Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

Before she became the face of women's basketball, Elena Delle Donne quit the sport entirely. Burned out and unsure of herself, Elena had to walk away to rediscover her joy and write her own story. Today, Elena is a 6x WNBA All-Star and frontrunner for MVP. But Elena's story has always been bigger than basketball. Her biggest motivation is her sister Lizzie, who was born deaf and blind with cerebral palsy and autism. On this episode, Elena talks about her journey of self-discovery, how she stays mentally tough, and the two keys to her success.

From the college football sidelines to the basketball court and beyond, Maria Taylor has all your sports coverage for ESPN. Maria has quickly become a star broadcaster known for her versatility and drive. She is a co-host on College GameDay, sideline reporter for ABC's Saturday Night Football, and is expected to be added to NBA Countdown this season. Passionate about paying it forward, Maria is the co-founder of The Winning Edge Leadership Academy which helps young women and minorities get opportunities in the sports industry. On today's episode, we talk about the hustle it required to break into the industry, the lessons in failing fast, and how she got comfortable using her voice.

Every leader has to know how to get, give and encourage feedback at work. Former Google and Apple executive Kim Scott's book, Radical Candor: Be a Kick Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, is a New York Times bestseller and inspired a management revolution. Radical candor is a simple idea: to be a good boss, you have to care personally and challenge directly. On this episode, we talk about how to create a culture of feedback, build a great team, and get results. This simple framework will guide every conversation you have and help you build better relationships.

At age 9, John O'Leary suffered burns to 100% of his body after a gasoline explosion in his family home. He was given a 1% chance to live. John not only survived, he made it his life's mission to inspire others. Today as an author and keynote speaker, John shares the lessons he learned through his experience and celebrates the everyday heroes who stepped into his life to help him on his journey. On this episode, we talk about tackling challenges with joy, owning your story, and living with intention.

David Epstein, author of Range and a former Sports Illustrated writer, explains why generalists often outperform specialists in today's competitive world. He shares insights on how early specialization can hinder success, advising parents to allow children to explore diverse interests. Epstein emphasizes the long-term benefits of a broad skill set, illustrated through comparisons of athletes like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Moreover, he highlights the importance of team dynamics and the need for cultural balance in organizations, making a compelling case for flexibility in career paths.

Navigating change is hard, particularly inside of organizations. Most people are resistant and afraid. Yet we all have to confront change- personally and professionally- and the pace of change is faster than ever. Beth Comstock led companies like NBC and GE through periods of transformational change. Her book, Imagine It Forward, encourages people to become change makers by leading with imagination. In this episode, we talk about embracing smart risks, challenging convention, and reinventing what's possible.

Why would a successful criminal defense attorney leave a lucrative career to start a chocolate company? That's the incredible story of Shawn Askinosie, founder of the award-winning Askinosie Chocolate. In his book Meaningful Work, Shawn shares his insights into doing work with heart and creating a business with a soul. Named one of the 25 best small companies in America by Forbes, Askinosie Chocolate sources 100% of their beans directly from farmers and shares profits with them. On this episode, Shawn shares how to find your calling, what to consider when contemplating a career move, and why businesses thrive when work is meaningful.

Carli Lloyd, a two-time FIFA Player of the Year and three-time Olympian, shares her remarkable journey from almost quitting soccer to becoming a legend. She discusses how trainer James Galanis reignited her passion and built her mental toughness. Carli emphasizes the importance of hard work, overcoming self-criticism, and embracing imperfections. She reveals her mantra 'Empty the Tank' for daily preparation and how big moments fuel her competitiveness. Carli advocates for resilience and character in sports while encouraging young girls to believe in themselves.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, dives into how helping others can elevate our own success. He discusses innovative methods to measure giving and taking in the workplace. Drawing parallels from sports, he emphasizes the importance of practice and feedback in enhancing performance. Adam also explores how setting boundaries while giving fosters joy and resilience, sharing insights from his work with clients like Google and Disney Pixar. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to make work more meaningful!

Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw is leaving a legacy on and off the court. In 32 seasons in South Bend, Muffet has led the Fighting Irish to two national championships, seven trips to the title game, and nine appearances in the Final Four. She's a vocal champion for gender equality in the workplace and sparked an important conversation on the need for women in leadership.We talk about the importance of having visible women leaders, why she wants to use her platform for change, and how she's built a championship culture at Notre Dame.