In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Kelly Siegel, entrepreneur and author of "Harder than Life." Kelly shares his incredible journey from a tough upbringing near 8 Mile Road in Detroit to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

We explore themes of personal development, balancing empathy with self-care, and the transformative power of overcoming trauma. Kelly discusses his pivotal decision to stop drinking alcohol and how it led to significant growth and clarity. We delve into faith, love, and purpose, examining how seeking divine guidance can foster spiritual and personal development.

Kelly also shares his mission to break the cycle of abuse for his daughter and his innovative coaching program designed to promote happiness and success. Our discussion highlights the importance of listening to God’s voice and making a positive impact.

 

About Kelly,

Kelly Siegel is the dynamic CEO of National Technology Management, known for his relentless dedication to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction in the tech industry. With over two decades of experience, Kelly has built a reputation for leading innovative solutions that secure and streamline business operations for a wide array of clients. Beyond his work in technology, Kelly is also a passionate coach, speaker, and founder of the Harder Than Life community, where he empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential. Kelly directs all Harder Than Life profits to three charities close to his heart: Face Addiction Now (where he is a current board member), The Children's Foundation, and Variety 5. His leadership is rooted in tenacity, family values, and a commitment to continuous improvement, inspiring others to make a meaningful impact both personally and professionally.

 

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Join me on this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast as I sit down with the electric Chaunté Lowe! From Olympic high jumper to motivational speaker, Chaunté’s journey is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of a positive mindset.

Chaunté reflects on her progression in athletics, from earning a retroactive Olympic bronze to becoming a world champion. With deep-rooted values of hard work and preparation, she offers insights that parallel our own themes of hope and positivity. Her ability to relate her Olympic journey to helping people find their own “Olympics” in life is truly inspiring. Her childhood in Riverside, California, underscored by poverty and domestic violence, shaped her resilience and commitment to breaking the cycle through education and mentorship. 

This episode is brimming with heartfelt stories, valuable insights, and Chaunté’s undeniable spirit!

 

About Chaunté,

Chaunté Lowe is the story of determination perseverance and strength.  Not only is Lowe a mother of 3, a wife and a finance professional; she is also a professional athlete, an American Record Holder, a 4-time Olympian, a 3-Time World Championship medalist, and 12 times US National Champion. When speaking she is true to how she performs. She is animated, entertaining and humorous. She dances and plays to the crowd as she shares her stories of beating impossible odds, time and time again. She possesses the ability to keep the group engaged and hanging on her every word or jump. Those who get a chance to encounter her leave inspired and motivated. Her infectious personality is electrifying.  You can't help but leave an interaction with her with a winning, "I can do ANYTHING" attitude. Lowe was able to realize her childhood dream of going to the Olympics at only 20-years-old, making her the first woman from Georgia Tech’s track and field team to become an Olympian.  The following year, Lowe won silver at the 2005 World Championships to become the first American woman to win a world outdoor championships high jump medal since Louise Ritter won bronze at the inaugural event in Helsinki in 1983. Lowe is always a crowd favorite with impossibly defined abs, dramatic dance moves, and even the occasional backflip. Lowe graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in economics. In 2008 she represented her country again in the high jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Days after returning from the 2012 Olympic Games, started teaching trigonometry at Grayson High School in Atlanta. Married triple jumper Mario Lowe on August 21, 2005, and gave birth to daughter Jasmine in July 2007 and Aurora in April 2011 and Mario Josiah in 2013.  Lowe has broken the American Record 3 Times and is the current indoor and outdoor American Record holder with 2.02m (6’-7.5”) and 2.05 (6’8.75”) meters respectively. In addition to her Olympic Games appearances, she has represented the United States on six world championship teams. The story is not over; she most recently represented the US in her fourth Olympic Games in the summer of 2016 and is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. Don't be surprised to see her jumping in her 5th Olympic Games in Tokyo the summer of 2020.

 

Here's some additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of my podcast, I share about the power of a circle and how the people in your circle will decide how fast and high you rise. I share insights about my new mentorship program, "Jon Gordon’s Circle”—a transformative journey for leaders and difference-makers.

