The Athletics of Business

Ed Molitor
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Our Athletics of Business podcast provides leaders with invaluable practical lessons framed by the competitive nature of sport and life. Here we share a mindset built on the foundational belief that the skills and behaviors of high-performing teams, elite athletes, and high-impact coaches are also the key to your business success. This perspective is a direct result of Ed Molitor's experiences—as both a college athlete and a coach—that helped shape his core values: work ethic, positivity, enthusiasm, passion for life, loyalty, and commitment to relentlessly pursuing excellence.

  1. 3d ago

    The Human Side of Leadership: Building a Culture of Purpose-Driven Performance with Jeff Schaffnit

    What changes when the work you lead is deeply personal? For Jeff Schaffnit, his career in the pharmaceutical industry is directly connected to his son, Carter, who was born with severe hemophilia. That personal experience shaped not only the work Jeff chose to pursue, but the kind of leader he strives to be. In this episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor and Jeff dive into what it takes to build a culture where purpose and performance strengthen one another. Jeff shares why patient stories serve as a North Star for his team, how he evaluates talent through the lens of heart, mind, and execution, and why great teammates put the patient and the team ahead of individual recognition. He also explores the human side of leadership: building trust, calling out silos, coaching instead of simply telling, developing future leaders, creating space for vulnerability, and helping people manage their time and energy in demanding environments. As AI continues to influence healthcare and business, Jeff offers a powerful reminder: technology may change how the work gets done, but the future still belongs to leaders and organizations that keep humanity at the center.   OUR GUEST Jeff Schaffnit is the General Manager and Head of Rare Blood Disorders at Sanofi, where he leads work focused on serving patients and families impacted by rare blood disorders. With more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Jeff is known for his ability to build and inspire high-performing teams, design effective commercial organizations, and translate complex challenges into clear, pragmatic strategies that deliver results. His leadership approach combines a strong strategic lens with disciplined execution, enabling teams to perform in dynamic and highly regulated environments. His connection to this work is deeply personal. Jeff's son, Carter, was born with severe hemophilia, an experience that helped shape Jeff's career and continues to influence the way he leads. For Jeff, the mission is not abstract. It is about helping patients live fuller lives and building teams that understand the responsibility and privilege of serving them. At his core, Jeff believes that performance is built through people—through clarity, alignment, trust, and a shared commitment to purpose. And ultimately, the true measure of success is the impact that work has on patients' lives. Jeff holds an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How Jeff's son's hemophilia diagnosis shaped his career and personal mission. Why patient stories keep teams connected to the meaning behind their work. How Jeff builds culture around purpose-driven performance. Why he looks for heart, mind, and execution when building a team. What great teammates understand about collaboration, ego, and accountability. Why trust begins with listening, especially when leading new people or teams. The difference between coaching someone and simply telling them what to do. How leaders can model wellness, boundaries, and energy management. Why Jeff's team encourages people to "Find Your Five" and reclaim meaningful time. Why vulnerability has been one of Jeff's most important leadership growth areas. How leaders can transform while performing without losing sight of the human impact. Why a leader's most important job is developing the team. Why Jeff believes the future of leadership and healthcare must remain human first.   RESOURCES & LINKS  Jeff Schaffnit LinkedIn: Jeff Schaffnit Sanofi: Sanofi US Article: To Drive Value in Hematology Research, We Must Prioritize the Patient Experience   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: Ed Molitor  Website: CoEffex YouTube Channel: The Athletics of Business   TIMESTAMPS 00:01:19 What gets Jeff out of bed every morning 00:02:18 Jeff's personal connection to hemophilia 00:04:40 Why patient stories anchor the team's purpose 00:06:31 AI in healthcare and the importance of human connection 00:07:46 Building culture through heart, strategy, and execution 00:09:55 What makes someone a great teammate 00:10:53 Calling out silos and protecting the culture 00:12:51 How patient stories bring culture to life 00:16:08 The damage caused by micromanagement 00:17:06 How leaders build trust with new team members 00:24:42 Owning your mindset as a leader 00:32:20 Why vulnerability does not always come naturally 00:35:00 Why a leader's real job is developing the team 00:37:16 Development is a two-way street 00:38:28 Advice Jeff would give his younger self 00:39:54 Building meaningful networks and mentorships 00:40:50 Why the future of leadership is still human first

