Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Former NFL star Warrick Dunn has built a legacy on and off the field. A 3x Pro Bowl selection, Warrick played for 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Atlanta Falcons. He joined the Falcons ownership group in 2009 after his retirement. But his greatest impact goes far beyond the football field. Warrick started his charity and its signature "Homes for the Holidays" program in honor of his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer who was killed when he was just 18 years old. Warrick raised his five younger siblings and when he became a star in the NFL, made it his mission to provide other families the stability he never had. On this episode, Warrick shares how he channeled his pain into purpose, how he made it as an undersized back in the NFL, and why he decided to meet and ultimately forgive the man convicted of killing his mom.

In this engaging chat, Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, shares insights on building a mission-driven company. He reflects on the brand's inception, tackling industry frustrations, and the success of their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Neil emphasizes the importance of a strong culture, defining engagement as happiness plus productivity, and the impact of social good. He also reveals challenges in hiring and maintaining energy in leadership, offering practical tips for staying connected and energized in a purpose-driven environment.

Guy Kawasaki, a Silicon Valley veteran and chief evangelist of Canva, shares his insights on innovation and marketing. He reflects on his time at Apple, revealing lessons from Steve Jobs about passion and vision in creating radical products. Kawasaki discusses the importance of turning customers into evangelists and identifies key qualities of 'evangelizable' products. He also critiques Apple's shift toward luxury and emphasizes the value of grit, humility, and honesty in leadership.

As a college football standout, Chase Rice once dreamed of playing in the NFL. Now he's selling out those same stadiums as one of the hottest stars in country music. No matter what dream he pursues, Chase separates himself with his relentless drive. After working on the pit crew in NASCAR and competing on Survivor, Chase moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. He's penned hits like Cruise, topped the country charts, and opened for Garth Brooks. But his inner journey didn't always match his external success. On this episode, Chase opens up about his struggle with depression, finding his voice through his music, and never settling.

A retired four-star general, General Stan McChrystal is the former commander of the US and International Forces in Afghanistan and the former commander of the nation's premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He's the founder & CEO of The McChrystal Group and a senior fellow at Yale, where he teaches a popular course on leadership. An expert on leadership and teams, General McChrystal is the author of several books, including his new book, Risk. In this conversation, we talk about the future of leadership, leading through adversity, and building resilient teams.

Ernie Johnson Jr., a beloved sports personality and three-time Emmy winner, shares profound insights from his life experiences. He discusses the unpredictable beauty of living unscripted and highlights lessons learned from his cancer battle and his family's adoption journey. Ernie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family through intentional actions and reflects on the chemistry and quirky antics of his TNT show team. His 'Blackberry moments' philosophy showcases how everyday acts can lead to extraordinary life perspectives.

To succeed at work and advance your career, you need someone who will advocate for you. Who will be your champion? Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, believes that a sponsor is the critical relationship in your career. Carla began her career on Wall Street at a time when few of her colleagues were African-American or women. She oversees Morgan Stanley's multicultural client strategy, helped build the company's Multicultural Innovation Lab, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women's Business Council. On this episode, Carla shares what she's learned about pathways to career success. Discover the difference between mentors and sponsors, how to get a sponsor, and why authenticity is your competitive advantage.

Joe Maddon, a veteran MLB manager celebrated for his innovative leadership, shares his unique approach to coaching. He discusses the importance of pushing players out of their comfort zone through themed trips and fostering a positive culture over punitive tactics. Joe emphasizes optimism in the face of failure, encouraging a mindset that treats setbacks as temporary. He also highlights the significance of mental and physical wellness routines, including meditation and a balanced lifestyle, showcasing how these principles elevate performance both on and off the field.

Kirk Herbstreit is the face of college football, serving as an analyst for College GameDay and Saturday Night Football. In his new memoir, Out of the Pocket, Kirk takes us inside the locker room—to the practice fields, meeting rooms and stadiums. And he also opens up about the personal challenges he overcame. On this episode, we talk about what happens when your dream blows up, taking a chance to pursue your passion, and never compromising what matters most.

Amy Van Dyken is a six-time Olympic gold-medalist swimmer and the first American female athlete to win four gold medals in a single Games. In June of 2014, Amy's life was turned upside down. She severed her spinal cord in an ATV accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Instead of being defeated, Amy attacked her rehab with relentless optimism and has become a champion for the disabilities community. In our conversation today, we talk about how to stay positive in the face of adversity, persevere against all odds, and go for it!