We explore how you can elevate your personal and professional life by surrounding yourself with the right people, gaining mentorship, and contributing to a community where "iron sharpens iron." Whether you're already successful and looking for that next breakthrough or finding areas in your life where you need impactful change, this episode shares how we can go to the next level together.

Join me to learn more about making meaningful connections, building a support network, and tapping into the collective knowledge of some of the brightest minds around.

 

Check out more information on my Circle here!

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of the Jon Gordon Podcast, I talk with former Fire Fighter Matt Long, whose resilience and determination have inspired countless people around the world. Matt's journey is one of unimaginable hardship and triumphant recovery, and today, we're diving deep into his story.

After a catastrophic accident left him with a mere 1% chance of survival, Matt began an arduous journey back to life and eventually finding a life filled with purpose. Listen as he shares candid details about his grueling recovery process, from unconventional rehabilitation methods to the incredible support of his firefighting community. Not only did Matt battle through his injuries, but he also achieved remarkable milestones post-recovery. He ran a marathon within three years of his accident and even conquered an Ironman competition. But Matt's story isn't just about physical achievements; it's about the power of hope, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Matt also talks about his career shift from a Wall Street accountant and bar owner to a firefighter and now a motivational speaker and author. His book, "The Long Run," details this incredible journey and serves as an inspiration to many. We’ll touch on how he found love and family later in life, adding another layer of depth to his already remarkable story.

Join us for this powerful conversation with Matt Long – a true testament to the human spirit. Be prepared to be moved, inspired, and reminded that with hope and resilience, anything is possible.

 

About Matt,

Matt Long has been a competitive athlete his entire life. As a member of his high school basketball team, he was required to run in the Brooklyn/Queens X-country Championships. With no prior running experience, he finished fifth for his school, completing the race in uncomfortable high top sneakers. At Iona College, he competed in their Division I basketball program for which a high level of fitness was mandatory. Strength and endurance became especially paramount in his life after college when he became a New York City Firefighter. It was around this time he took up distance running and began competing in Ironman triathlons, finishing his first Ironman race in 2005. He then set his sights on qualifying for the Boston marathon by running the ING NYC marathon later that year. With hard work, dedication and persistence, he trimmed 30 minutes off his personal best to run a 3:13, qualifying for the 2006 Boston event. On the morning of December 22, 2005, Matt Long’s life changed in an instant. He was cycling to work in the early morning when he was struck and run over by a 20-ton bus making an illegal turn. The injuries he sustained pushed him to the brink of death. He received 68 units of blood in the first 40 hours after the accident and spent 5 months in the hospital. More than 40 operations later, he finally began a grueling rehabilitation regime. Matt found the psychological consequences of the accident nearly as hard to process as the physical severities. His doctor had told him he’d be lucky to ever walk again without a cane. Matt fought through months of fear, despair, loneliness, and intense physical and psychological pain to regain the life he once had. His recovery was a miraculous one which included everything from learning to walk again and, a mere three years later, running in the 2008 New York City Marathon. “Running saved my life,” Matt says, and his determination and perseverance has turned him into a symbol of hope and recovery for countless others. Matt’s story was covered in a wildly popular article in the March 2009 edition of Runner’s World magazine. Matt has since chronicled his life and journey both before and after the accident in his book The Long Run, released in October 2010. Matt has also started the I WILL Foundation which provides coaching, training and financial support to help people overcome adversity and challenges caused by illness or traumatic injury.  

 

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

 

 

On this episode, I’m joined by Frank Kelly—a friend, leader, and lacrosse enthusiast with an incredible story of faith, service, and impact.

Frank and I reflect on our time playing lacrosse under Coach Richie Moran at Cornell and the lessons the Creator's game has taught us about life, hope, and resilience. Frank also shares powerful moments from his journey, including insights from his book Influence and the Creator’s Game, his spiritual awakening, and how lacrosse has become a tool for transformation—whether in Kenya, Ukraine, or right here at home.

