Let Me Speak To A Manager

Ian Mathews and Frank Cava
  • 4.9 (159)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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. 4D AGO

    "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

  2. OCT 27

    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

  3. OCT 6

    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

  4. SEP 29

    Why Are We So Polarized? Charlie Kirk, Cancel Culture & The Case For Nuance And Critical Thinking

    Episode summary Ian and Frank respond to the assassination of Charlie Kirk as a springboard to a broader conversation about polarization, the collapse of nuance, and why critical thinking matters — especially in business and leadership. They trace cultural roots (standardized testing, social media echo chambers), examine groupthink in organizations, and debate the real forces behind “cancel culture” and free speech — corporate incentives, algorithmic silos, and our own unwillingness to hold multiple truths at once. The episode closes with practical challenges for managers: hire dissent, reward clear thinking, and teach people to explain assumptions. Show notes Episode highlights 0:00 — Host banter & episode warning 1:39 — Context: Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the polarized public response 4:47 — The episode’s central question: where has nuance gone? 11:11 — Historical roots: standardized testing, Scantron, and one-right-answer thinking 15:25 — Engineering exams vs. multiple-choice: why process matters more than a single right answer 19:19 — How education access and class shape critical thinking opportunities 21:09 — Cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and why people double down 26:32 — Groupthink in companies and the cost of lacking dissent 29:49 — Free speech vs. corporate economics (Jimmy Kimmel example) 42:43 — Parenting and gatekeeping in the age of instant, graphic news 46:24 — Final takeaway: critical thinking and clear articulation are future currency Key takeaways for listeners Nuance is a skill that must be taught and practiced — not assumed. Organizations succeed when they welcome dissent and surface assumptions. Social media + algorithmic feeds amplify confirmation bias; be intentional about diverse inputs. Leaders should prioritize process (how people think) over binary correctness. For parents and managers: act as gatekeepers of what people in your care consume and model curiosity. 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

    48 min

  5. SEP 22

    Buy the Culture, Not the Star: Why splashy hires fail without structure, in sports and business.

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ian and Frank kick things off with some lighthearted banter about their fantasy football league before diving deep into what makes organizations thrive—or fail—both in sports and business. Using the Miami Dolphins and other NFL franchises as case studies, they explore how ownership, culture, leadership, and decision-making trickle down to affect long-term performance. Frank unpacks decades of dysfunction in Miami, while Ian contrasts it with the Detroit Lions’ recent cultural turnaround. Together, they draw sharp parallels between failing sports franchises and struggling companies: meddling owners, poor alignment between leadership, lack of cultural buy-in, and short-term decision-making. From NFL coaching graveyards to career lessons about choosing stability over hazard pay, this episode blends humor, storytelling, and practical takeaways for leaders in any field. ShownotesTopics Covered: Fantasy football rivalry: Ian vs. Frank (and why Frank can’t seem to beat him)Why fantasy football and gambling go hand in handThe Miami Dolphins’ decades-long struggles: coaching turnover, ownership issues, and systemic dysfunctionThe difference between meddling vs. absentee ownership (Cowboys, Browns, Dolphins, Lions)Nick Saban’s brief Miami tenure and how one decision (Drew Brees’ medical clearance) changed NFL historyWhy Miami has become a “coaching graveyard” and what that teaches us about leadership rolesCareer parallels: why people take jobs in dysfunctional companies (hazard pay, emotional decisions, short-term thinking)The importance of cultural due diligence when joining a company or teamMilitary families, real estate, and the pitfalls of emotional decision-makingHow the Detroit Lions finally got it right: aligned leadership, cultural focus, and owners stepping backOwnership success stories: Dodgers, Lakers, Commanders—what great management groups do differentlyThe ripple effect of strong vs. weak ownership in both sports and businessTakeaways for Leaders & ListenersCulture eats strategy: No amount of talent or money can overcome a dysfunctional system.Leadership alignment is everything: GMs, coaches, and executives must share vision and values.Ownership matters: Meddling or absentee owners derail long-term success.Hazard pay is real: Struggling companies (or teams) often lure talent with big checks, but rarely offer long-term growth.Do your due diligence: Before joining an organization, look past the paycheck—evaluate culture, leadership, and history. Chapters 00:00Fantasy Football Rivalry 03:08The State of the Miami Dolphins 05:56Coaching Challenges in Miami 08:48The Importance of Ownership in Sports 11:35Career Decisions and Company Culture 14:56The Detroit Lions' Turnaround 17:43The Role of Management in Team Success 20:49Baker Mayfield's Journey 23:41The Impact of Culture on Player Performance 26:51The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Success 29:37Understanding Team Dynamics 32:37The Risks of Hiring Star Players 35:32Long-Term Strategies for Success 38:48The Future of NFL Coaching 41:40Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    44 min

