Game Plan Leadership

Mayner Leadership
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Game Plan Leadership, your playbook for winning in business. Hosted by award-winning leadership coach Desi Mayner, this podcast is for leaders ready to take control and lead their teams to victory. With experience from the gridiron to the boardroom, Desi shares leadership fundamentals, team transformation strategies, and high-performance habits every other week. Get practical tools and insights to communicate effectively, streamline operations, and maximize your team's potential. Subscribe now to refine your game plan and build a winning team that drives real results.

  1. 08/27/2025

    Episode #59: Leadership, Sports, and Business feat. Cole Russell

    In this conversation, Cole Russell and Desi Mayner explore the intersection of sports and leadership, discussing how experiences in athletics shape personal development and leadership skills. Desi shares his journey from being an athlete to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of accountability, communication, and teamwork. They delve into the challenges of transitioning from tactical to strategic leadership and the impact of effective leadership on teams and individuals. The discussion highlights the significance of self-leadership and the legacy that leaders can create through their influence. Takeaways: Leadership is a skill that can be learned and trained.Self-leadership is crucial for effective leadership of others.Accountability is the foundation of good leadership.Communication is key to successful leadership.Developing people into leaders is essential for team success.Culture within a team or organization is vital for cohesion.Leaders must prioritize and execute effectively.Innovation and adaptability are necessary for growth.Building relationships and trust is fundamental to teamwork.The impact of a leader extends beyond the workplace to personal lives. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: Sports and Early Lessons 04:26 Diverse Athletic Background: The Power of Multi-Sport Participation 11:24 Leadership in Sports: From Self-Leadership to Team Dynamics 20:52 Transitioning to College: The Shift from Follower to Leader 24:59 The Pressure of Performance: Balancing Leadership and Expectations 34:59 Chasing the Dream: The Path to Professional Sports 41:30 Reflecting on the Journey 43:14 Transitioning from Player to Coach 50:37 The Art of Leadership 56:36 Developing Leadership Laws 01:03:35 The Impact of Leadership 01:14:37 Key Traits of Effective Leadership 01:19:15 Introduction to Leadership Strategies 01:19:41 Engagement and Community Building 01:20:10 Call to Action for Leadership Development

    1h 21m

  2. 07/29/2025

    Episode #58: Harnessing Energy for Effective Leadership feat. Kyle Henson

    In this conversation, Kyle Henson, an energy expert, discusses the concept of energy and its significance in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of understanding energy, how it affects our daily lives, and the role it plays in effective leadership. Henson shares his personal journey of overcoming energy depletion and highlights practical strategies for managing energy, including the development of an energy acronym: Empower, Nurture, Examine, Resilience, Growth, and You. The discussion also covers the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and personal growth in leadership, providing actionable insights for listeners to enhance their energy and effectiveness as leaders. Takeaways: Energy is what we give life to.Energy can be emotional, spiritual, and physical.Leaders must be aware of their energy and its impact on others.Energy management is about understanding what drains and gains energy.Personal experiences shape our understanding of energy.Resilience is key to bouncing back from challenges.Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones.Self-care is essential for effective leadership.Reflection on personal energy is crucial for development.Energy can be trained and improved over time. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Energy: The Foundation 02:58 The Importance of Energy in Leadership 06:00 Personal Journey: Finding Purpose and Energy 08:53 Time vs. Energy: A Leadership Perspective 11:54 Training Energy: The Power of Neuroplasticity 14:53 The Energy Acronym: Empower, Nurture, Examine, Resilience, Growth, You 22:37 Nurturing Leadership: Supporting Individual Growth 23:52 Examining Mindsets: The Power of Self-Reflection 26:50 Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming Challenges 30:44 Growth Through Adversity: The Path to Self-Improvement 34:43 The Energy of Leadership: Choices and Reflections