We also talk about Frank’s mission-driven work at Kelley Benefits, his commitment to faith-based leadership, and his passion for building community through sport. Frank’s heart for service will leave you inspired.

It’s a conversation about faith, leadership, and making a difference. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

 

About Frank,

Frank Kelly III is CEO of Kelly Benefits, a family business he leads with his three brothers.  

A 1986 graduate of Cornell University, Frank was recognized as a Red Key Scholar-Athlete, played football, and captained the lacrosse team, where he was a first-team All-Ivy selection. His interest in lacrosse continued after college, playing several seasons of professional indoor lacrosse, many years of high-level field lacrosse, and coaching youth and high school lacrosse for decades. 

Frank has served on boards and in leadership roles for many nonprofit organizations and has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of his high school (Calvert Hall), business/industry (Maryland Association of Health Underwriters) and lacrosse community (US Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter) as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions. Frank is also the author of Look & See and a highly regarded national platform speaker. 

Frank and his wife, Gayle, are the grateful parents of four children, two beautiful granddaughters-in-law, and three precious grandsons. They live in Lutherville, Maryland.

 

Here are some addtional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I dive into how gratitude has completely transformed my life. I tell a deeply personal story about how I went from being stressed, anxious, and negative to living a life full of positivity and abundance, thanks to a simple daily practice I call the "thank you walk."   I also share simple impactful habits that will help you make gratitude a part of your everyday life so you can improve your mood and relationships, and bring more abundance into your life. My goal is to help you become a gratitude magnet.    So join me, and let's make this Thanksgiving the start of a more grateful, abundant, positive life.   Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

 

In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend, Nick Mingione, the head baseball coach at the University of Kentucky. Nick's insights into leadership, culture, and faith are nothing short of transformative.   Nick shares his unique strategy for fostering internal accountability within his team, where love and accountability go hand in hand. We explore his powerful analogy of staying "inside the house," promoting behaviors that build unity and growth. Nick also captivates us with anecdotes where players humorously call each other "on the porch," encouraging adherence to team values in a light-hearted, yet impactful way.   The episode is rich with wisdom on building a pressure-free environment and addressing issues like negative self-talk and repeated mistakes. Nick's approach to coaching is both profound and practical; he emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and continuous improvement, allowing individuals time to grow their roots deep.   We also delve into the significance of leadership founded on faith, with meaningful reflections on how surrendering control can lead to positive transformations. Nick's vulnerability and openness about his own struggles, particularly during challenging seasons, are both inspiring and enlightening. Together, we discuss the essence of championship culture, consistent values, and the vital role of faith in developing strong, cohesive teams.   Tune in to this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast and be inspired by the journey, faith, and wisdom of Coach Nick Mingione.

 

About Nick,

Nick Mingione became the head coach of Kentucky Baseball in 2016, and in just eight seasons, he's transformed the program. Under his leadership, the Wildcats made their first-ever College World Series appearance and achieved multiple record-breaking seasons, including a historic 46-win campaign in 2024 that earned him SEC and National Coach of the Year honors.

Mingione’s first season saw Kentucky reach the Super Regionals and finish in the Top 10 nationally. His success continued with 42 players drafted into Major League Baseball, including top-20 picks like Evan White, Zack Thompson, and Ryan Waldschmidt. His recruiting prowess and player development have made Kentucky one of the nation's elite programs.

Before his time at UK, Mingione was a key part of Mississippi State's coaching staff, where he helped lead the team to the 2013 College World Series and an SEC title in 2016. He’s also built a reputation for developing strong student-athletes, with numerous players earning SEC academic honors and All-American distinctions.

Mingione’s impact extends beyond the field, as he’s deeply involved in the Lexington community and committed to shaping young men into leaders, both in baseball and life. His coaching philosophy centers around the principles of "Student. Person. Player."

Away from baseball, Mingione is active in mission work, including building homes and running baseball clinics in the Bahamas. He and his wife, Christen, have one son, Reeves.

