Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Where along the way did we trade in our confidence and courage for approval and acceptance? And why? That's the question Reshma Saujani challenges us with in her book Brave, Not Perfect. Reshma is the founder & CEO of Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. Her TED Talk, "Teach girls bravery, not perfection," has been viewed more than 4 million times and sparked a worldwide conversation about how we're raising our girls. On this episode, we talk about how to fear less, fail more and live boldly.

James Franklin is one of the top college football coaches in the country. Since arriving at Penn State University in 2014, Franklin has led the Nittany Lions to three top-10 finishes and a Big Ten championship. His journey took him from Division II quarterback to college coach, where he found unlikely success at Vanderbilt before taking on the challenge of rebuilding the storied Penn State program. On this episode, we dig into how he built trust in a tough environment when he arrived at Penn State and the ways his leadership approach has evolved over the years.

Tony Gonzalez, NFL Hall of Famer and FOX Sports analyst, shares his journey of growth and resilience. He discusses the power of running toward fear and the importance of loving the process rather than just the outcomes. Tony reveals how visualization and consistency fueled his NFL success and how curiosity drives lifelong learning. He highlights balancing football with family, the challenges of transitioning to TV, and his commitment to learning Spanish. Tune in for insights on discipline, journaling, and cultivating emotional performance.

We all have stories we tell ourselves that define the way we live our lives. Stories help you make sense of your life, but they can also keep you stuck. How can you become the editor of your life? Therapist Lori Gottlieb is the author of the New York Times bestseller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and writes the Dear Therapist advice column for The Atlantic. In this conversation, we talk about how to defeat toxic thinking, change our self-limiting narratives, and get unstuck. It's about changing your narrative to change your life.

Dan Quinn, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, shares insights on integrating mental skills training into elite performance. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving success, discussing techniques to develop mental toughness and focus. Joining him, Russ Rausch, founder of Vision Pursue, highlights the difference between default and performance mindsets. They address overcoming skepticism about mental training and share strategies for managing emotions and distractions during high-pressure situations, promoting a people-first approach in leadership.

Who were you before the world told you who to be? That's the question Glennon Doyle asks in her new memoir Untamed. Glennon is a speaker, activist and New York Times bestselling author. Her two previous books- Love Warrior and Carry On, Warrior were both #1 New York Times bestsellers and Love Warrior was an Oprah's Book Club selection. Glennon writes about addiction, recovery, marriage and faith with no holds barred. In today's conversation, we dig into becoming attune to our discontent, abandoning expectations, and learning to trust yourself. It's about how sometimes we forget who we are… and how we find ourselves again.

Leonard Hamilton, the legendary head coach at Florida State University, shares his journey in rebuilding basketball programs. He reveals the emotional challenges faced during the ACC and NCAA tournament cancellations, highlighting the importance of safety and perspective. Hamilton discusses his coaching philosophy centered on mentorship and long-term player development rather than just winning. He reflects on his childhood in segregation, the setbacks that led him to leave coaching, and the divine timing that brought him back stronger than ever.

Leonard Hamilton, a trailblazing head coach at Florida State University, shares his remarkable journey in college basketball. He candidly discusses the tough moments that almost led him to leave coaching, emphasizing the importance of mentoring young athletes beyond just winning games. Hamilton reveals his approach to program rebuilding, focusing on character, trust, and accountability. He reflects on the lessons learned from the NCAA tournament's cancellation and stresses fostering resilience among players to navigate challenges, shaping both their futures on and off the court.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher and bestselling author, reveals how happiness drives success, not the other way around. He discusses the four key predictors of happiness—optimism, gratitude, meaning, and social connections. Shawn shares practical habits like gratitude journaling and mindfulness to enhance well-being. He emphasizes that happiness is a team sport and offers tips for leaders to foster a positive culture. Delve into the science behind happiness and practical steps to transform your mindset!

Ryan Hawk, author and host of The Learning Leader Show, shares leadership lessons from sports and his book Welcome to Management. He explains common new-leader mistakes and practical one-on-one rituals. He outlines three essential skill sets for leaders and how to build ownership and trust in teams. Conversation includes curiosity, follow-up techniques, and sustaining culture.