    42 min

  2. May 20

    From the Foxhole to the Final Four: Roadmap to Coaching Greatness with Coach Bob Starkey

    What keeps a coach grounded after more than 40 years, over 900 wins, 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, five consecutive Women's Final Fours, and a national championship? For Bob Starkey, the answer has never been about the record.  It has always been about the relationships. In this episode of The Athletics of Business Podcast, Ed Molitor is joined by one of the most respected assistant coaches in women's college basketball for a conversation about leadership, preparation, connection, and the standards that build great teams. Bob traces his coaching philosophy back to Alan Osborne, the junior high coach who invested in him not just as a player, but as a young person. From there, he shares the lessons he learned from some of the most influential leaders in sports, including Dale Brown, Don Meyer, Sue Gunter, George Raveling, Nick Saban, and John Wooden. Those lessons shaped the way Bob approaches everything: loyalty, work ethic, initiative, preparation, failure, resilience, and the daily discipline of becoming the best version of yourself. Bob also opens up about the personal journey that has shaped his leadership, including his wife Sherri's battles with MS and breast cancer, and how her attitude through adversity taught him the power of perspective, gratitude, and choosing your response every single day. From the Foxhole Test and defensive sticker helmets to journaling, rereading books, morning meditation, and the "Next Best Action" mindset, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for coaches, leaders, and anyone committed to building something real. Because great teams are not built by talent alone. They are built through trust, preparation, connection, accountability, and the people willing to stand in the foxhole with you.   OUR GUEST Bob Starkey is one of the most accomplished assistant coaches in the history of women's college basketball. He has been part of nearly 1,000 collegiate victories, 27 NCAA Tournaments, 10 Elite Eight appearances, and five consecutive Women's Final Fours. In 2023, he was part of the LSU Tigers staff that won the national championship under head coach Kim Mulkey. Bob served as acting head coach for LSU during its 2007 Final Four run and has coached at Marshall University, West Virginia State, LSU under Dale Brown, Sue Gunter, and Kim Mulkey, as well as Texas A&M under Gary Blair. He is the author of The Art of Being an Assistant Coach and publishes Hoop Thoughts, where he shares insights on coaching, leadership, and personal development. Bob is also deeply committed to community impact and serves on the board of directors for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, supporting the fight against cancer.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How a junior high coach shaped Bob Starkey's lifelong approach to leadership Why the greatest coaches measure impact through relationships, not records Lessons on leadership from Dale Brown, Don Meyer, George Raveling, Nick Saban, and John Wooden Why loyalty, work ethic, initiative, and preparation remain timeless standards How failure becomes a teacher when leaders are willing to examine it honestly Why "the process" starts with controlling today and taking the next best action How daily habits, reflection, reading, and journaling build consistency over time Why storytelling creates buy-in, belief, and deeper connection with a team What the "Foxhole Test" reveals about trust, accountability, and true teammates How transformational leadership stays rooted in connection, attitude, and hard conversations RESOURCES & LINKS  Bob Starkey Visit LSU Website to learn more about Coach Starkey - https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/coach/bob-starkey/  X (Twitter) - https://x.com/CoachBobStarkey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopcoachbobstarkey/ Hoop Thoughts Newsletter: https://hoopthoughts.blogspot.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Being-Assistant-Coach-coaching/dp/B0006QL0FM Ed Molitor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website - https://coeffex.com/podcast YouTube Channel - The Athletics of Business - https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness  Referenced: Legacy — James Kerr Atomic Habits — James Clear The Coffee Bean — Damon West & Jon Gordon The Daily Stoic / Ryan Holiday The Pyramid of Success — John Wooden

    57 min

  3. May 13

    The Power of Mentorship and Trust in Building a Championship Culture with Scott Howard