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my IN PERSON Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by my good friend, bestselling author, and thought leader, Mark Batterson. We'll be diving deep into his latest book, "A Million Little Miracles," an exploration of the everyday wonders that make up our lives and evidence of the extraordinary design behind it all.

In our conversation, Mark shares insightful stories, fascinating scientific tidbits, and profound reflections that remind us of the beauty and miracle of life. He seamlessly weaves together faith and science, highlighting how they complement and illuminate each other. From the miracle of human birth to the mysteries of the universe, Mark invites us all to rediscover the awe and inspiration that surround us.

This episode isn't just about a book—it's about changing the way we see the world and recognizing the divine fingerprints in our everyday experiences. Whether you're walking to the gym or simply reflecting on the intricacies of your own body, Mark's reflections will encourage you to appreciate the miracles that happen each day.

Most of all you’ll be reminded of the walking miracle that you are.

Remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

 

About Mark,

Mark Batterson is the New York Times bestselling author of two dozen adult and children’s books including his latest, A Million Little Miracles: Rediscover the God Who is Bigger Than Big, Closer than Close and Gooder Than Good (Multnomah; on sale 11/19/24). More than four million copies of his books are in print and he He’s also the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with multiple campuses, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the DC Dream Center and the Capital Turnaround—a 100,000-square-foot city block that includes an event venue and child development center. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University. He and his wife, Lora, reside on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit markbatterson.com and https://twitter.com/markbatterson & Instagram.com/markbatterson 

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my IN PERSON Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, we welcome Dr. Gary Josephson, a distinguished pediatric otolaryngologist and accomplished author. Throughout our conversation, Gary shares invaluable insights from his 26-year career in medicine and his journey towards becoming a successful speaker and author. His book, "Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles for Life Success," encapsulates his wisdom and experience, offering practical guidance for anyone seeking a more fulfilling life.   Gary's approach to healthy living is holistic and deeply rooted in daily practice, bridging physical well-being with spiritual enrichment. He candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining an exercise routine and the importance of proper nutrition, sleep, and ongoing education. His emphasis on hydration, balanced diet, and sufficient rest is not just theoretical but practiced in his own life daily.   One of the most profound aspects of our discussion is Gary’s emphasis on having a spiritual core. He speaks to the strength and connectedness he finds through his diverse religious experiences, aligning with my belief in the importance of nurturing the soul to maintain a positive attitude. We delve into the philosophy of the subconscious mind and how it relates to the soul, exploring how a robust spiritual foundation can anchor us in times of adversity.   Gary also opens up about his principles on benevolence and connectedness. He shares moving anecdotes, including how a friend utilized his writing skills to offer resume workshops, demonstrating the ripple effect of personal acts of kindness. His reflections on Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the aspiration towards self-transcendence will inspire you to think about personal growth in new, service-oriented ways.   We discuss the significance of relationships, with Gary underscoring the importance of choosing the right life partner and maintaining strong connections for enduring happiness. His financial management advice also offers practical tips for sustainable wealth, reinforcing the importance of planning and balancing needs and wants. Gary's commitment to lifelong learning and education shines through, as he encourages us to blend knowledge with wisdom. This episode is a treasure trove of motivational insights and practical advice aimed at helping you unlock extraordinary potential in your everyday life. Join us for an enlightening conversation that spans health, spirituality, education, relationships, and personal growth. Let Gary Josephson's journey and principles inspire you to elevate each day from ordinary to extraordinary.

 

About Gary,

Dr. Gary Josephson is a surgeon, researcher, educator, innovator, and author.  His recently released self-help book “Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles for Life Success” was a top 5 title sales by publication date as noted by Morgan James Publishing.  Dr. Josephson is a pediatric otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, experienced healthcare executive, and has held academic rank of Professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He has been named in “Jacksonville’s Best Surgeons in the City” and listed in “Castle Connelly” and “Best Doctors in America”.  He was the medical correspondent for a local newspaper when he lived in Manhattan. His column included health and wellness tips and facts to improve well-being.

