The Charismatic Leader

Today we sit down with Brett McDermott, the voice behind Persistence Playbook, to explore 10 powerful affirmations designed to sharpen focus, defeat internal resistance, and help you finally get things done, without waiting for motivation to show up first. In this solo episode, Brett walks us through affirmations rooted in discipline, action, and clarity. Each one speaks directly to the entreprene...

Today we sit down with Scott D. Clary, former C-suite executive turned podcast powerhouse with tens of millions of downloads under his belt to talk about what really separates high performers from highlighters. We unpack the hidden cost of information overload and how even the smartest minds can get stuck in the cycle of constant consumption. We get into the difference between learning and doing,...

Today we sit down with Chad Foster, the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s leadership program, a renowned speaker, and a strategist behind billions in revenue. But his story starts with something most of us take for granted. Sight. In his early 20s, Chad lost his vision to a genetic condition. What followed wasn’t just a comeback, it was a complete reframing of how to...

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott to explore one of the most quietly persistent challenges we all face... SELF-DOUBT! No matter how successful you are or how far along your journey you may be, self-doubt still finds a way in. In this episode, Brett dives deep into why that feeling exists, how it can actually signal growth, and what to do when it starts to hold you back. While reframing i...

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott to explore the power of manifestation and how to truly align your mindset, emotions, and actions to create the life you want. In this inspiring and practical episode, Brett breaks down the art and science of manifestation, going beyond the buzzwords to deliver real, actionable steps for personal growth and success. From getting crystal clear on your goal...

Today we sit down with Jake Thompson, world-renowned keynote speaker and author on developing and leveraging a competitive mindset, to discuss all things personal growth, self-discipline, mindset mastery, and how to compete with yourself daily to win long-term. In this episode, Jake breaks down what it really means to compete every day, not just in your work, but in parenting, wellness, leadership...

We’re revisiting one of our most electrifying conversations as we head into Q2, because it’s the perfect time for a mindset tune‑up. Evan Carmichael, the powerhouse you know from YouTube, joins us to break down the strategies that turn fear into fuel and belief into results. If Q1 left you feeling like you’re behind on your goals or just… a little wobbly on the “what’s next?” this conversation is...

Today we sit down with Mahfuz Chowdhury, a three-time TEDx speaker and renowned expert in the art of resilience. But this isn’t just another conversation about bouncing back, it’s about leveling up. Resilience isn’t just about weathering storms; it’s about what you do every single day to make sure you’re not the same person who walked into them. In this episode, we challenge everything you think y...

Today, we sit down with David Marlow, a seasoned business leader and personal transformation expert, to explore the art of uncovering one’s deeper purpose. This conversation isn’t just about passion, it’s about aligning who you are with what you do in a way that feels inevitable. David shares his own journey of discovery, revealing how moments of uncertainty became the foundation for clarity. We b...

Today we sit down with Frankie Russo, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and sought-after keynote speaker, to dive into the power of embracing what makes you different. At the heart of this conversation? A simple yet powerful mantra: Don’t flinch. Throughout our conversation, we explore how embracing your uniqueness fuels both personal and professional growth, why the fear of failure is the bigg...

Today we sit down with Jillian Anderson, a marketing positioning and copywriting expert, to break down the art of writing copy that actually converts, and why you don’t have to feel guilty about using material desires as motivation. Jillian dives into the deeper layers of positioning, explaining why it’s not just a strategy but a direct reflection of a business owner’s self-worth. She shares the o...

Today we sit down with Lena B. Taylor, the force behind  Flipping Gorgeous , to talk about her journey from the worlds of real estate and cosmetics to becoming a powerhouse in DIY home renovation. She shares how she navigated the challenges of the pandemic, rediscovered her passion, and transitioned to YouTube—balancing authenticity, entrepreneurship, and motherhood along the way. We dive into the...

Today, we sit down with Henna Pryor, two-time TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and renowned expert on the art of risk-taking. In this episode, Henna shares how stepping outside her comfort zone transformed her career, from finance to international speaking, and why embracing discomfort is the real game-changer. She reveals the small, strategic risks that build courage, the surprising link betwee...

