GrowthReady Podcast

• Episode 253: The Power of Growth and Letting Go with Larry Jackson

  Send us a textAbout the Guest:Larry Jackson is a former professional fighter turned medical device sales specialist with a passion for disruptive technology. His journey from a tough upbringing in Savannah, Georgia, to excelling in sales and personal development is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. With experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA, he transitioned into the medical field, helping doctors integrate innovative technologies. Larry embodies the mindset of continuous growth, navigating discomfort, and embracing change.About the Episode:In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Larry Jackson shares his journey of overcoming adversity, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and the importance of placing yourself in environments where you're celebrated, not just tolerated. Steve and Larry discuss what it truly means to be "growth ready" - from embracing discomfort to letting go of people and situations that no longer serve you. Larry opens up about his childhood struggles, his transition into medical sales, and how he's learning to let go of past narratives while still using his drive for success.Key Takeaways:To evolve, you must be willing to confront uncomfortable truths, be honest about where you are, and embrace the challenges ahead.Whether it's toxic relationships or old versions of yourself, growth often requires releasing what no longer serves you.Being adaptable and open to change is key to reaching your true potential. Goals may shift, and that's okay.In sales and life, gaining respect is more important than being liked.Childhood narratives can shape your self-perception. Rewriting those stories is crucial for personal and professional success.Surround yourself with people and opportunities that appreciate your value, rather than just putting up with you.Therapy, self-reflection, and vulnerability play significant roles in overcoming past trauma and finding fulfillment.Links and Resources:Connect with Larry Jackson on Social Media:Linkedin: jaxson24Instagram: plungetalkwithjaxConnect with Steve Mellor on Social Media:Linkedin: steve-mellor-ccInstagram: CoachSteveMellorThis episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from their past, step into their true potential, and redefine success on their own terms. 🎧✨Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

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• Episode 252: Building Legacy Through Impact with Ed Dudley

  Send us a textAbout the Guest:ED Dudley is a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, with over 20 years of experience in financial services. He co-founded Shining Light In Darkness, a nonprofit supporting underserved survivors, and has served as Interim Board Chair of United Against Slavery, advancing research to address anti-trafficking challenges globally. As Board President of SwingPals, ED helps improve the lives of underprivileged children in Durham, NC. Guided by empathy and community, he merges financial expertise with social advocacy to empower and uplift those in need. "It's not what I do for a living, but what I do for the living," he says.About the Episode:Ed shares his transformative journey from chasing corporate success to finding true fulfillment through service. He unpacks the power of mindset, the importance of building a legacy, and how small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful impact. Through personal experiences and deep reflections, Ed challenges listeners to rethink success—not as a measure of what we accumulate, but of how we serve others.This episode is packed with wisdom on personal growth, resilience, and the power of giving back. Key Takeaways:✔ Growth happens in inches, not leaps—focus on small, consistent progress.✔ True success is measured in service, not just material wealth.✔ Every person has the ability to create a lasting impact through their actions.✔ Talking about difficult topics (like domestic violence) is essential for change.✔ Serving others is a key to fulfillment and personal growth.📢 Resources & Links:Connect with Ed Dudley on LinkedIn: edwarddudleyFollow Shining Light in Darkness on Social Media: Instagram - shiningndarkness, Facebook- shininglightindarknessSupport Shining Light in Darkness: www.slidfnd.org🚀 If this episode inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 🎧✅ Subscribe to GrowthReady for more inspiring conversations.⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more listeners.📲 Follow us on social media for more insights and behind-the-scenes content!Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

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• Episode 251: From High-Speed Decisions to Nonprofit Success: Hardy Smith on Being Growth Ready

  Send us a textAbout the Guest:Hardy Smith is a seasoned consultant, speaker, and author specializing in nonprofit governance and board engagement. With a background in NASCAR, he brings a unique perspective on strategy, anticipation, and leadership. Hardy is the author of Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, a book dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations overcome common board challenges and foster effective leadership.Discover more about Hardy on his website: www.hardysmith.comAbout the Episode:In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast, Hardy Smith shares his journey from the fast-paced world of NASCAR to the nonprofit sector. He discusses the critical concept of being "growth ready," emphasizing preparation, anticipation, and adaptability. Hardy draws parallels between NASCAR’s demand for quick decision-making and the nonprofit world’s need for strategic foresight. He explores the challenges nonprofits face, particularly financial constraints and board engagement, and offers practical advice on fostering intentional growth. Additionally, Hardy delves into his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, shedding light on how organizations can shift their mindset and create lasting change.Key Takeaways:Being growth ready means preparing for and anticipating challenges.Anticipation is a skill that can be cultivated over time.Conditioned behaviors shape how we respond to adversity.Awareness of surroundings enhances decision-making and adaptability.Change and disruption are inevitable—pragmatism is key to navigating them.Asking for help is essential; people are often willing to assist.Taking a moment to pause can provide clarity in difficult situations.Board engagement is crucial for a nonprofit’s success.Intentionality is key in both personal and professional growth.Facilitation helps individuals and organizations recognize their own solutions.Ownership of actions leads to meaningful and lasting change.Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

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• Episode 250: Leadership, Courage, and Finding Fulfillment with Omar Halabieh

  Send us a textAbout the Guest:Omar Halabieh is a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience spanning telecom, energy, and payments. He currently serves as Director of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, overseeing payment experiences across the Middle East and Africa. Beyond his professional role, Omar is passionate about leadership development, mentoring others, and fostering sustainable growth in their careers and lives.Connect with Omar thru his website at www.omarhalabieh.comAbout the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady Podcast, host Steve Mellor is joined by Omar Halabieh for a deep dive into what it means to be truly "growth ready." Omar shares his unique leadership philosophy centered around continuous learning, courageous conversations, and a long-term, sustainable approach to growth. He opens up about pivotal moments in his career where courage changed the trajectory of his path and offers practical advice for leaders looking to grow while supporting their teams.Key Takeaways:The Four Pillars of Being "Growth Ready":Embrace Growth as a Continuous Process: Recognize that you are always a work in progress.Avoid Stagnation: Consistent improvement is crucial to avoid complacency.Internal Drive Over External Signals: Self-accountability is essential—don’t wait for others to nudge you.Think Long-Term and Sustainable: Approach growth like a financial investment—lean on consistency and compounding.The Power of Courageous Conversations:Courage is a spectrum—it starts with small steps, like asking for mentorship, and grows into high-stakes conversations.By taking ownership and seeking feedback proactively, leaders can unlock career-defining opportunities.Creating an Environment for Growth:Surround yourself with mentors and role models who challenge and inspire you.Leverage available resources and focus on the opportunities within your control.Welcome adversity as part of the journey—it shapes resilience and adaptability.Serving Others While Growing Yourself:Helping others succeed not only impacts them but also reinforces your own growth and clarifies your thinking.Building a support network enhances emotional resilience and prevents burnout.Sustaining Growth:Prioritize physical and mental well-being. Health is key to long-term performance.Reflect with purpose—evaluate your progress to foster self-awareness without self-criticism.Align your work with your purpose to find energy and motivation, even during challenging times.Redefining Success and the Right Path:Success is not a fixed path—it’s an emerging journey shaped by intentional actions.Focus on growth today, and the right path will become clearer over time.This episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals at any stage of their journey who want to grow sustainably, embrace courage, and build meaningful careers.Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

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• Episode 249 - Unmasking Authenticity: Challenging the Status Quo with Scott Ramey

  Send us a textAbout the Guest:Scott Ramey is the secret weapon for forward-thinking executives ready to elevate their communication and leadership skills. With over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies to billions in new business, Scott’s innovative SPEAK Framework transforms leaders by helping them communicate with clarity, inspire action, and drive results. Through his one-on-one coaching and keynote talks, Scott empowers leaders to unlock their full potential and foster lasting impact.About the Episode:In this episode of GrowthReady, Steve Mellor sits down with his friend and inspiring entrepreneur, Scott Ramey, to discuss the importance of stepping into your authentic self, navigating fear, and overcoming success reluctance. Scott shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an independent entrepreneur, detailing the challenges of unmasking his true identity and creating meaningful connections through vulnerability and communication. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of resilience.Key Takeaways:Challenging the status quo is essential for growth.Entrepreneurship can lead to personal fulfillment.Self-promotion is a necessary skill for success.Vulnerability strengthens connections with others.Gaining clarity on what you truly want is crucial.Communication skills are vital in professional settings.Being forward-thinking is key to career advancement.Embracing change can lead to a healthier mindset.Defining your personal style enhances communication.Every individual has a unique style that should be embraced.Success reluctance is a barrier to realizing our potential.We often self-sabotage just before achieving success.Authentic communication requires vulnerability and connection.Fear can be transformed into strength through authenticity.Recognizing our unlimited potential is essential for growth.Effective communication takes practice, structure, and time.Vulnerability creates deeper, more meaningful connections.We should focus on being ourselves rather than imitating others.The journey to authenticity may involve discomfort but is rewarding.Letting go of fear can lead to a more fulfilling life.Scott’s SPEAK method helps leaders communicate effectively by focusing on:Style: Defining your unique communication approach.Presence: Staying fully engaged in the moment.Empathy: Understanding your audience’s needs.Authenticity: Demonstrating vulnerability to build trust.Knowledge: Structuring your message clearly and concisely using the "power of three."Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our communityAlso be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

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