On a personal note, Dr. Josephson enjoys nature, outdoor activities, and staying physically fit. His greatest passion is spending time with his wife, Patricia, a practicing pediatrician, and their two children, Samantha and Grayson.

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my IN PERSON Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by David Jones who shares an incredible story of resilience and love. When Hurricane Helene hit, David was determined to make it to his daughter’s wedding, despite facing impassable roads and challenging conditions.

David’s journey took all night and involved a 17-mile walk on a narrow, unlit road, using only his cell phone light and a makeshift reflector for safety. His story of overcoming obstacles with vision, goal setting, and perseverance is both inspirational and moving.

Join us as we discuss the themes of positivity, persistence, and the powerful role of strong father figures. You’ll be inspired by David’s dedication and his commitment to both his family and his principles in business.

 

About David,

David is an instructor, consultant, and executive coach with Excellence Advisory. He has over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing, education, and health care sectors. He is passionate about helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, particularly through the use of the Baldrige Criteria.

Concurrent with his teaching and consulting, David was an engineer and manager with Texas Instruments, Siemens, EPIC Technologies, and Mountain States Health Alliance. His areas of expertise span Management, Leadership, Performance Excellence, Strategic Planning, Manufacturing, Marketing and Sales, ISO 9000, and ISO 13485.

In 2007 he co-founded Edamar, Inc., an award-winning educational products company serving the K-12 science classroom with innovative hands-on teaching tools.

David has over 25 years of hands-on experience with the Baldrige Framework at the state and national levels as an applicant, examiner, examiner training facilitator, judge, and consultant.

He has consulted with numerous state quality award winning organizations and two Malcolm Baldrige Award winning organizations.

He has served on multiple local, national, and international boards. He has also been an adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Technology at East Tennessee State University and in the MBA program at Milligan College. He is currently an instructor for the American Society for Quality (ASQ) where he earned certifications as a Certified Quality Engineer (1985-2011) and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (1995-2011).

David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering (Engineering Management) from the University of Tennessee.

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with the incredible entrepreneur, investor, and author Candy Valentino. Candy takes us on a fascinating journey from her humble beginnings and early business ventures to her impressive success in real estate and the medspa industry. We dive into her formative years, where she learned the importance of financial discipline, smart investments, and the value of appreciating assets over flashy, depreciating ones. Candy also shares valuable insights from her latest book, the "9% Edge," which uncovers why over 90% of businesses fail within ten years and how to tip the scales in favor of entrepreneurial success. Her personal stories about overcoming financial and gender-based challenges are both inspiring and practical. We talk about the importance of understanding financial dynamics, making disciplined decisions, and building businesses that can run independently, offering freedom and a legacy rather than just creating another job for yourself. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that's packed with wisdom, real-world strategies, and a few laughs along the way. As always, I invite you to join us and leave your takeaways and reviews. Let's grow together in this exciting journey of entrepreneurship and personal growth.     About Candy,

Candy started her first business before she could legally order a drink.

Starting at 19 years old with NO degree, NO corporate background, NO money (and no internet) she began her career in business and investing.

She has successfully started, scaled, and sold businesses in multiple industries, in addition to creating a vast real estate portfolio as an investor. 

At 26, she founded a non-profit charity and through her business success, she bought and donated a building to the organization. Since then they have saved thousands of lives and was  actively involved, personally raising millions for the charity. 

During her two and half decades as an entrepreneur, she has been named to Top Business Leaders 40 Under 40, Top 50 Women In Business, 10 People Making a Difference, Top 10 Business Consultants by Yahoo Finance, and was the youngest female to receive the Governor’s Award in Entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania.

More recently she have been selected by Success Magazine as one of just 6 ‘Women of Influence’ and additionally listed as ‘Leaders Who Get Results’ with names like Tony Robbins and Brene Brown. 

She is a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, business trainer and financial analyst.

Get your copy of her newest book, "The 9% Edge: The Life-Changing Secrets to Create More Revenue for Your Business and More Freedom for Yourself"

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare