doubt and procrastination, and many more. Whether you’re trying to climb up the career ladder, raise money for a corporation, or starting your own business, Frank and Ian’s unique, valuable, and relevant voice will help you achieve all of your goals. Join Let Me Speak To A Manager and get an inside track of how to position yourself so you can be attractive on the market.

Information

  • Creator
    Ian Mathews and Frank Cava
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 LetMeSpeakToAManagerPodcast.com
  • Show Website
    Let Me Speak To A Manager

You Might Also Like