Paradigm Playbook

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Alivia Orvieto , a volleyball and fitness specialist who’s redefining what sports training can look like. Alivia shares her journey from competing in indoor volleyball at a young age to launching a first-of-its-kind beach volleyball hybrid program in Pennsylvania. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a busin...

Host Steve Cook sits down with entrepreneur, consultant, and innovation strategist Curtis Michelson to discuss his unique journey from nonprofit activism and sales to software development, product leadership, and AI. Curtis shares how AI is reshaping product teams, innovation, and the way businesses solve problems. They explore lessons from Innovation Leader Magazine, the rise of AI-powered hackat...

Host Steve Cook sits down with Ross Gage, Chief Executive of Gymnastics Clubs Australia (GCA), to explore the vital role associations play in strengthening youth sports organizations around the world. Drawing from his experience as a swimming coach, swim school owner, founder of Swim Australia and the Australian Swim Schools Association, and leader within Gymnastics Clubs Australia and the Interna...

Host Steve Cook sits down with Tyler Wetzel, Customer Success Director at Ninja Zone, to break down how Ninja Zone evolved from a concept into a global program with 300+ clubs. Tyler shares how the program blends gymnastics, parkour, martial arts, and ninja-style training into a progression-based system that builds skills and confidence. They dive into why it resonates with parents, how classes ar...

Steve Cook sits down with Miren Oca, founder of Ocaquatics and Ripples of Impact, to talk about what it really takes to build a business rooted in ownership and purpose. Miren shares how she started teaching swim lessons at 19 and grew it into a full aquatics company—learning business through books, mentors, and experience along the way. She breaks down the “OWN IT” culture behind Ocaquatics and w...

Most gyms don’t struggle from lack of passion — they struggle from lack of structure. In this episode, Steve Cook sits down with Lena Urusova, founder and CEO of Plan Sport Pro, to unpack the system behind scalable, sustainable gym growth. With over 20 years of experience as a gym owner, Lena saw the same problem over and over: inconsistent programming, overwhelmed coaches, and owners stuck in the...

Steve Cook and Christie Copeland unpack the business decisions that felt like great ideas at the time —but came with hard lessons. Christie shares her experience opening a second gymnastics facility, while Steve reflects on building an outdoor skate park that didn’t go as planned. They dive into the importance of exit strategies, understanding local competition, hiring for true fit, and avoiding c...

Disclaimer: This episode includes discussions of emotional abuse, trauma, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised, as some topics may be sensitive or triggering for certain audiences. Steve Cook sits down with executive psychology coach and licensed counselor Mandy Morris to unpack how “small-t traumas” quietly shape behavior, performance, and self-worth. From fear-based coaching to over...

In Episode 118 of Paradigm Playbook , Steve Cook sits down with Coach Tim Neiman—former collegiate baseball coach, leadership speaker, and host of the Straight Lines podcast—to break down how lessons from the game translate directly into business and life. Coach Neiman shares his journey from DeSales University to launching a fast-growing podcast focused on leadership, discipline, and personal gro...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook, Steve Cook sits down with Reece O’Hara, Ninja department leader at Kids First, to break down what it takes to build and scale a successful ninja program. Reese shares how Kids First developed a 10,000-square-foot ninja gym and grew from just 40 students at launch to a thriving program. The conversation dives into coaching strategies, the balance of strength an...

In this solo episode of the Paradigm Playbook Podcast , host Steve Cook explores what makes a child activity center truly valuable—especially for owners thinking about selling or scaling their business in the future. Drawing inspiration from the work of John Warrillow and the Value Builder System, Steve explains why private equity firms and investors are increasingly targeting small businesses and...

In Episode 115 of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with marketing and website specialist Galen Broido of Glinda Media Group to discuss how child activity centers can elevate their brand through stronger websites, smarter SEO, and strategic social media. If you operate a swim school, gym, or child-focused facility—or you’re building a brand in a competitive local market—this episode of...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Dean Altes to explore his journey from gymnastics club owner to trusted consultant in the sports business industry. Dean shares the realities of owning and operating multiple gymnastics clubs, investing in real estate, and navigating the financial highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He opens up about how the COVID-19 pandemic re...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Alivia Orvieto , a volleyball and fitness specialist who’s redefining what sports training can look like. Alivia shares her journey from competing in indoor volleyball at a young age to launching a first-of-its-kind beach volleyball hybrid program in Pennsylvania. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a busin...

In this uplifting episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Marcella Miciano , CEO and founder of Vivid Motivation and a certified John Gordon trainer. Marcella shares her journey from running swim schools and youth camps to launching Vivid Motivation — a company dedicated to helping teams thrive through positivity, energy, and purposeful culture-building. Together, Steve and M...

🎙️  In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Frank Sahlein , CEO of 3rd Level Consulting , to dive into the details of the upcoming Signature Business Workshop . Together, they break down the true value behind the investment — highlighting how the event delivers actionable strategies, expert insights, and measurable returns for business owners in the child development...

🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with John Mitchell , an Australian entrepreneur driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. John shares valuable lessons on scaling businesses, leveraging AI and technology, and building strong teams through effective leadership and delegation. 💡 Tune in for insights on scaling businesses, the role of curiosity, a...

What does it take to deliver truly unforgettable service? In this Playmakers Replay episode of the Paradigm Playbook Podcast , hosts David Kozak and Steve Cook unpack the powerful concept of Unreasonable Hospitality —inspired by the legendary Eleven Madison Park. Discover how going the extra mile can transform customer relationships, build loyalty, and set your sports business apart. From small, t...

🎙️ Join host Steve Cook alongside Bruce Cook as they dive into the dynamic world of sponsorships and partnerships in business. 🤝 From small entrepreneurial ventures to high-level sponsorships, they share real-world insights and proven strategies to help you elevate your brand and unlock new revenue opportunities. Discover how to: Build meaningful, lasting partnerships Leverage storytelling to att...

🎙️ In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook and co-host Christie Copeland break down what it really takes to build and train a high-performing team. From developing consistent communication strategies to leveraging tech and creating dynamic handbooks, they share real-world insights that apply across sports, business, and beyond. 👥 Learn how to: Train employees effectively in any set...

🎧 In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Jason Bush , founder of a commercial real estate advisory firm serving the Carolinas. Together, they unpack how strategic real estate decisions can significantly impact a business's long-term growth and enterprise value. 📈 Jason explains the value of aligning real estate strategy with business goals—covering key topics...

In this replay of the Paradigm Playbook podcast, host Steve Cook and Dave Kozak break down the concept of intentional growth —and why it’s essential for building a sustainable business in the sports and entrepreneurship world. You’ll hear: What Intentional Growth Really Means : How to avoid accidental progress and instead drive your business with clarity and purpose. Mindset & Vision : Why a g...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Ben Minardi , co-founder of Connectivity Systems , to break down the essentials of IT for small businesses. From selecting the right internet service provider to leveraging the cloud for efficiency and scalability, Ben shares expert guidance every entrepreneur should know. The conversation also explores the future of connectivit...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , we’re joined by the founders of StargazeX , a powerhouse social media agency transforming how sports businesses grow. From humble beginnings as high school friends to running an agency that’s helping gyms, training academies, and youth sports organizations scale, Alex and Kevin break down what it takes to win in digital marketing today. 🎯 Inside the Episode:...

In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook talks with Dr. Lance Knaub—physical therapist, entrepreneur, and business coach—about scaling your business without sacrificing your health. Discover the importance of vision, personal assessment, and balancing work with life. Learn from Lance’s experience with private equity, plus insights on technology, outsourcing, and marketing to fuel bus...