Excellent Leadership Podcast

Jaksot

• 
  Greg Beadles (President & CEO @atlantafalcons) on The Global Business Growth of Football & more 15.09.2026 56min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with Greg Beadles (President & CEO @atlantafalcons) to discuss: Excel Seach & Advisory Intro (:02) Greg Beadles Intro (:25) What the role of CEO in the NFL really is & Where he spends most of his time in business (1:44) Hiring for a coach or GM & The role that Matt Ryan is filling for the team now (4:54) Hiring for core values & Starting out as an intern, becoming CFO to President/CEO of The Falcons (8:31) The First 30-60 Days of becoming President/CEO & Going through reorginization on the business side (17:45) Planning with Owner Arthur Blank & What he has learned from him in business (25:21) The business growth in the NFL & Playing in International games every season (33:04) The growth of flag football & The business of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (37:56) Co-Founding a school & Staying sharp and grounded (44:27) 7 Question Blitz (49:58) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ross Bjork (Athletic Director at The Ohio State University) on The Scale of Being a Buckeye & more 01.09.2026 56min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with Ross Bjork (Athletic Director @theohiostateuniversity) to discuss: This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with Ross Bjork (Athletic Director @theohiostateuniversity) to discuss: Excel Search & Advisory Intro (:00) Ross Bjork Intro (:26) Setting the tone as Athletic Director & The scale of working at The Ohio State University (2:04) Having the torch passed to him with overlap from Gene Smith & Balancing between honor and tradition (8:46) Having patience when stepping into a new role & Having the right cadence of executives in your organization (15:39) The gospel of being Athletic Director & Accelerating your learning curve when dealing with the media (23:29) Cascading culture throughout roles in an organization & Ensuring values during an interview process (28:19) Balancing football vs. the other 35 sports in the program & Getting the most out of modern athletes (37:15) 7 Question Blitz (46:19) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Follow on Instagram & LinkedIn: @excellentleadershippodcast Produced by DBPodcasts - http://www.DBPodcasts.com Producers: Miles Davis, Daniel Demme Krutchkoff & Jordan Winter (c) Excel Search & Advisory #SportsBusiness #SportsIndustry #SportsExecutives #AthleticDirector #SportsCareers #Leadership #SportsManagement #CollegeAthletics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Kristen Holmes (Global Head of Human Performance @whoop) on Athlete & Executive Motivation Ceiling 18.08.2026 1t 19min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Matt Rogers (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Kristen Holmes (Global Head of Human Performance @whoop) to discuss: Excel Seach & Advisory Intro (:02) Kristen Holmes Intro (:24) Being an athlete at Princeton & Joining WHOOP to enchance human performance (2:30) Preperation for yourself instead of the opponent at hand & What executives are getting wrong with their health (7:18) Executives who inquire about using WHOOP to create boundaries & Biggest solution for corrections (16:15) The importance of sleep consistency along with early caffeine & The competitive advantages achieved in work culture (28:13) Therapy benefits & Managing stress (38:50) The motivation ceiling of athletes & Motivation performance plan principles in the workplace (48:38) The common thread of wining teams & 7 years of data for recovery of professional golfers results (59:46) The one thing YOU can do tomorrow to better your health & Writing a book (1:05:26) 7 Question Blitz (1:17:07) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Dan Radakovich (Executive Director of FBSAD Association) on How To Be an Athletic Director & more 04.08.2026 51min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with Dan Radakovich (Executive Director of FBSAD Association) to discuss: Intro (:02) How much the Athletic Director role has changed & How to differentiate yourself to be hired as an AD (1:23) How to build your generalist muscle & What to do right in the first 60-90 days in onboarding (7:45) Common themes in administration hires that worked & Having success in building college football programs (18:15) What works well to get culture to cement in organizations & Differences for executives from other industries getting into in sports (28:05) If stakeholder management is a muscle that can be built & Looking back at working at Georgia Tech/Clemson/Miami (40:50) 7 Question Blitz (44:36) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Candice Story Lee (Athletic Director @Vanderbilt) on The Value of Executive Coaching & more 28.07.2026 1t 2min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Chris Hoppe (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Candice Story Lee (Athletic Director @Vanderbilt) to discuss: Intro (:02) 7 Question Blitz & First job (1:23) The belief in Vanderbilt University & Encouraging people to fulfill their potential (10:10) What to do with your team on tough days & What has changed at Vanderbilt University (15:53) Recruitment in modern day college athletics & Learning how to adapt (24:00) Vanderbilt Enterprises & How to maintain energy as a leader (31:18) The importance of morning routine & Keeping control of her calendar (37:55) Collaboration & Optimization in hiring (44:15) Implementing executive coaching into the organization & Winning SBJ Athletic Director of the Year (49:50) Most common advice lately & Being underestimated (56:53) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Follow Us on Socials: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram & LinkedIn CEO Conversations #CEO #SportsExecutives #DreamJob Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Morgan Shaw Parker (President & COO of @AtlantaDream) on Leaving The NFL for a WNBA Franchise 21.07.2026 1t 1min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Matt Rogers(Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Morgan Shaw-Parker (President & COO of @AtlantaDream) to discuss: Intro (:02) Why she left the NFL for the WNBA & The differences between both leagues (1:22) Challeges of working in WNBA & Investment strategies to keep up with rising valuations (6:19) The difference of The Atlanta Dream & Being committed to the community (10:58) When there’s an opportunity that keeps you up at night vs. Taking on a “fix it” project (15:27) Advice for those with competitng priorities & Where culture within an organization comes from (20:42) Key failures that can shape you & Stand out human traits that she looks at for a team member (30:41) Finding those who are resilient through the hiring process & Hiring for skillset (39:06) Where the WNBA will be in 5 years & What the vibe on an Atlanta Dream game is (46:35) Family vacation visions & 7 Question Blitz (50:09) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5F Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Desireé Reed-Francois (Director of Athletics @ArizonaWildcats) on Caring For Student Athletes & more 14.07.2026 1t 2min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Chris Hoppe (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Desireé Reed-Francois (Director of Athletics @ArizonaWildcats) to discuss: Intro (:02) Her first job & Being present (1:15) Deciding to become an Athletic Director because of her brother & How Chad got into Executive Search (6:17) Running Athletics for a school that she went to & Comparing notes with a Fortune 500 CEO (13:23) The differences in being an Athletic Director now vs. when she started & Creating a sense of belonging (18:10) High low high in an interview process & The importance of caring about your student athletes (22:43) How YPO changed her life & Investing in the people around you (29:44) Knowing when to dive deep & Evolving as a leader (35:44) The weight of your words & Being prepared to step into an executive role as the next generation (43:30) Learning from your peers & Studying to become better (52:10) 7 Question Blitz (57:40) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Derek Schiller (President & CEO of Atlanta Braves) on Building Braves Vision in 32 Days, Strategic Risks & Building A Championship Winning Culture 07.07.2026 1t 5min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with (President & CEO of @Braves) to discuss: Intro (:02) The Atlanta Braves being a public company & Building a mix-use development (1:14) Sustaining success & Near term and long term goal setting (8:50) Championing Innovation & Braves Vision being created in 32 days (16:23) Preparing for situations that may never happen & Holding strategy and planning meetings (26:10) Day to day focus for the senior leadership team in selling memories & Early mistakes (32:23) Hiring for culture fit & How a listener can get enough reps to become a CEO in professional sports (42:09) Taking strategic risks in your career & The best leaders that he’s worked for (50:02) What is needed for CEO's in Number 2’s & Launching the women’s line (47:40)7 Question Blitz (56:37)Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Ryan Ellis (CEO of @TravisMathew) on Brand Initiative, Fabrication, Evaluating Partnerships & more 30.06.2026 1t 4min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Mark Mayleben (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Ryan Ellis (CEO of @TravisMathew) to discuss: Intro (:02) Leading TravisMathew & Brand Initiative (1:06) Intake variables to make changes & Fabrication (9:28) Early days of pitching to golf shops & Early clothing line creativity (14:37) How Ryan connected with the founders & Keeping top performers in the company through culture (21:51) Keeping energy high & The first account wins (28:14) State of the golf endemic industry & Marketing opportunities (34:41) Evaluating partnerships & Sales correlation if their tour player wins (39:36) What is needed for CEO's in Number 2’s & Launching