Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Dansby Swanson is one of baseball's brightest young stars. A former #1 draft pick, Dansby plays shortstop for his hometown team, the Atlanta Braves. In the shortened 2020 season, he put together the best stats of his career as the Braves fell just short of the World Series. Off the field, he is the founder of the lifestyle brand and movement, AllThingsLoyal, showcasing the culture of Atlanta. On this episode, we dig into the mindset of peak performance and the importance of mental health. Dansby shares the techniques like journaling, therapy and brainspotting that help him strengthen his mental game.

BJ Fogg, behavior scientist and author of the bestseller Tiny Habits, shares his revolutionary approach to habit formation. He emphasizes that making small, enjoyable changes can lead to significant transformations in our lives. Fogg introduces the B equals MAP model to explain motivation, ability, and prompts in behavior development. Highlighting the emotional elements of habit formation, he advocates for aligning new habits with purpose while celebrating small wins. Listeners gain practical strategies for anchoring habits to existing routines, making sustainable change intuitive and achievable.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a multifaceted talent and global star with more than 55 films to her credit. She's an actor, producer, investor and philanthropist. Now she's adding author to her credentials with her new memoir, Unfinished. Priyanka made her American TV debut on the hit drama Quantico on ABC, making history as the first Indian-born actor to star as the lead of a TV drama series. She's been featured on the cover of Time Magazine's coveted "Time 100" issue and recognized as one of Forbes' Most Powerful Women. On this episode, we talk about embracing your ambition, taking ownership of your career, and the power in choosing to reinvent yourself.

Jay Bilas, former Duke player, coach, lawyer, and longtime ESPN analyst, discusses toughness and the twists in his career. He explores athlete economic rights and the evolving NCAA landscape. He shares stories that define persistence and how coaches build relentless teams. The conversation also spotlights Coach K’s leadership and what makes an ideal teammate.

WNBA star Candace Parker shares her journey from #1 draft pick to champion, discussing the invaluable lessons she learned from legendary coach Pat Summitt. She highlights the importance of visibility for young girls, including her daughter Layla, and how she balances motherhood with her professional career. Candace reveals her mindset strategies, the significance of discipline over motivation, and how setbacks fuel her competitive spirit. Additionally, she talks about her advocacy work with the Pat Summitt Foundation and the role of being a mom in her life.

Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and author of The Innovation Stack, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey. He tells the story behind Square's origin, sparked by a lost sale due to payment issues. Jim emphasizes the importance of focusing on real problems rather than industry disruption and discusses how Square's innovation stack helped it withstand competition from giants like Amazon. He advocates for valuing energy over credentials in hiring and embracing uncertainty in the innovation process.

Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, shares his journey from being fired to launching successful businesses grounded in values-based leadership. He reveals how high standards and listening define his approach, and how creating purpose for associates enhances fulfillment. Arthur discusses the importance of fan-friendly pricing and innovative stadium designs to elevate the customer experience. He emphasizes philanthropy and honesty in leadership, reminding us that purpose drives true success.

Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of The Art of Gathering, delves into how to transform gatherings into impactful experiences. She highlights the importance of purpose over tradition, urging listeners to rethink their approach to meetings and social events. Personal anecdotes illustrate the role of cultural diversity and emotional connection in creating meaningful interactions. Priya also shares strategies for navigating conflict in gatherings, emphasizing the significance of thoughtful closures to enhance reflection among participants.

Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has starred in movies like A Time to Kill, Dallas Buyers Club, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wolf of Wall Street. His incredible career has spanned 40 feature films that have grossed over $1 billion dollars. Now he's adding author to his credits with his new memoir, Greenlights. On this episode, Matthew shares the unconventional wisdom he's learned. We talk about his sudden rise to fame, the self-imposed two-year hiatus from Hollywood that changed the course of his career, and the legacy he wants to leave behind. It's a conversation about how to catch more "greenlights" and realize that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.

We all need help, but most of us are uncomfortable asking for it. But here's the funny thing: even though we hate to ask for help, most people are wired to be helpful. Social psychologist Heidi Grant is the author of Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You. On this episode, Heidi shareswhy we are thinking about asking for help all wrong… and the things we inadvertently do that make it weird for other people. Discover the simple mistakes you are probably making—and learn what you should do instead!