    48 min

  3. 07/07/2025

    Episode #57: Unlocking Business Success feat. Chuck Russell

    In this insightful conversation, Desi Mayner interviews Chuck Russell, a seasoned entrepreneur, about the essential elements of running a successful small service business. They discuss the importance of vision boarding, effective business planning, and the PEST analysis framework. Chuck shares his experiences, emphasizing the need for introspection, strategic planning, and financial acumen. The conversation highlights the significance of involving key personnel in planning processes and the dynamic nature of business management. In this conversation, Desi Mayner and Chuck Russell explore the significant social and technological changes affecting businesses today, including the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of AI. They discuss strategic planning frameworks like SWOT and PEST, emphasizing the importance of understanding both internal and external factors. The conversation also delves into the role of pride and ego in leadership, highlighting the need for introspection and humility. Finally, they engage in a lightning round of quick business insights, providing actionable advice for business owners. Takeaways: Vision boarding is essential for both personal and business growth.Setting clear long-term goals helps in planning and execution.Introspection is crucial for understanding personal and business objectives.Business planning should involve key personnel for better insights.Zero-based budgeting allows for a fresh start each year.Regularly reviewing expenses can uncover unnecessary costs.Dynamic financial reporting is vital for timely decision-making.Involving management in financial planning fosters accountability.Understanding both leadership and financial acumen is key to success.PEST analysis helps in understanding external factors affecting business. Social changes like COVID-19 have reshaped business environments.Gen Z's entry into the workforce is significant for businesses.AI will impact every aspect of business operations.Management by objective helps in achieving clear goals.Comparison with others can be detrimental to business leaders.It's important to stay grounded and not believe in one's own hype.Onboarding processes are crucial for small businesses.Strong relationships with spouses can help leaders stay humble.Ego can lead to poor decision-making and lost profits.Having a clear vision is essential for business success. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business Insights 03:54 The Importance of Vision Boarding 11:53 Introspection and Goal Setting 19:55 Business Planning Essentials 27:00 Dynamic Financial Management 36:40 PEST Analysis for Business Strategy 46:39 SWOT Analysis and Management by Objectives 52:01 Effective Management Strategies 54:43 The Role of Pride and Ego in Business 01:09:29 Lightning Round: Quick Business Insights

    1h 17m

  4. 07/01/2025

    Episode #56: The Art of Leading Through Change feat. Mike Lay

    In this conversation, Desi Mayner and Mike Lay discuss the complexities of navigating transitions in leadership, particularly through a merger. Mike shares his experiences and insights on the emotional aspects of change, the importance of communication, and the need for trust and transparency within teams. They explore the challenges of leading through uncertainty, the necessity of setting clear expectations, and the value of feedback in ensuring a smooth transition. Mike emphasizes the significance of building relationships and maintaining a people-first approach during times of change, ultimately highlighting that while transitions can be daunting, they also present opportunities for growth and development. Takeaways: Transition is a broad term that encompasses various changes in leadership.Mergers can be a significant transition, requiring careful planning and execution.Emotions play a crucial role in how leaders and teams respond to change.Setting clear expectations is vital for effective communication during transitions.Trust and transparency are essential for maintaining team morale.Feedback loops help leaders understand the impact of changes on their teams.Building relationships with team members fosters loyalty and commitment.Hard conversations are necessary but can be approached with empathy and understanding.Leaders must balance the need for communication with the realities of operational changes.The human side of leadership is critical in navigating transitions successfully. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Transitions in Leadership 03:04 The Merger Journey: Challenges and Opportunities 06:00 Leading Through Change: Communication Strategies 08:55 Building Trust During Transitions 11:59 Setting Expectations and Non-Negotiables 15:05 Hard Conversations: Negotiation and Decision-Making 18:00 Evolving Leadership: Confidence in New Roles 23:28 The Importance of Leadership and Accountability 24:49 Building Deeper Relationships with Teams 26:49 Understanding Human Needs in Business 27:52 Navigating Change and Transition 30:34 Setting Expectations During Transitions 33:41 Key Plays for Successful Transitions 37:00 Lessons Learned from Transition Experiences 40:27 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Change

    47 min

  5. 06/23/2025

    Episode #55: The Intersection of Leadership and Fatherhood feat. Shon Hart

    In this engaging conversation, Desi Mayner and Shon Hart explore the intersection of leadership and fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of emotional presence, healing, and service. They discuss the challenges of balancing business and family life, the evolving role of fathers in the next generation, and practical tips for being a present and effective dad. Shon shares his journey of building the Involved Dad organization, highlighting the significance of understanding one's assignment and the impact of mentorship. The discussion culminates in a lightning round of quick insights, offering listeners actionable takeaways for their own lives. Takeaways: Chase your assignment and serve others.Emotional presence is crucial for fathers.Communication with family about work expectations is key.Balancing business and family requires intentionality.Fathers today are more involved and emotionally present.Healing is a vital part of fatherhood.Understanding your role as a father is essential.Work hard, but be present at home.Children need to know they have access to their parents.The impact of a father is felt through actions, not just words. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Shon Hart's Journey 07:06 The Birth of Involved Dad 13:07 Working with Your Spouse 19:02 Empowering the Next Generation of Fathers 27:30 Challenging Stereotypes of Fatherhood 40:24 Balancing Work and Family Life 47:08 Lightning Round: Insights on Fatherhood 51:54 Introduction to Leadership Strategies 52:19 Engagement and Community Building 52:48 Call to Action for Leadership Development

    53 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    Episode #54: Building a Mission Driven Business feat. Olivia Sanders

    In this episode of Gameplan Leadership, Desi Mayner interviews Olivia Sanders, an educator turned entrepreneur, who shares her journey of transitioning from teaching to founding a coffee company that supports special needs students. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the importance of systems and processes, and the value of developing people over merely managing tasks. Olivia emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the significance of having a clear mission in business. The conversation culminates in a lightning round where Olivia shares her insights on leadership traits, lessons learned from students, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways: Leadership requires a clear mission and vision.Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.Building relationships is key to effective leadership.Creating opportunities for special needs students is essential.Systems and processes help reinforce training and accountability.Developing people is more important than managing tasks.Having a supportive community is crucial for success.Embrace the journey and be open to pivoting when necessary.Grace and understanding are vital in leadership roles.Seek wise counsel and avoid surrounding yourself with 'yes' people. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Journey 04:09 The Challenges of Inclusion in Education 07:06 Transitioning from Teaching to Leadership 10:10 Founding a Coffee Company with a Mission 12:53 Building a Program for Transitional Skills 16:06 Navigating Vision to Execution 18:58 Leadership Lessons from Special Needs Education 24:41 Gentle Bluntness in Communication 27:32 Setting Expectations and Pre-Correcting 28:56 Developing People Over Task Management 31:56 Building Relationships and Respect in Leadership 34:36 The Importance of Systems and Processes 39:26 Lightning Round: Insights and Fun Questions 46:07 Introduction to Leadership Strategies 46:32 Engagement and Community Building 47:02 Call to Action for Leadership Development

    47 min

  7. 06/10/2025

    Episode #53: Unlocking the Power of Managed IT Services feat. Will Spence

    In this conversation, Desi Mayner and Will Spence discuss the critical role of managed IT services for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of proactive IT solutions, cybersecurity awareness, and user education. They explore the concept of tech debt, the necessity of regular hardware upgrades, and the significance of risk assessments in identifying vulnerabilities. The discussion also highlights the challenges of remote work security and the emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape, ultimately advocating for a zero trust framework and the need for managed IT service providers to ensure business safety and efficiency. In this conversation, Desi Mayner and Will Spence discuss the importance of tracking fleet vehicles, managing cybersecurity risks, and budgeting for IT security in small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). They emphasize the significance of reputation in cybersecurity, the role of AI in enhancing business productivity, and the future dynamics of AI and the workforce. The discussion also includes a rapid-fire tech round where they share insights on essential tech tools and common mistakes made by SMBs. Takeaways: Managed IT services should be proactive, not reactive.Tech debt can severely impact productivity.Regular hardware upgrades are essential for efficiency.Risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities in businesses.User education is crucial for cybersecurity awareness.Remote work poses unique security challenges.Email remains a significant attack vector for cyber threats.A zero trust framework is vital for securing remote access.Cybersecurity threats are evolving and becoming more sophisticated.Managed IT service providers are essential for small business success. GPS tracking can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency.Cyber liability insurance is becoming essential for businesses.Budgeting for IT security is crucial for SMBs.Reputation is a key concern in cybersecurity incidents.AI is underused in many businesses and can enhance productivity.Investing in technology can lead to better ROI through increased productivity.Regular risk assessments are necessary for maintaining security.Education and training of employees are vital for cybersecurity.Managed IT services can help businesses stay secure and compliant.AI can automate tasks and improve decision-making processes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Managed IT Services 02:50 Proactive IT Solutions for Small Businesses 06:06 Understanding Tech Debt and Hardware Upgrades 09:01 Risk Assessments and Cybersecurity Awareness 11:58 The Importance of User Education in Cybersecurity 15:00 Remote Work Security Challenges 18:05 Emerging Cybersecurity Threats 20:55 Email Security and User Education 23:57 Securing Mobile Devices and Vehicles 27:58 Tracking and Managing Fleet Vehicles 30:06 Cybersecurity and Risk Management for SMBs 31:03 Budgeting for IT Security 35:41 The Importance of Reputation in Cybersecurity 36:10 Rapid Fire Tech Round 37:27 The Role of AI in Business 45:08 Future of AI and Workforce Dynamics

    51 min

  8. 06/02/2025

    Episode #52: Networking is about Relationships NOT Transactions feat. Will Stiverson

    Summary: In this episode of Game Plan Leadership, Desi Mayner and networking expert Will Stiverson discuss the critical role of networking in business success. They explore effective strategies for building personal brands, the importance of community involvement, and the art of following up after networking events. Stiverson emphasizes the need for genuine connections and serving others as the foundation for successful networking. The conversation also touches on the significance of social capital and how to approach networking events with a strategic mindset. Takeaways: Networking is essential for business growth.Building personal relationships is more important than the brand.Community involvement enhances networking opportunities.Follow up with genuine interest after initial meetings.Serve others to build social capital.Consistency in networking leads to better results.Join committees to maximize networking potential.Be present and engaged in conversations.Ask open-ended questions to foster connections.Invest time in networking to see significant returns. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Networking Strategies 03:05 Defining Networking and Its Importance 06:03 Building Relationships Through Community Involvement 11:05 The Role of Personal Branding in Networking 15:03 Mindset and Approach to Networking Events 25:16 Tactical Tips for Networking Effectively 26:40 Sponsorship Opportunities and Budgeting for Networking 28:22 Building Relationships Through Networking 30:09 The Importance of Remembering Names 32:47 Staying Present in Networking Events 33:47 Following Up to Build Relationships 38:44 Time Commitment for Networking 42:15 Rapid Fire Networking Tips 48:43 Introduction to Leadership Strategies 49:08 Engagement and Community Building 49:38 Call to Action for Leadership Development

    50 min
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About

Welcome to Game Plan Leadership, your playbook for winning in business. Hosted by award-winning leadership coach Desi Mayner, this podcast is for leaders ready to take control and lead their teams to victory. With experience from the gridiron to the boardroom, Desi shares leadership fundamentals, team transformation strategies, and high-performance habits every other week. Get practical tools and insights to communicate effectively, streamline operations, and maximize your team's potential. Subscribe now to refine your game plan and build a winning team that drives real results.

Information

  • Creator
    Mayner Leadership
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mayner Leadership
  • Show Website
    Game Plan Leadership