the women’s line (47:40) 7 Question Blitz (55:49) Bonus Clip (1:03:46) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  John Needham (President of Publishing & Esports @RiotGames) on The Mission at Riot Games & more 23.06.2026 1t 4min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Mark Mayleben (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with John Needham (President of Publishing & Esports @RiotGames) to discuss: Intro (:02) First 60 days in a new organization & The mission of Riot Games (1:06) Making yourself for accessible to a large team & Opening ceremonies for finals (3:52) Game leadership teams & Top priorities within the Esports community (9:34) John’s first job & Professional athletes love gaming (15:05) Being known as "Excel Guy" at Sony & Starting his career in gaming (19:12) Deciding what a game is looking to accomplish & Active marketing strategies (27:36) How the business of Esports works & Locating high performers throughout the company (35:46) The evolution of Esports & Their economic model (41:30) The global operation with 20 offices worldwide & Taking on publishing at Riot Games (47:16) Common traits within mentors & Building a foundation of trust within your team (53:49) 7 Question Blitz (57:12) Bonus Clip (1:03:46) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Josh Brooks (Athletics Director at University of Georgia) on Key Values, NIL Era Strategies, Giving 100% All The Time 02.06.2026 1t 13min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Chris Hoppe (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Josh Brooks (Athletics Director @UniversityOfGeorgia-official) to discuss: Intro (:02) Favorite Moments & Putting Pressure on himself to win Championships (1:24) Going from Director of Football Operations to Athletics Director & How an executive builds resistance (4:40) Hiring for high level pressure coaching & The key values that University of Georgia looks for (8:47) What hiring for Head Coach in Football looks like & Always giving 100% with all of the sports programs at the University (14:34) Using his executive team as a super power & reading the room to embrace debate (20:17) Finding balance for board members & Not micromanaging (26:37) Striking a balance with football playing student athletes & Revenue sharing strategy splits (33:20) Measuring if the system is working outside of wins and losses & Honest assessment of staff and student athletes (38:38) Primary reasons that most athletes choose schools & Pros/Cons of working at a big university vs. a small school (44:15) Mistakes to avoid as a new Athletics Director & The importance of having mentors (50:35) Taking pride in your job & Striking a balance in deals being done (57:40) Managing Donor Fatigue & Pros/Cons of working at a big university vs. a small school (1:03:44) His secret lasagna recipe & 7 Question Blitz (1:05:14) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Gene Sykes (Chair U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee) on LA28 Success, Effective CEOs & more 26.05.2026 53min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are at the premiere of Season 3! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Mark Mayleben (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) are here with Gene Sykes (Chair U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee) to discuss: Intro (:02) Being Chair of USOPC & Ingredients of a Healthy Board (2:01) Organizations building trust on their board & Strategic governing boards vs. operating boards (9:13) Common behaviors of effective CEOs & Where boards get CEO selection wrong (14:51) When it’s time to consider a step up candidate & LA28 Board responsibilities (20:38) How Gene got to where he is today & Goldman Sachs formula for success (29:01) Being in the mergers and acquisitions business & Being at the introduction of the iPhone with Steve Jobs (34:58) What success will look like for LA28 & 7 Question Blitz (43:03) Special Bonus Clip: Establishing The Maggie Junior Golf & Communnity Foundation with Colin Morikawa (51:26) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify & LinkedIn CEO Conversations #CEO #SportsExecutives #DreamJob Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Mark Jackson (Athletics Director at Northwestern University) on Investing In All Sports, DNA of Hiring, The Science of Optimism, Mentor Mt. Rushmore 12.05.2026 1t 11min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are at the premiere of Season 3! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Chris Hoppe (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty seventh guest, Mark Jackson (Athletics Director, Northwestern University) on to discuss: Intro (:02) The moment Mark decided to become an Athletic Director & Hiring Yes or No People (1:37) Biggest Lessons Learned from USC to Vilanova to Northwestern & Superpowers that Northwestern has while maintaining excellence (6:14) DNA of hiring the right kind of coaches for Northwestern & Getting stakeholders to all march in the same direction (13:04) Investing dollars throughout all sports programs & Strategy involed in NIL era (19:26) Continued evolution as a person & The science of optimism (29:14) Mount Rushmore of Mentors & Determining where money goes throughout sports (34:31) Managing donor fatigue & Alignment within the Executive team (41:11) Onboarding in all of these organizations & Unplugging from the workplace (50:09) The importance of understanding what an Athletics Director does & Lessons learning from working in the NFL (55:41) Emotional equity & 7 Question Blitz (1:01:00) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us on Socials: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram & LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Shelly Cayette (President of Business Operations, Charlotte Hornets) on Staring with The New Orleans Hornets, 10 Years at Cleveland Cavaliers 19.08.2025 55min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are at the finale for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Mark Mayleben (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty sixth guest, Shelly Cayette (President of Business Operations, Charlotte Hornets) on to discuss: Intro (:02) Being a student athlete at Tulane University & Working in the Casino Industry (1:30) Working in Marketing for The New Orleans Hornets & Going From Marketing To Sales (7:00) Working a Community role in New Orleans & Working for The Cleveland Cavaliers during COVID (11:53) Balancing work with Motherhood & Advice to her younger self (17:31) The pitch to join The Cleveland Cavaliers & Key pillars that lead to her successes (27:55) Working with strong executive business leaders & Perfecting an interview process (33:43) Staying sharp & 7 Question Blitz (43:50) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzsSubscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Follow Us on Socials: @excellentleadershippodcast on Instagram & LinkedIn CEO Conversations #CEO #SportsExecutives #DreamJob Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Clark Lea (Head Football Coach of Vanderbilt University) on The Week Leading Up To Beating #1 Alabama, Insisting Character & Consistency In Players 13.08.2025 54min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Kari Goodwin (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty fifth guest, Clark Lea (Head Coach of Vanderbilt University Football) on to discuss: Intro (:02) Favorite Half Time Speeches & Setting the rules for a college football team (:56) Playing Football at Vanderbilt University & Aligning the full program with their ultimate vision (4:41) What excites him most about coaching college football at Vanderbilt & Instilling consistent behaviors (9:21) The week leading up to beating #1 University of Alabama & Instilling character in players (19:01) Assessing talent in a recruit & The importance of making adjustments as a new coach (30:00) Communication through the media & Prioritizing when hiring for the coaching staff (38:28) 7 Question Blitz (47:35) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Danita Johnson (President of Business Operations - D.C. United) on Creating A Culture of Success, Finding A Sense of Purpose, A System of Process 22.07.2025 1t 7min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Matt Rogers (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty fourth guest, Danita Johnson (President of Business Operations of D.C. United) on to discuss: Intro (:02) How deep sports love runs with her family & Being part of a military family (:51) Why she chose a career in sports & Starting with a Minor League team (4:19) Walking into her first MLS job & Creating a culture of success (11:39)Leaving a system of process & Advice for managing up for ownership groups (18:58) Finding a sense of purpose & The importance of knowing the type of person you’re hiring (23:28) The process of hiring people for specific roles & Advice for those stepping into leadership roles (30:45) The importance of taking risks & Why people should be D.C. United supporters (38:55) The explosive growth of D.C. United & Biggest learnings from leading at Los Angeles Sparks (45:25) The leaders who helped shape her career & Teaching confidence (51:14)7 Question Blitz (59:29) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  JJ Gottsch (CEO of Austin Gamblers) on Valuations of PBR Teams, Western Curious Brands, The Risk of Injury To Bull Riders & more 15.07.2025 1t 6min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Kari Goodwin (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty third guest, JJ Gottsch (CEO of Austin Gamblers) on to discuss: Intro (:02) Being raised in problem solving environments & Foundational memories that prepared him to be a leader (1:03) The realization that his parents were entrepreneurs & Bowling in his life (6:47) What excited him about joining PBR & The best way to resign (11:26)The intricacy of PBR & The future of PBR (16:55) Valuations of PBR Teams & Those who are Western curious (24:45) The risk of injury to athletes in PBR & How PBR riders get started in