  6. SEP 15

    Our next big real estate deal? We dissect an untapped investment opportunity in Richmond

    In this conversation, Ian and Frank delve into their real estate investment strategies, particularly focusing on the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a solution to housing shortages. The discussion also covers the challenges of navigating permits, structuring investments for optimal returns, and the significance of customer service in the rental market. Overall, the conversation highlights the intersection of real estate, community service, and economic opportunity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights 02:52 Education and Job Readiness 05:44 Real Estate Deals and Investment Strategies 08:46 Affordable Housing and ADUs 11:54 Navigating Permits and Development Risks 14:48 Investment Structure and Returns 17:52 Market Demand and Customer Acquisition 20:46 Conclusion and Future Outlook CONNECT WITH US Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodca... Instagram -   / letmespeaktoamanager   Tiktok -   / 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.    / frankcavaofficial     / frank.b.cava     / frankcava     / frank_cava     / 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.   / ianbmathews     / ian.mathews.3572     / ianbmathews

    49 min

  7. SEP 5

    Are You Drowning in Distractions? How To Stay Focused Amidst The Noise

    In this episode, Frank Cava and Ian Mathews dive into the concept of "signal vs. noise" as it relates to productivity, time management, and goal setting. The discussion explores how to filter out distractions (noise) to focus on what truly matters (signal) in both personal and professional contexts. The hosts use real-world examples, analogies, and practical strategies to illustrate how prioritizing high-impact tasks and setting clear, aggressive goals can drive success. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context of Signal vs. Noise 03:40 The Importance of Goal Setting 06:45 Time Management and Productivity 09:47 The Role of Focus in Achieving Goals 12:44 Understanding Signal and Noise in Communication 15:56 The Engineering Perspective on Signal and Noise 18:33 The Impact of Time on Goal Achievement 21:36 The Psychology of Readiness to Change 24:51 The Concept of Prospection and Future Motivation 27:50 Innovation Through Discomfort 30:32 The Relationship Between Goals and Discomfort 33:50 The Importance of Selective Attention in Goal Setting 42:18 Podcast outro.wav

    1h 2m

  8. AUG 28

    Cracker Barrel's Identity Crisis: The Logo Change That Broke The Internet

    In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava discuss the challenges faced by Cracker Barrel, particularly focusing on its recent logo controversy and the implications of its branding strategy. They explore the restaurant's origins, its business model, and the impact of social media on consumer behavior. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding core customers while navigating the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, especially in the context of fast casual dining trends. The conversation concludes with reflections on potential future directions for Cracker Barrel and the broader implications for branding in today's market. Chapters: 00:00 Cracker Barrel's Origins 03:01 Cracker Barrel's Business Model and Challenges 05:47 Rebranding and Logo Controversy 08:55 The Fast Casual Dining Trend 11:55 Cultural Reflections and Consumer Behavior 14:40 Rebranding Lessons from History 19:57 Corporate Missteps and Customer Alienation 23:31 The Importance of Understanding Your Core Audience 27:11 Marketing Strategies: Lessons from the Past 29:45 The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing 32:55 Future Directions for Cracker Barrel 36:31 Reflections on Branding and Identity

    41 min
See All (163)

4.9
out of 5
159 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 LetMeSpeakToAManagerPodcast.com
  • Show Website
    Let Me Speak To A Manager

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