    What does it take to build a championship culture that lasts? For Scott Howard, it starts with mentorship, trust, relationships, and a commitment to putting the team above yourself. In this episode of The Athletics of Business, host Ed Molitor reconnects with longtime friend Scott Howard, currently completing his 11th season with the Denver Nuggets organization after nearly four decades in basketball, including 17 years coaching in the college game and over two decades in the NBA. At the heart of this conversation is what truly builds championship culture. Scott shares how growing up in Iowa Falls, Iowa shaped his values around humility, community, accountability, and relationships. He reflects on the mentors who changed his life, including the legendary George Raveling, Pat Riley, and Leonard Hamilton, and the lessons they taught him about leadership, trust, consistency, and serving something bigger than yourself. From stories about Pat Riley's "Core Covenant" and "Disease of Me," to George Raveling's philosophy of giving without keeping score, this episode is filled with practical leadership lessons for coaches, executives, team builders, and anyone trying to create an environment where people can thrive together. Scott also opens up about the evolution of his own leadership journey, what he learned through decades in coaching and the NBA, and why the strongest organizations are built on alignment, trust, accountability, and relationships that endure long after the scoreboard changes. If you care about leadership, mentorship, culture, and the kind of trust required to build winning teams, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.   OUR GUEST Scott Howard is completing his 11th year with the Denver Nuggets front office and his first as Director of College Scouting. He was originally hired as Director of College Scouting before the 2015-16 season. He was General Manager of the Nuggets' GLeague team, the Grand Rapids Gold from 2021-2023, and Director of Player Personnel from 2021-2025. Prior to joining the Nuggets, Howard was part of the Charlotte organization, both the Bobcats and then the Hornets, as their Director of Scouting. He spent the previous season as a scout with the Milwaukee Bucks. His next stop was with the Toronto Raptors as Director of International Player Personnel, where he was responsible for all aspects of player personnel outside of North America and coordinated player workouts ahead of the NBA Draft. He also served as a scout for the Washington Wizards from 2000-2004. Howard also spent 17 years as a collegiate coach, including seven seasons at the University of Miami, three seasons at the University of Nebraska, and one season each at Southern Illinois, Drake, and Southern California. In addition to his Nuggets career, Howard has a company called "Winning Matters Most" where he does public speaking and consulting. Howard received his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1983 from Iowa State University, where he was a two-year letterman for the basketball team. He earned his master's degree in educational administration from the University of Iowa in 1985 while serving as a volunteer assistant and graduate assistant coach.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How growing up in a small town shaped Scott's lifelong commitment to relationships, community, and giving back Why some of the hardest moments in your career can become the foundation for long-term growth What true mentorship really looks like and how it shapes who we become How George Raveling modeled generosity, curiosity, and paying it forward The difference between being motivated "to have" vs "to be" and why it changes everything Why trust is essential to building a championship culture How Pat Riley's concepts of the "Core Covenant" and the "Disease of Me" apply far beyond sports Why some of the most impactful mentors in your life may be younger than you What it means to "borrow other people's brilliance" and how humility accelerates growth How alignment, accountability, and trust shape winning teams and sustainable organizations RESOURCES & LINKS  Scott Howard LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/scott-howard-789927158/ Website - https://www.nba.com/nuggets/ Ed Molitor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website - https://coeffex.com/podcast YouTube Channel - The Athletics of Business - https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness Referenced: The Winner Within — Pat Riley Showtime — Pat Riley Unraveling George Documentary Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [01:00] Introduction to Scott Howard & his Denver Nuggets journey [03:01] Reconnecting after 20+ years [04:27] Iowa Falls: small towns, great people [08:23] Walking on at Iowa State & pursuing D1 coaching [11:44] The price: fired 3x, volunteer coaching, never quitting [12:07] Resilience & reframing through setbacks [13:32] "I'm not letting someone else define who I am." [15:20] The Unraveling George doc & Coach Raveling [17:26] Raveling: educator first, rare in coaching [20:12] Preparing coaches for life, not just the game [21:56] Losing Raveling and his mother in the same season [26:07] "I don't keep score," Raveling's most powerful line [28:47] "Never forget the bridges that got you across" [37:07] The Kevin McKinnon story: players leading players [39:11] Doing work that matters, not climbing the ladder [43:01] Pat Riley as mentor & the book that changed everything [44:00] The Winner Within: Innocent Climb & Disease of Me [45:04] Motivated "to be" vs. "to have" [50:38] The "best day" problem in pro sports [52:38] When trust breaks, the blame game starts [53:41] Learning from mentors

    56 min

  4. Apr 22

    One Team, One Heartbeat: How Human Connection Drives Transformation Before the Scoreboard Shows It with Meghan Long

    Why do the same teams keep winning without the most talent? Is it because they've learned to embrace the grind, celebrate small wins, and lead people as humans first—so they'd run through a wall for each other? In this episode of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor is joined by Meghan Long, Area Vice President of US Surgical Sales at BioTissue. As a former Division I Lacrosse captain at UNC-Chapel Hill, Meghan understands what it takes to build a winning culture. Today, she brings those same principles into her work, leading high-impact growth and turnaround efforts across the medical device, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries over the past 14 years. Meghan shares how the core principles of elite athletics—direct communication, discipline, working within constraints, and genuine care for people—translate directly into building high-performing teams in business. She opens up about taking over a team that hadn't hit quota in 13 years, and how she rebuilt trust, created alignment, and generated momentum by focusing on people first, not just performance. Throughout the conversation, Meghan reinforces a simple but powerful truth: when people feel seen, supported, and challenged, they respond differently. They take ownership. They commit to each other. And that's where real performance begins. If you've ever faced a turnaround, stepped into a struggling team, or are looking to elevate how you lead and develop people, this conversation will give you a practical and grounded perspective on what it takes to build a culture that lasts. Listen now to learn how to create belief before the scoreboard reflects it—and how to build a team that competes, connects, and wins together.   OUR GUEST Former Athlete, Forever Leader. Meghan Long is a veteran sales leader with 14 years of experience driving high-velocity growth across Medical Device, Biotech, and Pharma. Currently serving as Area Vice President of US Surgical Sales at BioTissue, Meghan has delivered some of the most remarkable turnarounds in her industry — including hitting quota for the first time in 13 years, growing a region 248% year-over-year, and leading a division to $50M in revenue. She's worked with private equity-backed organizations, launched new products, and built winning cultures from the ground up. A UNC Chapel Hill graduate and former Division I lacrosse captain, Meghan brings the same competitive drive and leadership to the boardroom that she brought to the field.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How discipline, consistency, and effort shape high-performing teams Why direct, honest communication builds trust faster than avoiding hard conversations The role of small wins in creating momentum before results show up How constraints can drive better thinking and stronger execution What it takes to rebuild a struggling team without focusing on the past Why "one team, one heartbeat" cultures outperform individual-driven teams How treating people as humans—not roles—drives commitment and effort The importance of leveraging individual strengths to elevate team performance How listening, vulnerability, and connection strengthen leadership impact Why repetition and belief are essential to building and sustaining culture  RESOURCES & LINKS  Meghan Long LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/meghan-l-083805a Website - https://biotissue.com/   Ed Molitor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website - https://coeffex.com/podcast YouTube Channel - The Athletics of Business - https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness    2026 Coaching Effect Summit – Driven by Data, Powered by People May 5‑6 in Omaha, NE (Tenaska Center) CLICK HERE TO JOIN US: https://coeffex.com/2026-coaching-effect-summit   Timestamps [00:00] Dynamic Intro [00:59] Introduction to Meghan Long [02:34] Meghan's background: athletics, leadership, and UNC [05:40] Early influences and discipline from a young age [07:39] Choosing UNC and the impact of Coach Jenny Levy [08:46] The power of direct communication in leadership [11:35] Growth through tough feedback and early setbacks [14:09] Building confidence through effort and consistency [17:49] Why small wins create winning cultures [18:01] Rebuilding teams and achieving turnaround success [20:11] Innovation and creativity under constraints [24:33] "There's a time to carry and a time to be carried." [28:20] Empowering and leveraging individual strengths [31:21] Building "one team, one heartbeat." [33:44] Rewriting team identity and future vision [35:08] Adapting to change in a fast-moving industry [35:59] Developing talent and promoting from within [37:57] What prepares someone for leadership [40:00] Why transformation journeys are most fulfilling [40:40] Mentoring women in male-dominated industries [43:18] The impact of mentorship and giving back

    45 min

  5. Apr 15

    Connecting Like A PRO: The Four Underlying Motivators Every Leader Needs to Master

    What if every frustrating conversation, every missed connection, and every stalled coaching moment with your team could be traced back to just four hidden forces, forces you've never been taught to see? In this episode of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor is joined by Paul Bramson, elite leadership trainer, global keynote speaker, and author of Connecting Like A PRO®, to explore the hidden drivers behind every conversation, conflict, and coaching moment. Paul reveals the four underlying motivators that shape how we respond under pressure: the Need to Be Liked, the Need to Be Safe, the Need to Be Right, and the Need to Look Good. He explains why most leaders unintentionally coach from their own underlying motivator instead of their team members', and how that mismatch quietly erodes trust. You'll learn how to spot motivators in real time, prepare for pressure-tested conversations, and use emotional agility to connect with anyone, even when the stakes are high. Drawing on more than two decades of work with over 500,000 professionals, Paul challenges conventional thinking around "soft skills", making the case that self-awareness plus self-regulation is the ultimate competitive advantage in leadership today. If you've ever wondered why some people shut down, push back, or smile and then do the opposite, this conversation will fundamentally change how you show up as a leader. Listen now and start connecting with your team in a way that builds real trust, elevates performance, and drives measurable results.   Our Guest Paul Bramson is a global keynote speaker, elite leadership trainer, and author of Connecting Like A PRO® – Unleash Your Superpower. For more than two decades, Paul has worked with leaders and high performers inside Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, technology and SaaS firms, and global sales organizations, helping them elevate communication, strengthen leadership, drive sales performance, and build stronger connections that drive results. Over the course of his career, Paul has delivered keynotes and training programs to more than 500,000 professionals and partnered with some of the most recognizable organizations in the world. His proprietary Connecting Like A PRO® framework reveals the underlying motivators that drive how people communicate, make decisions, and perform when it matters most. Through his practical leadership, sales, and communication programs, Paul inspires people to raise their game by learning how to connect more effectively with the people around them.   What You'll Learn in this Episode: Why connection is a critical leadership skill, not a "soft skill" The four underlying motivators that drive human behavior and communication How a lack of emotional agility limits leadership effectiveness The difference between intent and impact in communication Why trust is built (or broken) through how leaders show up under pressure How to prepare for difficult conversations using motivator awareness Why self-awareness + self-regulation is the ultimate competitive advantage How leaders can create momentum by adapting to individual team members Practical ways to identify and respond to your team's motivators in real time Why emerging leaders should start developing connection skills early   Resources & Links    Paul Bramson Website:  https://paulbramson.com/  Speaking: https://paulbramson.com/schedule-with-paul/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbramsonofficial/  Book: Connecting Like A PRO®: https://amzn.to/3OHgTBV  Instagram: @OfficialPaulBramson Keynote / YouTube speaking clips Highlight Reel: https://youtu.be/2cbXOmbCFCs?si=TthjdPQnH_55z_Cq  If You Hate To Lose: https://youtu.be/YAXfbD4auPs?si=PcpqJkEYC5tW1yaB  The Real Test Comes After The Applause: https://youtu.be/hlP9wuLV6Ic?si=bPUWi6PJq3Tui5kv  Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/  Website: https://coeffex.com/podcast  The Athletics of Business YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness JOIN US at The Coaching Effect Summit, May 5‑6 in Omaha, NE (Nesca Center) – Driven by Data, Powered by People Click here to register: https://coeffex.com/2026-coaching-effect-summit

    52 min
  6. The Reset Mindset: How Strategic Focus Drives Leadership in a Distracted World