training (30:05)Why a rider chooses a particular bull & How riders warm up (35:33) Prioritizing in hiring & Day in the life of the Austin Gamblers CEO (40:40)Biggest surprises that come from his job & The turning point in his career (47:01)Professional habits in his work/live balance & 7 Question Blitz (51:24) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Dewayne Hankins (President of Business Operations, Portland TrailBlazers) on Bringing Basketball & Business Together, Community Leading in Portland 01.07.2025 54min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Mark Mayleben (Partner, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty third guest, Dewayne Hankins (President of Business Operations, Portland TrailBlazers) on to discuss: Intro (:02) How he starts every day with a workout & Habits to keeping his mind sharp (:45) Getting into the seat that he has today & Working in Digital Marketing for Professional Los Angeles Teams (5:32) Finding the right people to run social media for teams & Moving into digital sponsorship sales (8:20)Moving from CMO to President & Bringing Basketball and Business together (14:22) The goal of culture & The big projects he’s been involved with in Portland (20:09) Those who have helped him become the leader he is today & Becoming a Community Leader in Portland (26:24)Building a culture of leadership & What he’s most obsessed about (32:47) Convincing people and sponsors to sign on for a season & Working with a team owner (37:14) Putting together the strongest leadership team & Filling senior leadership roles (41:59) Hiring for potential vs. Hiring for experience & 7 Question Blitz (46:59) Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  Burke Nihill (President & CEO of Tennessee Titans⁩ ) on Leading with a Start Up Mentality, New Stadium Creation & more 24.06.2025 1t 7min

  Megaphone: Burke Nihill (President & CEO of Tennessee Titans) on Leading with a Start Up Mentality, New Stadium & moreYouTube: Burke Nihill (President & CEO of Tennessee Titans on Leading This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & Kari Goodwin (President, Excel Search & Advisory) is here with our thirty second guest, Burke Nihill (President & CEO of Tennessee Titans) on to discuss: Intro (:02) Being afraid of telling people he was a lawyer & How it prepares someone to be a CEO in the NFL (:50) Choosing to get into the business of Sports & Having A Startup Mentality (6:35) How The Tenessee Titans have changed over time & Hosting NFL Draft in Nashville (12:19)Instilling Culture in a new environment & Getting feedback from the entire organization (20:40) New Stadium construction & What wins look like in culture (27:58) Leadership values within the organization & Behavior To Instill Leadership (40:12)Keeping optimism high & The importance of telling the truth (47:54) The idea of creating a new stadium & Work to Family balance in life (54:56) 7 Question Blitz (59:15)  Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  JT Batson (CEO & Secretary General U.S. Soccer Federation) on World Cup Coming To America in 2026, Recruiting Big Name Managers, Annual Revenue Goa 18.06.2025 1t 38min

  This is the Excellent Leadership Podcast! We are back for Season 2! Chad Biagini (President, Excel Search & Advisory) & JT Batson (CEO & Secretary General U.S Soccer Federation) is here with our thirty first guest, JT Batson (CEO & Secretary General U.S Soccer Federation) on to discuss:Intro (:02) The role of Secretary General & The economic model of U.S. Soccer (1:00) The first paycheck he ever earned as a referee & Playing soccer growing up in Augusta (5:02) Going to Silicon Valley after college & The train ride that changed everything for him (14:59)The challenges of development within the organization & Looking back at joining U.S. Soccer (21:52) Convincing great people to work for you & His interview style (28:47) The Importance of fit within the organization & Recruiting big name managers to join the organization (35:47)The World Cup coming back to America in 2026 & The Goal of $400m-$500m annual revenue (49:12) Inspiring the next generation to play soccer in USA & Single Sport vs Multi Sport Athletes for The Youth (:59:27) The importance of having fun at the core of business & Regional investment around USA (1:10:50)Engagement, efficiency, empathy & Finding time to become the best version of yourself (1:14:53)Organizing your time more effectively & Advice for executives who want to become CEO plus the first 60 days (1:19:40) When U.S. Women won the World Cup & 7 Question Blitz (1:29:39)  Subscribe To Full Episodes & Clips on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExcellentLeadershipPodcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excellent-leadership-podcast/id1756992305 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KU2g2Baee7a5d04fQfSzs Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b52f086a-0266-4345-be4d-bb8a7cde89fd/EXCELLENT-LEADERSHIP-PODCAST?ref=dm_sh_iGzHwozj5FaE9BcH829Nv8GBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices