Distilling Greatness: From MLB to Field of Dreams Whiskey with Drew Storen

What would you do if your greatest challenge became your greatest calling? For brothers Kyle and Brent Pease, the answer is racing—together. But what they’ve built goes far beyond the finish line. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kyle and Brent Pease, co-founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation and Ironman finishers many times over, to talk about what it means to redefine possibility. What began as one race turned into a mission: to make endurance sports more inclusive, and to empower people with disabilities to find their own version of greatness. We dive into the early moments that sparked their journey, how they’ve now completed 150+ races together, and how their work through the foundation is transforming lives—not just through sport, but through employment, leadership, and connection. Kyle opens up about the physical toll of racing 16-hour days from a wheelchair, while Brent shares the emotional impact of being pushed—literally and figuratively—by his brother’s unwavering drive. We talk about their unforgettable races at Kona and Boston, the birth of their inclusive employment program, and the moving story of how “five more feet” kept them going when everything inside told them to stop. At the heart of their message is a simple but transformative belief: endurance creates resilience, and everyone deserves to feel the power of crossing their own finish line.   Meet Our Guests: Kyle & Brent Pease  Brent and Kyle Pease are brothers, elite endurance athletes, and co-founders of The Kyle Pease Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities in both sports and the workforce. Their story gained global recognition when they became the first push-assist brother team to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Since then, they've competed in over 150 races together, becoming a symbol of what’s possible when determination and brotherhood collide. Kyle, born with cerebral palsy, has shattered limitations and expectations. With a degree in Sports Management from Kennesaw State University, he not only races with Brent but also works part-time at Publix and Atlanta Braves games, spreading his message of resilience and inclusion. Through the Foundation, Kyle plays a key role in initiatives like adaptive sports equipment, inclusive employment, and scholarships, empowering others with disabilities to chase their goals. Brent, a Florida State University graduate and seasoned endurance coach, serves as the Foundation's Executive Director. His leadership has fueled programs like the Inclusive Employment Program, which helps individuals with disabilities secure meaningful work. Brent’s athletic achievements, combined with his passion for advocacy, have helped raise over $10 million for the cause. Together, the Pease brothers continue to inspire through their racing, public speaking, and book, Beyond the Finish, which tells the story of their journey, their mission, and the power of relentless determination.   What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How a single question sparked a life-changing partnership What it takes to complete an Ironman as a team when a wheelchair is involved, why inclusion in sport must go beyond labels and accommodations The moment Kyle realized his story could empower others How the Kyle Pease Foundation is creating jobs, purpose, and possibility The surprising power of “just five more feet” Why your struggles are not in the way—they are the way How real leadership is about showing up—for yourself and for others What Kona and Boston taught them about grace, grit, and growth   Resources & Links Kyle & Brent Pease Book: Beyond the Finish: A Story of Passion, Brotherhood and Relentless Determination Get a signed copy: Order through their site to receive Kyle’s signature! Website: https://kylepeasefoundation.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekylepeasefoundation/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheKylePeaseFoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyle-pease-foundation Join the community, donate, or sign up to race: kylepeasefoundation.org   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

Let’s face it: AI is changing the game in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. As leaders, we’re at a crossroads—do we learn how to use this new technology to our advantage, or do we risk falling behind? In this episode, I sit down with Geoff Woods, #1 bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader and founder of AI Leadership, to explore how leaders can harness AI not just to automate tasks, but to think bigger, make smarter decisions, and unlock the full potential of their organizations. Geoff shares the journey that took him from asking the right questions in boardrooms to co-founding an executive network, The Collective, where 100+ leaders from around the world collaborate to use AI as a competitive advantage. He pulls back the curtain on his “CRIT” framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) for prompting AI to be more than a tool—it becomes a thought partner that sharpens your vision and reveals the path to 10x growth. We dig into how Geoff overcame massive imposter syndrome when first stepping into AI leadership, the power of reverse engineering your future, and why he believes trying to “know everything about AI” is the surest way to lose. Plus, he shares a powerful story of how an AI-generated interview turned a real estate flipper’s 10K-per-deal hustle into a million-dollar multifamily investment in a single month. At the heart of this conversation is a message every leader needs to hear: real transformation isn’t about learning AI for the sake of it—it’s about using it to build the business (and life) that will stand the test of time.   