Game Face Execs Podcast
By Rob Cornilles
Game Face Execs Podcast Jan 29, 2021
Episode 33 | Dean Rotbart | September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story
September 11 was a watershed moment for America. A moment of terrorism united the country, even for a brief moment, and created what could be the greatest American comeback story. In this episode, Rob Cornilles sits down with award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart as they talk about September 11 and its aftermath and effect on the country. Dean talks about the incredible story of The Wall Street Journal’s September 12, 2001 issue and the hard work, dedication and resilience that went into its creation. We also hear Dean and his opinion on why journalism today must embrace old-school journalism ethics and values. Tune in for another great, thought-provoking episode.
Episode 32 | Tetsuya Minami | A World Record In Sales - Made In Japan
Tetsuya Minami changed his goal from obtaining two contracts a week to two contracts a day. As a result, he earned a world record for sales with his record-shattering insurance business. In this episode, Tetsuya talks with Rob Cornilles about how his aim in life insurance is to protect futures. Tetsuya wants to save as many people as possible. He believes it is his love for his people that gave him success. Join in the conversation to learn more about how Tetsuya, a former octopus restaurant owner, achieved record-breaking success.
Episode 31 | Elizabeth Lindsey | True To Who She Is… And "Wass"
Anyone who has experienced building either a professional or personal brand knows how hard it is to accomplish, given the many factors that must be taken into consideration. This is where brand coaching comes into play. Every business will always benefit from reliable advice and guidance, and that's exactly what Elizabeth Lindsey sets out to do for the athletic scene. She sits down with Rob Cornilles to talk a bit about her work as the President of Brands and Properties at Wasserman. She delves into the right balance that brands must learn between reinvention and innovation, how to create a deep connection with fans, and the best way to navigate branding blind spots. Elizabeth also shares her advocacy in empowering women entrepreneurs and how their transition due to the pandemic impacted experiential marketing.
Episode 30 | Chris Wright | A Unifier Under United
Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC has been recognized in the sports industry for building a brand that embodies unity. But when 2020 hit us all in the face, “unity” was probably the last word anyone would use to describe its home, Minneapolis. As the racial hotpot community broiled in unrest with the murder of George Floyd, the team was confronted with the challenge of stepping up as a catalyst for inclusion and unity. Add to that the impact of the pandemic on the sports industry as a whole, and you’ve got a formidable conundrum to face. Despite his rich experience in the industry, Chris Wright found his leadership being put to the test with all these tough nuts to crack. If you can see what the team has done and become throughout the months, however, you would see how uniquely qualified Chris is to lead his team to greatness despite everything. Listen in as he shares with Rob Cornilles how he puts his game face on as he leads the team to its goals.
Episode 29 | Dr. Brigitte Madrian | The Dean That Delivers
This pandemic period is creating a change in the economy around the world. In this episode, a leading behavioral economics researcher and the first female dean of Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business, Dr. Brigitte Madrian, joins Rob Cornilles in giving some advice on how businesses and households can adjust to the new economy during this coronavirus era. Dr. Brigitte shares how she became the dean, what the responsibility entails, and how she manages BYU to adapt and thrive during this time. She also shares her vision and the programs she aspires to prepare students for the workplace and the world.
Episode 28 | Chris Pronger | From Hostile to Hospitable: A Hockey Hall of Famer’s Journey into Luxury Travel
Who could have imagined that a fierce hockey player, who butts heads with opponents would eventually transition into the tranquil world of luxury travel? This is exactly what Hockey Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Pronger did when he and his wife founded Well Inspired Travels. He shares with Rob Cornilles how his years as an athlete is now reflected in his life as an entrepreneur, especially when it comes to handling business pressure and maintaining the drive to move forward. Chris also explains the right mindset needed by every leader to motivate teammates, whether on the ice or in the office.
Episode 27 | Amy Robbins | Choosing To Carry With Confidence
How do you carry a firearm with confidence and still slay it, fashionably speaking? A question like that easily conjures images of Lara Croft or Alice, but it touches on something that is of real concern for women – and even men – who want to work out comfortably and safely. Whatever your opinion about guns, the need for personal protection is real, and it weighs upon more people than you think, especially women. However, most of the women’s apparel in the market is not specifically designed for women who want to conceal protective devices on their person comfortably. Amy Robbins solves this through Alexo Athletica, a unique women’s apparel company dedicated to defend women and help them find the confidence to live and protect themselves as they see fit. It is certainly a brave step at a time when the gun question evokes so much passion across demographics. In this conversation with Rob Cornilles, Amy talks about the driving factors that led her to embark on this unique crusade.
Episode 26 | Marc Freedman | Exposing Expenses For Extra Profits
This may sound overly simplified, but the bottom line to any business’s profitability is increasing revenues and decreasing expenses. Marc Freedman, the author of the bestseller Expense to Profit, helps companies identify those hidden costs in their business and reduce overall expenses to keep more of their revenues. In a way, he exhumes expenses to help clients get extraordinary profits. But Marc’s work isn’t always about finding cheaper vendors. It’s all about what brings the most revenue and the most value for the business. In this conversation with Rob Cornilles, Marc describes how his diverse team of industry experts finds the best solutions for different clients and how the consultancy makes money from that service. Do you think you have an expense in your business that you’re not too sure you’re getting the most of? Chances are you do, so listen in to this episode and learn how Marc and his team can help you.
Episode 25 | Kathryn Hamm | Building Bridges Over Troubled Waters
Author, speaker, and consultant Kathryn Hamm, this week’s featured guest on the Game Face Execs podcast, hasn’t just made a career bringing people together; she’s made a difference amplifying voices of the overlooked around us. As an educator, former account executive in professional women's sports, and an LBGTQ wedding expert, Kathryn has been an industry innovator and is now a strategic advisor for individuals and business leaders seeking a transformational understanding about their assumptions, habits, and blind spots. As a pioneer of online wedding planning resources for same-sex couples, our game face exec gets personal and shares how her experiences informed her work as an advocate and educator supporting the unions of all couples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Episode 24 | Jason Jordan | Cracking the Sales Management Code
Many of us understand the value of sales in any company, but there has not been a lot of focus on sales management in the last decade. Sales management expert Jason Jordan saw the need to tap this area of sales and wrote the book, “Cracking the Sales Management Code,” which has since been a staple on the reader’s lists of MBA courses in major universities. Jason is a bestselling author and sales consultant who focuses on sales management best practices, sales metrics, pipeline management, CRM, leadership development and more. Joining Rob Cornilles in this episode, he shares the important realizations he had in his sales career that prompted him to write a book about sales management. He also sheds light on the critical role of frontline sales managers in ensuring smooth processes in all aspects of sales.
Episode 23 | Rob Cornilles | Your New Year Read
If you wish to be a better persuader and influencer – whether at work, home, or in your community – the book you’ve been waiting for has arrived! Game Face Execs Podcast host Rob Cornilles is also an international bestselling author, and his new book, The Sales Game Changer: How to Become the Salesperson People Love, is now available. Order the e-book on Amazon and receive a Bonus Video recap of each chapter directly from the author. No matter what you do for work or play, if you want to inspire an individual, a workforce, a team, a group, or a client or customer, make The Sales Game Changer your first and most important book of 2021.
Episode 22 | Glenn Morshower | Hollywood's Genuine Pretender
We are all here for a purpose. In this breakthrough episode, actor and coach Glenn Morshower visits with Rob Cornilles to demonstrate what it means to be “present.” Covering a wide array of personal and insightful topics, Glenn reveals how “whispers” have directed his life and career choices, and how his “whole life has been spent living my second life in my first life.” Going well beyond a typical Hollywood celebrity interview, this conversation is sure to change the way you look at those who pretend for a living. How does solitude inspire Glenn? Where can we find personal peace? And what did Michelangelo say about his sculpture of David that can be life’s motto for all of us? Be prepared for one of the most genuine gentlemen Tinseltown has ever produced
Episode 21 | Mitch Russo | Business Reset, Personal Reinvent
Now that we’re in the last month of 2020, is it fair to say that this has been the most unpredictable year in memory, if not, your lifetime? Whether it’s been a year of disappointments, plateaus, or pivots, author, consultant, and executive coach Mitch Russo helps his clients reset their company by first adjusting their mindset. Mitch’s seasoned business advice valued by such renowned thought leaders as Tony Robbins, Chet Holmes, and Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington will be of great benefit if you’re ready to make 2021 the year you always envisioned.
Episode 20 | Jon Spoelstra | The Sage of Sports Marketing
I actually have something in common with the Sage of Sports Marketing: we began our sports careers with the same franchise. Jon Spoelstra started with the Buffalo Braves, which later became the Los Angeles Clippers. As my followers know, the Clippers is where I learned to sell. But in this episode, we don’t talk stick and ball as much as we explore the lessons that marketing and selling sports crosses over to any business in any industry. The father of two-time NBA Champion Coach Erik Spoelstra, Jon is this week’s Game Face Exec as he demonstrates his legendary knack for outrageous solutions to problems.
Episode 19 | Robert Anderson | Beating Racism to Win His Race
Most educators teach a subject. For 20 years, this week’s Game Face Exec, Robert Anderson, has taught students. In this episode, the New York native and author of “12 Things They Wanted to Teach You in High School… but Couldn’t” shares lessons learned as an educational leader and an award-winning lacrosse coach to students in K-12. As one who “didn’t get a free pass,” Robert explains why students and athletes need to “carry their own bag” while discovering how their gift is “what you do best with the least amount of effort.” Listen in as we are taught how to go from racism to winning life’s races.
Episode 18 | Brian Bucciarelli | Selling Sweetness to the C-Suite
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known as “the sweetest place on earth.” In this episode, we introduce you to Brian Bucciarelli, managing director of entertainment partnerships at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, the sweetest salesperson I’ve met. A homegrown product of Central PA, Brian went from intern to running the sales division of the country’s most delicious entertainment company, managing theme park Hersheypark, the Hershey Chocolate World Attraction, the Hershey Bears Hockey Club of the AHL, and as many concerts and shows as there are candies in The Hershey Store Museum. Enjoy!
Episode 17 | John Richards | The Mean and Meaningful Mentor
John explains why his role as educator and mentor is what he most cherishes; Why do entrepreneurs decide to become mentors? What are the requirements for effective mentoring? John relates the sacrifices of entrepreneurship on individuals and families; How do entrepreneurs and their significant others get aligned? How long should the entrepreneurship journey last? Is entrepreneurship for everyone? John shares the worst advice entrepreneurs get; The shame of bad ideas unidentified; How does a great idea become a great business? John suggests down economies are the time to ramp a company up; The phases of startup; John bemoans the ROI of higher education; Why campuses are the ideal place to experience a collision of ideas; John explains the service found for fledgling entrepreneurs at Startup Ignition; The imperative of sales and developing relevant skills; How sales and a great salesperson lifted Omniture to become a billion-dollar company.
Episode 16 | Meg Whitman | Tending the Trends
Six months after highly anticipated Quibi’s launch, this unique union of technology and entertainment for consumers closed its doors on October 22, 2020. In this exclusive interview, battle-tested Meg Whitman pulls back the Quibi curtain to give our audience a greater understanding of why this startup failed amidst the crazy conditions of 2020. But in true entrepreneur fashion, Meg opines about her other investments—particularly Major League Soccer and esports. Full of wise counsel, keen observations and an admirable self-awareness, the indomitable Meg Whitman is our Game Face Exec.
Episode 15 | Jeff Benedict | Prolific Pursuer of Truth
Every industry is led by a brand that at one time or another dominates. Their innovation, their next move or pronouncement both intimidates and inspires. Perhaps no logo in the 21st century has produced such praise and trepidation as the NFL’s New England Patriots. Bestselling author Jeff Benedict’s latest work, The Dynasty, explores this team’s unmatched ascent and how players on and off the field made it happen. In this episode, Jeff goes long, explaining how persuasion, trust and humility built a dynasty, and how seemingly underachieving individuals won together to become champions.
Episode 14 | Bill Stoller | The Man for the Jobs
How do you get job security when so many are experiencing job insecurity? We asked Bill Stoller of Express Employment Professionals, one of the most influential players in matching employers with job seekers. Whether you call this market “primary temporary employment” or “temp hiring,” the chairman and CEO of this sprawling franchiser delivers sage advice for today’s reality. If you’re looking for better candidates or to become one yourself, Bill offers clear direction rooted in proven success. He’s our “man for the jobs” as he guides us to that which leads to greater self-worth: a job.
Episode 13 | Dr. Jason Williams | The Present-Minded Professor
Sport executives often debate the value of sport-specific college degrees. Some argue the focus is too narrow. Others claim an emphasis on industry-related subjects produces better applicants. Dr. Jason Williams, assistant dean of the Simon School of Business at Maryville University, also directs the school’s Rawlings Sport Business Management program. In this wide-ranging interview, Jason weighs in. He also speaks to the hot topics on college campuses today: academics vs affecting social change; opportunities for minorities; and, if teaching sales is worth classroom time.
Episode 12 | Zach Benson | The Incredible Instagram Influencer
The instantaneous nature of Instagram has helped make it one of the world’s biggest platforms. But this week’s guest has figured out that instant doesn’t mean random. Assistagram Founder Zach Benson has devised an imaginative and impressive way to use Instagram to build a shared network of 220 million followers. Far from flashy and certainly not privileged, this week’s Game Face Exec is humble, scrappy, and a respectful caretaker of his clients’ brands. From global breakdance instructor with students in 40 countries to a worldwide marketing influencer, Zach Benson knows all the moves.
Episode 11 | Lee Bird | The Brand Man
Can a retail company in 40 states close more than 200 mega-stores during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, then watch their stock skyrocket to a record high that same quarter? Yes, the Brand Man can. Can a chairman/CEO of a sleepy firm seeking to go public successfully inspire an all-star cast of directors to join his board? Yes, the Brand Man can. Can a retail company in a competitive category sell value without going cheap? Yes, the Brand Man can. Lee Bird, Chairman and CEO of Dallas-based At Home, is this week’s game face exec.
Episode 10 | Davis Smith | Capitalism, Cotopaxi-Style
With all the talk lately about tearing down and rebuilding institutions, government, policing, education, and media, what about capitalism? Cotopaxi Founder & CEO Davis Smith has become a successful and influential entrepreneur because he built what he calls a “benefit corporation” his way. With a unique upbringing, Davis is now training others around the globe to take the best form of wealth-building ever known and implement it even better. This week’s game face exec wants us to think differently about capitalism. Davis Smith has inspired many. Does he persuade you?
Episode 9 | Scott Anderson | Out of the Bankers Box
A banker’s life: dull, unimaginative, inflexible. Right? Not so if you’ve met Scott Anderson, president, and CEO of 147-year old Zions Bank, the 44th largest in America, with assets over $70B. This episode digs into how financial services are removing the stigma of being barriers to commercial progress and proving they’re the primary mover of it. We explore how banking, the source of some of this century’s broadest innovations, practices agility out of necessity. And Scott explains how his industry can more effectively tell its story so that they can continue to make the world go round.
Episode 8 | Sarah McKenna | Red Sox Romantic
Being the senior vice president of fan services and entertainment at the renowned Boston Red Sox has its perks. But the owner of that title, Sarah McKenna, explains how none of it matters if you lose sight of what your role means. Fan Services: everything is for the fans who are here to be served. Entertainment: fans have to be pleased night after night, good team or bad, rain or shine, happy times (player retirements and military family reunions) or bad times (the 2013 Boston bombings or national unrest). Meet Sarah McKenna, the game face exec who loves her fans as much as they love her team.
Episode 7 | Todd Hoffman | Nobody's Fools Gold
He may have created and starred in “Gold Rush,” one of the top-rated shows on cable television the last 10 years, but there was no rush to gold for Todd Hoffman. From humble and unconventional beginnings, you’ll see how this week’s game face exec had just enough vision, mixed with a dramatic dose of craziness, to prove he knew more about what the world wanted to watch than high-salaried Los Angeles TV executives ever could imagine. Join me, and learn about the man behind the beard, where he derives his inspiration and drive, and why he truly does have a “mine of his own.”
Episode 6 | Lanette Richardson | Women In Sales
Who do you trust more to sell you something—a man or a woman? Women are usually preferred. Then why has the sales industry been historically run and populated by men? In 2018 Lanette Richardson asked the same question and, without trying to create a battle of the sexes, launched Utah Women in Sales—now a growing national force. In this episode, we explore the unique and valuable attributes women innately—and through tireless tenacity—bring to any sales culture and experience. What have they learned from men, and what must men learn from women to make teams more complimentary and complete?
Episode 5 | Mike Keiser | Golf's Wind Walker
“The patron saint of public golf.” That’s how they describe Mike Keiser, the most prolific and respected golf course developer of the last 20 years. The visionary behind the five courses at Bandon Dunes, Oregon – four of which are listed in the Top 15 public courses in America – with 14 others completed and 10 under development around the world, Mike turns nothingness into gorgeousness. Learn as he explains beating adversity with creativity; outdoor over indoor meetings; testing ideas before rejecting them; the mistake of guessing instead of asking; and the surprising benefit of rivals.
Episode 4 | Tim Boyle | One Tough Difference-Maker
Tough times require tough companies - and tougher leaders. That’s why it’s no surprise that 60-year old Columbia Sportswear continues to blaze ahead of apparel companies worldwide. Join us as Columbia’s chairman and CEO, Tim Boyle, reflects on how one family transformed a hat business into today’s outdoor apparel behemoth boasting sales of $3B+. What made the difference—great products or clever advertising? Where did the company get its distinctly irreverent style? And what did Tim’s mom, the iconic Gert Boyle, really think about her marketing-driven persona of “one tough mother”?
Episode 3 | Jamey Rootes | Texas-Sized Success
Are you ready for some football?! Teams of the National Football League, the “granddaddy of all sports,” opened training camps this week in preparation for Opening Night on Thursday, September 10. And the Houston Texans, led by President Jamey Rootes, is up first as they kick off the NFL season at the Kansas City Chiefs. But Jamey took a timeout to chat with Rob Cornilles about the unprecedented challenges facing the NFL, the impact one player (J.J. Watt) has had on a sport and a city, and the leadership lessons learned from working for two of the most iconic families in sports history.
Episode 2 | Stephen M.R. Covey | Trust Changes Everything
Over the past two decades, no author or speaker has taught more people, organizations, and societies how to build trust internally and externally than Stephen M.R. Covey. Author of The Speed of Trust, now in its second edition with over 2 million copies sold, in this episode Stephen shares his practical yet profound concepts that encourage honesty, integrity, and caring for others - in any environment. At a time when remoteness increases the need for trust among co-workers and managers, Stephen, the epitome of a game face executive, provides valuable advice that can “change everything.”
Episode 1 | Rob Cornilles | The Sales Game Changer
Who decides that you're successful? You, or the people along your journey? In this inaugural episode I explain why we're launching Game Face Execs, a podcast for and with sales game changers. I explore the difference between an Influencer and a Contributor, and pay tribute to the individuals that helped me launch--and shape--my career as a sales coach to tens of thousands.