    Apr 1

    The Reset Mindset: How Strategic Focus Drives Leadership in a Distracted World

    Do you ever feel pulled in a hundred directions at once, with notifications buzzing and priorities constantly shifting? In a world of constant distractions, competing priorities, and unprecedented change, the ability to focus has become one of the rarest and most valuable leadership skills. But according to Penny Zenker, focus isn't just about paying attention. It's about strategically directing your energy toward what truly matters. In this episode of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor sits down with Penny Zenker, internationally known as "The Focusologist," to explore how leaders can cut through distraction, align priorities, and achieve greater results with less stress. Penny shares the personal tragedy at age 19 that reshaped her entire approach to focus, the simple three step "Reset Practice" she uses with executives around the world, and why she believes we're in a global focus crisis. Drawing from her two bestselling books The Productivity Zone and The Reset Mindset, and her upcoming keynote at the Coaching Effect Summit, Penny delivers a powerful framework for leading with clarity in times of uncertainty. She challenges conventional wisdom about urgency, introduces a new way to think about personalization in the workplace, and reveals why the biggest constraints often unlock the greatest creativity. This conversation is essential listening for any leader feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change, struggling to maintain clarity amid chaos, or looking for practical tools to help their teams stay focused on what actually drives results.   Our Guest Penny Zenker is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and strategic business coach known as "The Focusologist," helping leaders and teams cut through distraction and focus on what truly drives results. With more than two decades of experience building and selling a multi million dollar business, leading corporate turnarounds, and coaching leaders worldwide, Penny brings real world credibility and insight to her work.  She is the creator of the Reset Mindset Framework, a powerful approach rooted in behavioral science that helps individuals and organizations reduce overwhelm, sharpen decision making, and lead with clarity in today's complex and fast changing environment. Her simple three step Reset Practice Step Back, Get Perspective, Realign is widely used by executives to drive focus, adaptability, and high performance.  Penny is also a bestselling author of The Productivity Zone and The Reset Mindset, host of a top ranked podcast, and the creator of a TEDx talk, "The Energy of Thought," which has been viewed by over one million people globally. Her work has been featured on NBC News, Forbes, Inc., ESPN, and Wharton Business Radio. Known for her dynamic and interactive speaking style, Penny combines behavioral psychology, business strategy, and practical tools to help teams and leaders thrive under pressure, eliminate distraction and perfectionism, and create meaningful, lasting impact.   What You'll Learn in this Episode: How a personal tragedy at age 19 shaped Penny's entire philosophy on focus and acceptance Why we're in a global "focus crisis" and how it's affecting decision-making and leadership The critical difference between attention and strategic focus Penny's simple three-step Reset Practice Why urgency is overrated and how to prioritize based on effort and impact instead How big constraints actually unlock bigger creativity The surprising connection between AI adoption and workplace personalization Why one in three employees would leave an organization that doesn't offer personalized experiences How leaders can use reset moments throughout the day to show up better for their teams Why future-ready leaders will be defined by their ability to focus   Resources & Links Penny Zenker Website: pennyzenker360.com  Speaking: https://pennyzenker360.com/leadership-keynote-speaker/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker/ Book: https://amzn.to/4byMIFA  Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/  Website: https://coeffex.com/podcast  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness Timestamps [00:00]  Preview [01:02]  Introduction to Penny Zenker and the Coaching Effect Summit [03:39]  How Penny became "The Focusologist" and what it really means [05:05]  The defining moment: Losing her father at 19 and discovering acceptance [07:10]  The Serenity Prayer and the power of getting a new perspective [09:07]  From middle school confidant to building a multimillion-dollar business [11:28]  "If that guy could do it, then I can do it" [12:34]  The focus crisis: Why leaders are struggling more than ever [14:08]  Purposeful pauses: How to reset without reaching for your phone [16:31]  Focus on what deserves your time, not what demands it [18:00]  Why urgency shouldn't be a decision-making criteria [19:10]  The Reset Practice: A three-step algorithm for complex problems [21:40]  How simplicity creates space for creativity [23:52]  The power of constraints: Why bigger limitations lead to bigger innovation [27:01]  The energy of thought: A scuba diving story that changed everything [31:14]  The Productivity Zone: Moving beyond procrastination and perfectionism [33:51]  Why the simpler book came second and what that teaches us about learning [34:38]  Using reset moments between meetings to show up intentionally [35:47]  New research: Personalization in the workplace and the role of AI [38:56]  What to expect at the Coaching Effect Summit in Omaha [41:18]  Where to find Penny & her work  [41:54]  The future of focus: Why clarity matters more than ever in the age of AI

    44 min

  7. Mar 27

    Leading with Competitive Character: Building Connected Teams That Perform and Care

    In this episode of The Athletics of Business Podcast, host Ed Molitor is joined by Will Lumpkin, Vice President of Sales at Agios Pharmaceuticals. In this encore episode, Will shares insights into his leadership philosophy, drawing from his experiences as a former football player at Indiana University and his current role leading a powerhouse team at Agios. Throughout the episode, Will shares his core values of competitive character, which he defines as the ability to perform under pressure, ethically, and consistently. He dives into how these principles shape his approach to team culture, leadership, and achieving success in the pharmaceutical industry. Will also highlights the power of resilience, mission-driven engagement, and stakeholder connection in his work, offering real-world advice for leaders facing high-pressure situations. He reflects on his experience building and leading a team focused on improving the lives of patients facing rare and often underserved blood disorders, and how resilience plays a critical role in overcoming obstacles in their mission. Will talks about the lessons learned from his time at Indiana University under Coach Cig and how he applies those leadership teachings to his current role. OUR GUEST William A. Lumpkin is a devoted husband to Layla, a proud father to Ailey, Sage, and Liam, and a purpose-driven leader with a passion for delivering significant impact by cultivating high-performing teams. Will serves as Vice President of Sales at Agios Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA, where he leads a team dedicated to providing disease education and access to first and best-in-class therapeutic solutions for underserved patient populations affected by rare diseases, including Thalassemia, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, and Chronic Hemolytic Anemia.   Prior to Agios, Will was Head of New Product Strategy and Business Development at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Chief of Staff to the Chief Commercial and Global Operations Officer, and the Commercial Integration lead for Alexion into AstraZeneca's rare disease division. His innovative solutions earned him Guiding Star and Excellence Awards.  With a diverse background spanning leadership across functional disciplines—including finance, sales, marketing, and strategy—Will has led within biopharmaceutical companies, including Baxter, Baxalta, Shire, and Takeda, and demonstrated his ability to build and lead teams that operate with a sense of urgency in service of others. His professional journey began in finance at Procter & Gamble and includes time as a lecturer at the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business. Will holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University, where he excelled as a four-time letterman, senior captain of the Hoosier football team, and President of the Alpha Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Will and his family reside in Houston, where he remains actively engaged in community leadership roles, including serving on the Hermann Park Conservatory Board and as a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership Forum.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why elite leaders anchor in the process when outcomes are uncertain How purpose becomes a competitive advantage in building resilience Why communication and connection are the foundation of trust and team success How to align individual motivations with a shared mission for sustained performance How emerging leaders can leverage curiosity and people skills to accelerate their growth How belief fuels the discipline, energy, and resilience required to lead at a high level What it takes to build high-performing teams that are connected, accountable, and committed to something bigger than themselves   RESOURCES & LINKS Will Lumpkin LinkedIn - Will Lumpkin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-a-lumpkin-b9bb205/ LinkedIn - Agios Pharmaceuticals - https://www.linkedin.com/company/agios/ Website - https://agios.com/ Learn more about Thalassemia - https://www.agios.com/rare-diseases/thalassemia/  Learn more about PK Deficiency - https://www.knowpkdeficiency.com/  Learn more about opportunities to work with Agios and search their open positions - https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe03/ats/careers/v2/searchResults?org=AGIOS&cws=37  Ed Molitor LinkedIn - Ed Molitor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/  LinkedIn - CoEffex - https://www.linkedin.com/company/coeffex/  Website - https://coeffex.com/podcast  The Athletics Of Business - YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@theathleticsofbusiness  Listen to Will's  prior episodes on The Athletics of Business Podcast Leading with Purpose - https://bit.ly/TAOB188WilliamLumpkin

    44 min

  8. Mar 18

    Ten More Feet: How Resilience and Faith Make the Extraordinary Possible

    Some people chase summits. Others spend the rest of their lives talking about the one they have already reached. Mark Pattison refuses to look in the rearview mirror. In this episode of The Athletics of Business podcast, host Ed Molitor welcomes back Mark Pattison, former NFL wide receiver for the Los Angeles Raiders, mountaineer, entrepreneur, and author of the new book Finding Your Summit: How to Build Resilience and Faith to Rise Above Life's Challenges. Mark became the first NFL player to climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest, but the mountains are only part of the story. This conversation dives into the mindset that drives people to keep climbing long after the spotlight fades. Mark shares how the same principles that guided him from the NFL to the world's highest peaks now shape his leadership philosophy. From the "pyramid of success" taught by legendary coach Don James to the relentless discipline of focusing on the process instead of the outcome, Mark explains why real growth happens long before the summit. His new book, Finding Your Summit, expands on these lessons, offering a powerful framework for building resilience and navigating life's toughest challenges. He recounts moments that tested every ounce of his resilience. Surviving violent storms on remote mountains. Climbing through the Everest death zone after days without food. And repeating one simple phrase that kept him alive when quitting seemed like the only option. Ten more feet. Mark also reflects on the challenges that come after success. The loss of identity that many athletes and leaders face when the arena changes. The quiet danger of complacency. And why the most important victories often happen far from the scoreboard. This episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and leadership under pressure. It is about learning to stay focused on the next step when the path ahead feels overwhelming. Because the difference between stopping and achieving something extraordinary is often just deciding to go ten more feet.   Our Guest Mark Pattison built his life by pushing beyond limits. A standout athlete from an early age, he rose from high school Hall of Fame honors to the University of Washington Hall of Fame before achieving his dream of playing in the NFL. Mark spent five seasons in the league after being drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders and later playing for the New Orleans Saints. Like many professional athletes, Mark faced a profound transition when his football career ended. Searching for a new sense of purpose, he turned to the mountains — ultimately becoming the first former NFL player to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent. That journey tested him through brutal storms, snow blindness, near-zero oxygen, collapsing ladders, and the emotional weight of climbing in honor of his daughter Emilia. His Everest expedition and personal story were captured in the Emmy Award–winning documentary Searching for the Summit, which won Best Short Documentary at the Sports Emmy Awards. Mark's journey through extreme environments and personal reinvention became the foundation for his upcoming book, Finding Your Summit, where he shares the mindset lessons behind his SUMMITS model for resilience, purpose, and leadership. Beyond the mountains, Mark built a successful career in business, helping scale major digital brands at Sports Illustrated before transitioning to keynote speaking, podcasting, and executive coaching. Through more than 275 podcast episodes and keynote presentations around the world, he now equips leaders, teams, and organizations to navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and reach their highest potential. Mark is also deeply committed to philanthropy. Inspired by his daughter Emilia's battle with epilepsy, he has raised more than $150,000 for charitable causes, including partnerships with the nonprofit Higher Ground in Sun Valley. Today, Mark Pattison speaks globally about endurance beyond the spotlight — and how the lessons learned on the world's highest peaks can help leaders and organizations find their own summit.   What You'll Learn in this Episode:  Why focusing on the process instead of the result creates sustainable success The powerful "Ten More Feet" mindset that helped Mark survive Everest Why fear is not something to eliminate but something to lean into How small steps compound into extraordinary achievements Why success can quietly lead to complacency and stagnation How preparation builds confidence in high pressure environments Why communication and connection are essential to effective leadership How great leaders measure effort, not just performance Why adversity often becomes the catalyst for life's greatest breakthroughs How leaders can stay motivated long after achieving major success Resources & LinksMark Pattison Website LinkedIn Instagram  Event: The Seven Summits Summit Book:  Finding Your Summit Ed Molitor LinkedIn Website YouTube Channel   Listen to Mark's prior episodes on The Athletics of Business Podcast Finding Your Summit Reaching the Highest Peaks   Timestamps  [00:00] The mindset of resilience, faith, and rising above challenges [00:45] Welcome back to Mark and  his new bestselling book [02:31] Motivation for the book [04:13] Life after NFL: Stagnation, divorce, and rebuilding [06:50] Influence of Coach Don James and Pyramid of Success [07:45] The coaching philosophy behind process-driven success [09:16] Lead vs. lag measures; adjustments on the mountain [10:31] Building skills incrementally: From Kilimanjaro to Everest [14:41] The intimidating challenge of climbing the Matterhorn [15:26] The "Ten More Feet" mindset that drives progress [16:14] Everest summit story: Snow blindness, cyclone, empty stomach, fixed lines [18:01] Staying mentally locked in under life-threatening conditions [23:46] Leadership lessons from Everest and team communication [25:28] Why effort matters more than raw talent [31:08] Avoiding stagnation and continuing to pursue new challenges [33:03] Event details: The vision behind the Seven Summits Summit event [37:58] Where to find Mark Pattison and his book

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Our Athletics of Business podcast provides leaders with invaluable practical lessons framed by the competitive nature of sport and life. Here we share a mindset built on the foundational belief that the skills and behaviors of high-performing teams, elite athletes, and high-impact coaches are also the key to your business success. This perspective is a direct result of Ed Molitor's experiences—as both a college athlete and a coach—that helped shape his core values: work ethic, positivity, enthusiasm, passion for life, loyalty, and commitment to relentlessly pursuing excellence.

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