The Growth Project

In Part 2 of their conversation on psychological safety, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer move from definition to application. Now that the myths are cleared up, how do you actually build psychological safety in your team or organization? They explore actionable ways to bring it to life, like doubling down on meaningful work goals, balancing advocacy with inquiry, and creating space for candid d...

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer unpack the growing buzz around "psychological safety" and why many misunderstand what it really means. As the term gains popularity, it's often reduced to "being nice" or mistaken as guaranteed agreement. Drawing on research by Amy Edmondson (Harvard Business Review), they explore the real meaning: the freedom to be constructively candid without...

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the powerful role coachability plays in performance and growth. They unpack why this trait is so highly valued by leaders, hiring managers, and coaches alike. Learn what it means to be truly coachable: having a growth mindset, showing humility, taking action, and embracing accountability. Whether you're leading, learning, or leveling up, t...

We often talk about the fear of failure, but what about the fear of success? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore both. Why do we hesitate, not only when we might fall short, but also when we're on the brink of rising? They dive into the hidden drivers of this tension, from perfectionism to Tall Poppy Syndrome, and share how to reframe your mindset to fully step into your pot...

What happens after you've climbed your Everest? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the arrival fallacy—the belief that reaching a long-term goal will bring lasting fulfillment. Using Rory McIlroy's post-Masters win slump as a case study, they examine the emotional weight that can follow major achievements. From elite sports to everyday life, they discuss how to redefine su...

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the value of a mid-year check-in. With summer in full swing, it's the ideal time to take inventory, evaluate your progress, and make thoughtful adjustments to ensure you're on track to meet your annual goals. Like halftime in a game, this moment offers a strategic pause to refocus and reset—giving you the best chance to finish the year st...

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools—the largest district in South Carolina with 78,000 students. Fresh off a historic graduation rate of 88%, they explore the challenges and strategies behind managing a vast school system. Burke emphasizes the importance of stretching yourself as a leader for continued growth, and he shares...

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray, co-founders of  Sack the Stigma , about the critical need to destigmatize mental health struggles among current and former student-athletes—and beyond. They explore the cultural pressures of sports, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of access to care. Tune in as they share their mission to transform how...

Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the mental game behind Rory McIlroy's journey to Masters victory this past April. Drawing insights from his post-win press conference at Augusta National, they explore the mindset required for elite performance, the psychological hurdles of chasing a career Grand Slam, and what Rory's reflections reveal about his mental approach. This conversation unpack...

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Scott Watkins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing Market Leader at Clayco. Scott shares his path to leadership and how forward-thinking organizations gain a competitive edge by investing in people. He unpacks the critical role of talent development and how fostering a growth-focused culture drives success—especially on complex projects in...

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman of Equip Studio, a successful, culture-focused architecture firm based in Greenville, SC. They share how their team builds a business that honors both God and people. From prioritizing internal excellence to investing deeply in their people, Sims and Alisha offer a refreshing blueprint for humanizing business. This conver...

The average person spends nearly four hours a day on their phone, adding up to a quarter of their waking life! Given the magnitude of that time, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Kimberly Shaffer, Director of the Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Program at Barry University, explore the psychological toll of our digital habits. They discuss how excessive phone use can quietly erode our presence, esp...

In the final installment of the Sixty Days in the Dark series, Dr. Drew Brannon reflects with Dr. Milt Lowder on the realizations that followed his unexpected medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. From the unwavering support of his wife to redefining what's truly important, Drew shares how slowing down helped him show up more intentionally. This episode explores...

In Part 2 of this powerful series, Dr. Drew Brannon joins Dr. Milt Lowder to explore what it means to walk through the "dark hallway"—the space between loss and clarity, fear and faith. Drew reflects on the sudden medical issue that left him with severely limited eyesight for 60 days, and how he kept moving forward when the future felt uncertain. This episode is a testament to perseverance, perspe...

In this powerful first installment of a three-part series, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Drew Brannon to unpack the most challenging season of Drew's life—a sudden medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Drew shares what it was like to navigate the darkness, the emotional toll it took, and how he began to find strength in th...

Former Clemson soccer player Nolan Lennon knows pain, perseverance, and purpose. After tearing his ACL four times, he stepped away from the game he loved and into the world of ultramarathons. In this episode, Nolan joins Dr. Cory Shaffer to talk about redefining success, the mindset needed to push past limits, and how embracing suffering helped him find clarity. It's a raw, inspiring look at what...

What does it take to build trust, foster culture, and create lasting impact? In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with David Wise, President & CEO of Harper General Contractors, who shares how trust serves as the foundation for meaningful growth. With over 34 years of experience, David has played a key role in transforming Greenville, SC into a thriving city. He discusses the power of cultur...

What can business leaders learn from Navy special operations? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with retired Navy special operator Oran Feiner, who brings 20 years of leadership experience in the Navy warfare community. They explore the principles of high-stakes performance, building resilient teams, and leading with precision under pressure. Oran shares hard-earned insights on decision-maki...

How committed are you to the results you want? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the direct link between commitment and outcomes, using Navy Special Operators as a prime example of extreme dedication. They reveal how purposeful plans, clearly defined roles, and unwavering investment drive consistent, exceptional results. Whether in teams or personal pursuits, this epis...

Have you ever lost your cool when the pressure was on? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer reveal Three Truths About Composure, the key to staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. Composure is a powerful advantage that allows high performers to thrive under pressure. Without it, even the most capable individuals can struggle to reach their full potential. Tune in...

How do we raise children who embrace challenges, value self-improvement, and develop mental resilience? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer, AMPLOS mental performance coach and father of two, sits down with Connor Huston, AMPLOS Director of Content & Media and new dad,   to explore practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in kids. From gratitude practices to emotional intelligence and han...

What holds you back from reaching your full potential? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson to explore the psychology of high performance—both individually and within a team. They break down the biggest mental traps that hinder success and tackle compelling questions related to performance, including: If you could eliminate one self-...

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson answer top questions curated by ChatGPT, diving into the overlooked trends in leadership and performance psychology. They explore how to cultivate adaptability in a fast-changing world and share expert insights on navigating challenges in work, sport, and life. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that...

Are you stuck in the mediocrity trap—settling for comfort instead of striving for growth? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down what keeps us stagnant and how to create the escape velocity needed to break free from being "happy enough." They explore key mindset shifts and actionable strategies to push beyond average and pursue excellence. Tune in for a compelling conversat...

We all experience stress, but what if you could make it work for you instead of against you? Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Dr. Rebecca Heiss, stress physiologist and author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work For You , to explore how we can reframe our perspective on stress. She breaks down her three-step process to harness stress, turning it into a powerful tool for growth and performance. The...