Today we sit down with  Persistence Playbook  host Brett McDermott who never turns down a good list. This week he’s breaking down 10 powerful strategies for improving self-talk, drawing from high performers and past guests. Brett unpacks the subtle shifts that can turn inner doubts into fuel for growth. From tactics like reframing negative thoughts to naming your inner critic, this conversation wi...

Today, we sit down with Amy Lacey, speaker, and best-selling author, and Founder of Living Be me, to dive deep into her remarkable journey of resilience and grit. From overcoming a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Amy shares powerful insights into mindset shifts, personal growth, and the importance of mentorship, while opening up about her innovative approach to busines...

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott to break down 10 game-changing productivity strategies for 2025. This episode is your WAKE-UP CALL if you start the day with good intentions but end up putting out fires, cringe at your screen time report, find yourself constantly busy but never moving forward, or know you’re capable of more but can’t seem to break through. There’s a reason some people g...

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott as he takes us on a deep dive into 10 small, deceptively simple actions designed to help you build mental toughness and tackle life’s bigger challenges. From icy cold showers to apologizing for that time you were absolutely  not  wrong, Brett explores how these discomforts can become the stepping stones to grit and resilience. And just how leaning into d...

Today we sit down with Darryll Stinson, former Division One athlete turned keynote speaker and author, to explore the transformative power of vulnerability and self-awareness.  Darryll shares his journey through mental health struggles, life transitions, and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of emotional clarity, resilience, and authentic storytelling. He dives into why self-care system...

Today we sit down with host Brett McDermott as he dives into the art of quarterly goal setting. Brett breaks down why quarterly goals are a game-changer for creating focus, urgency, and accountability, while helping you adapt and track progress more effectively. In this episode, you’ll discover actionable strategies like using the SMART framework, prioritizing key goals, and aligning them with you...

Today, we sit down with Dr. Emilio Justo, a renowned surgeon, international speaker, and two-time TEDx presenter, to uncover his extraordinary journey from Cuban refugee to a leading medical professional and global thought leader. Dr. Justo shares how resilience, delayed gratification, and a relentless drive helped him overcome immense challenges, offering insights into how anyone can cultivate th...

As we bid farewell to 2024, join us in revisiting a powerful conversation with Kelly Siegel, author of  Harder Than Life  and CEO of a national technology firm. Kelly’s journey from a challenging upbringing to leading a successful company is a testament to resilience and determination. Through physical fitness, grit, and sobriety, he has overcome significant obstacles, breaking the cycles of abuse...

Today we sit down with Sara J. Ross, founder of Brain Amped, a research firm dedicated to leadership vitality, to explore how leaders can redefine success by focusing on energy and well-being. This conversation dives into pivotal moments in leadership, balancing work and personal life, and how vitality isn’t a destination but a direction we consciously choose. Sara shares actionable insights on mo...

Today we sit down with J.M. Ryerson, Let’s Go Win CEO, to rethink what it really means to win. From breaking free of limiting self-beliefs to mastering the power of positive self-talk, J.M. reveals how shifting your mindset can transform your reality. We explore why the labels we accept hold us back, how the choices we make shape our future, and the untapped wisdom that could be shaping your growt...

Today we sit down with Kaylor Betts, business and life coach, and host of  Awake and Winning , for a raw and riveting conversation about the deeper truths behind growth, success, and fulfillment. From navigating the messy waters of mental health to redefining what it means to live with purpose, Kaylor brings unfiltered insights that will challenge how you think about work, life, and everything in...

Today we sit down with Jeff Fenster, CEO of Everbowl, to uncover what it takes to reach the top in business. From rejecting the 9-to-5 mindset to rethinking long-term planning, Jeff shares his strategies for success, including the power of relationship capital, using technology to build thoughtful connections, and the value of surrounding yourself with high achievers.  He also reveals how small da...