The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Erin McGoff, a career advisor, content creator, and author of The Secret Language of Work, shares sharp, tactical career and communication strategies. She covers using rejection as fuel, structuring crisp introductions, writing specific cold emails, negotiating pay, running efficient meetings, and thinking long-term about career planning.

Jesse Cole, entrepreneur and founder of the Savannah Bananas, turned baseball into a fans-first entertainment juggernaut. He talks about obsessing over every rep and ritual to make shows unforgettable. He explains radical transparency by opening the books, turning a $6M mistake into an opportunity, and dreaming big with Banana Land and tours. He shares why doing the opposite of normal fuels growth and culture.

Tom Hardin (Tipper X), a former hedge fund analyst turned FBI informant and author, tells a cautionary tale about ethical drift. He discusses how ambiguous leadership and the phrase "do whatever it takes" create silence. He explores psychological safety, the difference between bad decisions and mistakes, the 10/80/10 influence rule, and how leaders can reward ethics over short-term results.

PJ Fleck, Minnesota head football coach known for building culture-driven teams and turning Western Michigan into a national contender. He discusses selecting for fit over recruiting, the Nekton mindset of relentless internal drive, practice design that makes practice harder than games, and how transformational coaching builds elite culture.

Dan Coyle, bestselling author and researcher on team performance and skill development, shares how to spot 'yellow doors'—subtle, risky opportunities that shape life. He discusses being a beginner to build empathy, how simplicity deepens craft, and storytelling essentials. He also explores curiosity-driven questions, the DNA of thriving teams, and how community helps people flourish.

Brad Stulberg, bestselling author on sustainable performance and excellence. He explores curiosity as a skill, why showing up beats waiting for motivation, and the power of consistent daily practice. He also discusses how your circle shapes your performance, balancing process and outcome goals, and surprising creativity that comes from simply starting.

In this conversation with Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, he reflects on how his daughter's medical challenges highlighted a lack of accessible online information. He discusses the failure of Nupedia's top-down approach versus Wikipedia's open-edit model. Wales emphasizes the importance of assuming good faith to manage bad actors, and the idea that to receive trust, one must first give it. Furthermore, he shares practical advice on transparency, aligning purpose, and pursuing passion, revealing insights into building a collaborative culture.

In this engaging conversation, Mike Deegan—Denison University's all-time winningest baseball coach—unpacks how the joy of mudita fosters a championship culture. He explores the importance of celebrating every team member's contributions and shares insights on building self-awareness through reading and wise counsel. Deegan also emphasizes the role of curiosity as a form of love, while highlighting strategies for managing slumps and maintaining discipline. With a focus on talent and character, he reveals how to cultivate strong team dynamics and resilience.

Oz Pearlman, known as 'Oz The Mentalist,' transitioned from Wall Street to captivating audiences with his unique talent. He shares his intriguing journey, beginning with his first stage experience at age 13, to performing for elite clients like Steven Spielberg. Oz discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming rejection, constantly learning from peers, and the art of making genuine connections. He emphasizes the role of preparation and follow-up in building confidence and sustaining excellence, all while keeping audiences engaged through interactive mentalism.

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy and travel media entrepreneur, shares his journey from booking his dad's trips at age 12 to building a $28 million empire. He discusses the power of manifestation and the creative strategies that set his brand apart. Brian dives into the importance of vulnerability in leadership, hiring practices that value honesty, and the challenges of burnout. He also explores his transition to angel investing and shares his favorite travel experiences, offering tips on how to leverage travel points for optimal adventures.