Meet Our Guest: Geoff Woods Geoff Woods is a visionary business leader, bestselling author, and founder of AI Leadership. He’s the host of The AI-Driven Leader podcast and creator of The Collective, a vetted community of executives who are using AI to create future-ready businesses. Geoff previously served as Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel and Power, where he helped grow the company’s market cap from $750 million to $12 billion in just four years. Earlier, he co-founded the consulting company behind The One Thing, advising businesses from $10 million to $60 billion in revenue. His book, The AI-Driven Leader, offers a practical guide for leaders who want to harness AI strategically—not to do more busy work, but to think bigger, move faster, and lead in ways that truly matter. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why “knowing everything about AI” isn’t the goal—mastery of your strengths is Geoff’s “CRIT” framework for using AI as a strategic thought partner How The Collective helps leaders turn insights into action and real revenue The danger of operational overwhelm vs. strategic clarity Why every leader needs to rethink the business that could put them out of business The surprising link between “The One Thing” mindset and AI leadership How Geoff overcame impostor syndrome to become a global AI thought leader Real-world stories of leaders using AI to 10x their businesses How to tap into collective knowledge and stay ahead of rapid change   In this episode:  [00:00:00] Introduction and setting the stage for AI-powered leadership [00:01:02] Geoff’s journey from asking questions to driving billion-dollar growth [00:03:18] How asking better questions changed Geoff’s approach to AI [00:08:45] Building The Collective: a global network of AI-driven leaders [00:15:00] Using AI to pressure-test your business plan and rethink your North Star [00:21:17] Why AI isn’t about replacing expertise—it’s about amplifying it [00:26:23] The connection between The One Thing and Geoff’s AI philosophy [00:32:31] How Geoff’s team uses AI to turn human strengths into superpowers [00:37:48] Rethinking the business you’re in—and the one that could put you out of business [00:40:39] The future of AI-driven insights and continuous strategic updates [00:43:51] Where to find Geoff’s work and apply to join The Collective [00:44:33] Final reflections on growth, leadership, and staying curious   Resources & Links Geoff Woods Book: The AI Driven Leader Get Geoff’s prompt library: Send your book receipt to [email protected] Join The Collective: Apply at aileadership.com LinkedIn: Geoff Woods   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/  

In this energizing episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor welcomes Molly Painter, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Accounts at Takeda. Molly leads Takeda’s U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies business unit and is renowned for her rare blend of strategic clarity and deeply human-centered leadership. Together, they explore what it takes to lead authentically in high-stakes environments, build trust through vulnerability, and drive results without losing sight of people. Molly shares personal stories from her career, her family, and her life-long belief that leadership should be rooted in purpose, agility, and heart. Our Guest Molly Painter is a seasoned executive across both biotech and biopharma, known for her ability to lead with clarity, conviction, and a calm, commanding presence. With deep expertise in rare disease and neuroscience, she has a proven track record of building, launching, and scaling organizations—from early-stage biotech startups to global pharmaceutical business units. Currently Vice President of Sales & Strategic Accounts at Takeda, Molly leads the U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, driving growth, alignment, and performance across one of the company's most strategic portfolios. She previously served as President of U.S. Orphazyme, where she built a scalable commercial organization from the ground up in just nine months, and as President of Vifor Pharma Group, where she drove topline U.S. sales growth and positioned the company as a leader in the nephrology and cardio-renal therapy space. Molly brings a rare combination of strategic precision and human-centered leadership. She thrives in complex, high-stakes environments and is deeply skilled in interpreting trends, aligning cross-functional teams, and creating cultures of accountability and ambition. She has led all facets of drug company development—from pipeline strategy to in-line commercialization—and is known for her ability to articulate value, influence stakeholders, and accelerate market uptake both domestically and globally. A strong advocate for agile leadership and inclusive growth, Molly holds an MBA from Northwestern University in Management & Organization with an emphasis on Health Enterprise Management. She also serves on several executive boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago, the Joffrey Women’s Board, and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA).   What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the combination of strategy and heart is so rare and so powerful The art of having crucial conversations while building psychological safety How to lead with agility in the face of constant change and ambiguity Why vulnerability is a superpower in leadership, not a liability How Molly’s mom, mentors, and real-world reps shaped her coaching style What “air cover” means and why it’s critical for team decision-making How to balance elite performance with empathy, trust, and authenticity The importance of mentoring both inside and outside your company Why being “real” is the key to building loyalty and driving results How to juggle leadership, parenting, volunteer work, and still show up 100 percent Resources & Links Molly Painter LinkedIn Instagram Takeda Pharmaceuticals  Ed Molitor LinkedIn Website

How does someone rise from stacking pallets in a Pepsi warehouse to leading a billion-dollar brand?   In this episode, I sit down with Scott Miller, former Essentia Water CEO and author of Summit Mindset, to unpack the philosophy that turns relentless ambition into meaningful success.     Scott brings his book’s principles to life as he shares the four pillars that ground him Faith, Family, Business, and Others, proving that sustainable achievement begins when people come before profit.   He walks us through his Failure → Reflection → Persistence cycle, the daily rituals that fuel high performance, and the game-changing question he asks his team every week: "What did we suck at this time?" because real growth starts with honest reflection.     The conversation turns deeply personal as Scott revisits a heart-to-heart with his father on his deathbed, a moment that still shapes his leadership today. At the core of it all? The idea of a North Star, a guiding light that cuts through the noise when data and pressure cloud judgment. Scott challenges us to define ours, lean on our own pillars, and keep climbing, especially when the summit feels out of reach.     We wrap up with practical ways to build cultures where vulnerability fuels strength, ambition goes hand in hand with kindness, and true leadership starts within.     If you’re ready to rise without leaving your values behind press play and let Summit Mindset show you the way.     Meet Our Guest: Scott Miller Scott Miller is a seasoned executive and author renowned for his transformative leadership in the global beverage industry. Now the Co-founder & CEO of YESLY Water, Scott began his career on the warehouse floor at Pepsi, gaining firsthand experience that propelled him through the ranks to executive leadership roles.   Miller's people-first approach to business has been a hallmark of his career, emphasizing innovation, corporate social responsibility, and community involvement. Notably, he led the growth and acquisition of Essentia, a national bottled water brand, culminating in its sale to global food and beverage leader Nestlé.   In his debut book, The Summit Mindset: Winning the Battle of You Versus You, co-authored with James C. Moore, Miller shares insights drawn from his personal and professional journey.   The book serves as a guide for individuals seeking to overcome internal obstacles and achieve personal and professional growth. Miller introduces concepts like identifying one's "North Star" and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, consistency, and embracing change to reach one's full potential.   Miller's philosophy centers on the belief that by confronting our internal challenges and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement, we can attain both personal fulfillment and professional success.   What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The story behind The Summit Mindset and the four pillars that guide Scott’s life Why adversity is the greatest teacher—and how to build consistency through it The power of asking, “What did we suck at?” in high-performance cultures How vulnerability and humility foster stronger, more accountable teams Why protecting your “sense of self” is the most important leadership asset The difference between success that lasts and success that fades How habits create confidence, and confidence creates transformation What it means to serve others while fiercely competing at the highest level How Scott’s health challenges and personal losses shaped his leadership style Resources & Links Scott Miller Book: The Summit Mindset on Amazon Instagram: @ScottMillerYouVsYou LinkedIn: Scott Miller   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: Ed Molitor Website: www.themolitorgroup.com YouTube Channel: The Athletics of Business Join us at the 2025 Coaching Effect Summit in Kansas City, June 11–12.  Email the word “summit” to  [email protected] Click here to learn more!

Our Guest Dr. Jerry Lynch first learned about extraordinary performance and excellence as a nationally ranked competitive athlete sponsored by Nike, running world-class times from 5,000 meters to the marathon, setting an American record in the half-marathon, winning a National Championship, and many other races against athletes half his age. He took what he learned about himself and life from his competitive days and parlayed it into a dynamic, successful career helping athletes and coaches in all sports use his performance and leadership strategies to up their game and discover the best version of themselves. Dr. Lynch has been recognized as one of the top five in his profession nationwide. He has worked with teams, coaches, and athletes in the NBA, Pro Lacrosse, Major League Soccer, and with men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, golf, and other sports at the universities of North Carolina, Duke, Maryland, California, Syracuse, Stanford, Harvard, and Middlebury. He is the author of 18 books in over 10 languages and the founder and director of WAY OF CHAMPIONS, a human potential and performance consulting group helping others master the deeper inner game for sports, business, and life. Jerry is a dynamic, entertaining, inspirational, provocative, and humorous teacher and speaker with topics on leadership, coaching, team culture building, winning the relationship game, and core value development. His profound insights into the inner workings of the human mind and the dynamics of excellence have propelled countless individuals to overcome obstacles, harness their strengths, and achieve unparalleled success. With a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and compassion, Dr. Jerry Lynch has become a trusted mentor and guide, empowering individuals to cultivate resilience, embrace authenticity, and tap into their innate capabilities. His work continues to inspire and elevate the lives of those who seek to reach new heights of achievement and fulfillment.   What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Insights of Dr. Lynch’s new book “Lead with Love” and Ed Molitor’s opening story in chapter one Why self-love is foundational in leading others Why love is the missing piece in most leadership playbooks How to navigate resistance to emotional leadership in competitive cultures How love sustains performance in high-pressure, high-volatility environments The story of Dr. Lynch’s fire-chief father and the 90-minute lesson that shaped his life How legendary coaches like John Wooden, Phil Jackson, and Steve Kerr used love-driven leadership to build dynasties   Resources & Links Dr. Jerry Lynch Website: www.wayofchampions.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jerry-lynch-www-wayofchampions-com-13aa149/ Dr. Lynch's Books: https://www.wayofchampions.com/products Listen to more of Dr. Lynch on The Athletics of Business Podcast: Episode 195: The Champion Sports Parent, with  Dr. Jerry Lynch & John O'Sullivan Episode 179: The Mindful Coach, with Dr. Jerry Lynch  Episode 176: The Champion Teammate, with John O’Sullivan & Dr. Jerry Lynch Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor sits down with Liz Wiseman, celebrated leadership researcher, bestselling author of Multipliers, Rookie Smarts, and Impact Players, and CEO of The Wiseman Group. Liz shares transformative insights from her research on leadership effectiveness, accidental diminishing, and how to unlock the full intelligence and potential of teams. She opens up about her early career at Oracle, her rookie mindset, and how feeling like an underdog led to a lifelong pursuit of discovering what truly makes great leaders. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead by amplifying others. Our Guest Liz is the author of New York Times bestseller Multipliers and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Rookie Smarts and Impact Players. She is a researcher and executive advisor, who teaches leadership to executives around the world, and the CEO of The Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, California.  Liz is a former executive at Oracle Corporation, where she worked as the Vice President of Oracle University and as the Global Leader for Human Resource Development. She is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University and Stanford University. Liz has received the top achievement award for leadership from Thinkers50 and has consistently been named one of the world’s top 50 management thinkers.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode The difference between Multipliers and Diminishers and how both show up in everyday leadership Why accidental diminishing is more common (and dangerous) than you think Why sharing your own diminishing tendencies with your team builds trust The five disciplines of Multipliers and how to practice each one with intention The link between psychological safety and high expectations (safety + stretch) How to create debate-driven decision-making that builds buy-in and clarity What leaders get wrong about “helping” and how to avoid over-functioning How Liz sees empathy, evidence, and honesty as vital to coaching and culture The surprising lesson Liz learned leading a third-grade book discussion How Liz’s early career at Oracle shaped her view on vulnerability, rookie smarts, and reaching out   Resources & Links Liz Wiseman Website: https://thewisemangroup.com/who-we-are/our-team/liz-wiseman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwiseman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bylizwiseman/?hl=en Twitter/X: https://x.com/LizWiseman Amazon (Books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00369WNUW   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/   In this episode: [00:00:00] Introduction to Liz Wiseman [00:02:55] Liz’s unexpected path into leadership and why “being just smart enough” mattered [00:05:04] From Oracle’s hiring model to discovering how smart leaders can shut down talent [00:08:49] Building Oracle University, sweatshirts, Latin mantras, and global rollout [00:13:08] Why vulnerability wasn’t a buzzword, but honesty was everything [00:16:34] Learning to let others take the big shots [00:17:21] The 5 disciplines of Multipliers and why they’re simple but powerful [00:20:11] Creating intensity, not tension as a Liberator [00:24:07] The accidental diminisher: over-helping, over-optimism, and over-energy [00:28:56] The safety + stretch equation: why people thrive when both are present [00:31:22] Leading powerful debates on how to ask for evidence and invite everyone in [00:38:33] What Liz learned from teaching 3rd graders to defend Jack and the Beanstalk [00:42:20] Why micromanaging limits performance and how Investors flip the script [00:47:16] What it means to give someone “51% of the vote and 100% of the accountability” [00:50:22] Being a diminisher to one person and a multiplier to another how it happens [00:54:46] The fastest way to change your leadership? Stop doing it in secret  

In this milestone episode, former NFL player, acclaimed playwright, and high-performance coach Bo Eason returns to The Athletics of Business podcast to share his insights on the power of personal storytelling and how it can shape leadership, influence, and success. Bo takes us on a journey through his transition from professional sports to Broadway and beyond, discussing how vulnerability, preparation, and relentless commitment define the best in any field. Bo and host Ed Molitor break down why storytelling is the ultimate tool for building trust, inspiring action, and creating meaningful connections in business, sports, and life. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or an athlete, this episode provides actionable strategies to harness your own story and unlock your potential.   Our Guest Bo Eason started his career in the NFL as a top pick for the Houston Oilers. Continuing on with the San Francisco 49ers, during his 5-year career Bo competed beside and against some of the greatest players of his generation. In 2001, Bo wrote and starred in his one-man play, Runt of the Litter, which he performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it, “One of the most powerful plays in the last decade.” Bo toured with the play in over 50 cities and it is now being adapted as a major motion picture.  Now in his third act, he speaks to and trains some of the most successful people in the world—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, C-suite execs—on how to communicate for maximum impact and success. He has consulted for clients like Advisors Excel, Morgan Stanley, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Mass Mutual, Guardian, and Merrill Lynch. His book, There’s No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, hit the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today bestseller lists. Bo’s training programs on leveraging the power of personal story have transformed the way experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode How personal storytelling builds trust, influence, and meaningful connections The role of resilience and endurance in achieving long-term success Insights into transitioning from professional sports to business and leadership Strategies for using vulnerability to foster authenticity and engagement The importance of preparation, practice, and repetition in mastering any skill How to push yourself beyond comfort zones to develop a winning mindset The parallels between leadership in sports, business, and personal growth   Resources & Links Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/   Bo Eason  TAKE ACTION:  Start capturing your personal story by downloading Bo’s FREE Story Guide. Text GUIDE to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/guide    For those of you who want to jump right in and train with Bo in-person, register for his signature three-day Personal Story Power Event. Text EVENT to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/powerevent    Connect with Bo and learn more: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boeasonofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeason21/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrboeason Website: http://BoEason.com Book: https://boeasonbook.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boeasonofficial   Timestamps [00:00:01] Introduction to Episode 200 & Guest Bo Eason [00:01:03] Bo’s Journey: From the NFL to Broadway to Business Coaching [00:04:24] The Impact of Storytelling on Leadership & Influence [00:10:15] Why the Best Leaders and Athletes Have a History of Rejection [00:17:00] Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower [00:23:33] The Role of Preparation & Rehearsal in Mastery [00:30:45] The Connection Between Athletics, Business, and Personal Growth [00:38:10] Building Resilience: How to Endure, Adapt, and Thrive [00:44:25] How to Tell Your Story for Maximum Impact [00:50:14] Final Takeaways & How to Connect with Bo  

Our Guest Drew Storen is a former Major League Baseball veteran of 8 seasons. Storen was drafted out of Stanford University by the Washington Nationals in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2010 and quickly became a key figure in their bullpen, serving as their closer for several seasons.  Storen played for several teams during his career, including the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. Storen retired from professional baseball after the 2020 season. After his baseball career, Drew Storen founded the Field of Dreams Whiskey Company, a brand that distills the actual corn from the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. The company focuses on connecting whiskey and baseball lovers alike through nostalgia and premium bourbon. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Drew’s bullpen mindset helped him thrive as an entrepreneur The story behind Field of Dreams Whiskey and how it came to life Why asking questions and learning from others is a competitive advantage How delayed gratification shows up in business vs. baseball The role of design, storytelling, and nostalgia in building a premium brand Why being coachable and resilient translates across industries How to trust your gut and make decisions under pressure The power of authenticity, humor, and creativity in leadership Resources & Links Drew Storen Website: https://drinkfieldofdreams.com/ LinkedIn: Drew Storen Instagram: @drinkfieldofdreams Check out this PLAYER SERIES BOTTLE LOOKUP and look for your player! Ed Molitor LinkedIn: Ed Molitor  Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/ Click here to learn More about the 2025 Coaching Effect Summit

In this engaging episode, Brian Grawer shares his inspiring journey from being a standout basketball player at the University of Missouri to leading successful sales teams in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry. With a unique perspective shaped by his athletic background, Brian discusses the parallels between sports and business, offering practical insights into leadership, team building, and personal growth. Brian opens up about the values instilled in him through basketball, such as preparation, discipline, and coachability, and how these lessons have guided him in fostering authentic leadership and cultivating high-performing teams. Whether you're an athlete, a business professional, or a leader looking to inspire your team, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking reflections. Our Guest Brian Grawer’s leadership journey is rooted in his basketball background.  His father, Rich Grawer, is a decorated Hall of Fame Coach in the state of Missouri. Rich has the 2nd most career wins as the Head Coach at St. Louis University and is still recognized as one of the best basketball minds that has coached at both the high school and collegiate levels.  Brian was a 2x All-Big XII Honorable Mention awarded player from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was the starting point guard from 1997-2001. Standing only 5’10”, Brian found ways to be effective and impactful as a “little guy” in a “tall man’s game”, through his hard work and mindful approach to the game, his teammates, and his coaches. He ended his career at Mizzou in the top 10 in multiple categories (Steals, 3-pointers made, 3pt %, and Ft %). He held the single-season FT % record (90.5%) for the last 24 years until that record was surpassed in the 2023-24 season at Mizzou.  One of his former coaches, Quin Synder, called Brian, “One of the best leaders he has ever seen.”  After he finished his playing career, Brian spent 3 years as an assistant coach at the college level. He then took his career to the pharmaceutical/Radiopharmaceutical sales path.  Brian is currently the Head of Cardiology Sales at Lantheus, which is a leading radiopharmaceutical-focused company with proven expertise in developing, manufacturing, and commercializing pioneering diagnostic and therapeutic products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.  In his 20+ year career in this industry, he has been in numerous different sales roles, both as an individual contributor and as a leader of a team.  Brian has been married to his wife, Angela, for 21 years.  They have two children, Addison (18) and Trent (13).   What You’ll Learn in This Episode How preparation, purpose, and passion are the foundation of success The role of coachability in personal and professional growth Insights into transitioning from sports to business leadership Strategies for fostering loyalty and authenticity in teams The importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in leadership How to push yourself and your team out of your comfort zones for growth The parallels between leading on the court and in the boardroom Resources & Links Brian Grawer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-grawer/ Website: www.Lantheus.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/bgrawer?lang=en   Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/   Timestamps [00:00:01] Introduction to trust in sales [00:05:12] Lessons learned from a Hall of Fame coaching father [00:12:34] Preparation, purpose, and passion in leadership [00:18:45] The power of coachability and self-reflection [00:25:29] Transitioning from basketball to business [00:30:18] Authentic leadership: Balancing vulnerability and accountability [00:38:45] Building a winning team culture [00:44:10] Advice for emerging leaders [00:50:05] Brian’s most memorable basketball and leadership moments    

Ed Molitor dives into a recent podcast episode with Matt Painter, Men's Basketball Coach at Purdue University. About Matt Painter One of America's top basketball coaches, Matt Painter enters his 17th year at Purdue. He owns a 355-164 record at Purdue. He has led the Boilermakers to 12 NCAA Tournaments, five Sweet 16s, three Big Ten regular-season championships, a Big Ten Tournament title, an Elite Eight, and an international gold medal. His peers voted him as the NABC National Coach of the Year after leading a team that started with a 6-5 record to the 2019 Elite Eight.  Purdue's six straight NCAA Tournament appearances are the seventh-longest active streak in America and Purdue is one of just three teams to have a top-five seed in each of the last five NCAA Tournaments.  Off the court, his program had 68 Academic All-Big Ten honorees in his 16 previous years at Purdue, and every player but one who has exhausted his eligibility at Purdue has graduated.    About Ed Molitor Ed is a coach down to the very smallest molecule of his DNA.  Whether he’s a husband and father at home or working with a client in the business world, he is an energized, passionate, and near-obsessive coach who is fully invested in showing up with all he’s got to help you show up with all you’ve got. His approach insists on presence. He knows no other way to catalyze change except by getting on the court with you, playing side-by-side, and encouraging you to keep pushing, especially when the going gets tough.  In the last 29 years, Ed has developed his leadership skills in both athletics and business. From working as an NCAA Basketball coach at Texas A&M, DePaul NIU, and Lewis University to becoming the Vice President of a national recruiting firm, Ed Molitor has experienced the potential and pitfalls of leadership at every level.  As the founder and CEO of The Molitor Group, today Ed guides emerging and established leaders across biopharma and biotech to apply the proven lessons of coaching in their pursuit of inspiring and driving their team’s performance.  Through personalized training, workshops, keynote speeches, his writing, and as a podcast host, Ed seeks to empower individuals and their organizations to achieve victory through a focus on transformation, fundamentals, compassion, mental toughness, and vision.  Ed graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Economics where he was a member of the Men’s Basketball team serving as the co-captain his Senior year. Before St. Ambrose, he studied business at Creighton University where he played on the Men’s Basketball teams which included a 1989 MVC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, NCAA Tournament, and a 1990 NIT Tournament.  What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Impactful takeaways from Episode 196 with Matt Painter How personal growth is crucial for team performance The importance of transparency in setting recruitment expectations Techniques for developing a culture where expectations are clear and met Insights into managing the complexities of NIL and the transfer portal The need to align winning with ethical practices Resources & Links Watch Episode 196 with Matt Painter on YouTube Matt Painter Website: https://www.purdue.edu/  Website: https://purduesports.com/  LinkedIn: Purdue University Twitter: @BoilerBall Instagram: @boilerball Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/