GrowthReady Podcast

About the Episode: In this special milestone episode, Steve Mellor reflects on seven years of podcasting and what’s kept him going through every high and low. He shares a deeply personal story of a swimmer he once coached, Timmy and how rediscovering his "why" led him back to joy and forward to the Olympic trials. Steve also invites listeners to ask themselves the big question: Why did you start? This episode is a timely and powerful reminder to reconnect with the spark that first inspired you. Takeaways: * The danger of forgetting your “why” * A personal coaching story that illustrates rediscovery and resilience * The emotional and mental toll of high expectations * How reconnecting with purpose reignites performance * Reflections from 7 years of podcasting and over 270 episodes * The quiet crisis behind many great achievements * Powerful self-reflection questions for realignment Links & Resources Mentioned: * GrowthReady Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163] * Follow Steve Mellor on Instagram: @coachstevemellor [https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellor/] * Book Steve for Speaking [https://www.stevemellorspeaks.com/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1986480/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986480/support] Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community [https://growthready.myflodesk.com/h9ey8j47gr] Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest: Gene Rice is a seasoned executive recruiter, entrepreneur, and author of the bestselling book “From Grad to Grown-Up.” With a rich career that spans from owning rock clubs to founding one of the top executive search firms in the U.S., Gene is dedicated to helping young professionals and leaders find clarity, passion, and purpose in their careers. He also co-founded the "Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation," supporting youth in pursuing their passions regardless of financial limitations. About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor reconnects with Gene Rice three years after their first conversation. Together, they explore what it truly means to be “growth ready”,  diving deep into themes of career clarity, passion-driven work, and the hard truths about professional fulfillment. Gene shares invaluable stories from decades of placing top executives and mentoring young talent, all anchored around a powerful message: don't wait until you're burnt out to find what lights you up. Takeaways: * What being “growth ready” truly means * Gene’s eclectic career journey from rock clubs to executive search * The importance of aligning career with purpose and passion * Common regrets people have at the end of life * How young professionals can test their passions before committing * Advice for mid-career professionals feeling stuck * The emotional ROI of doing work you love * Strategies for maintaining long-term professional joy * The mission and impact of the “Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream” foundation Links & Resources Mentioned: * Gene Rice’s Book: From Grad to Grown-Up [https://www.amazon.com/Grad-Grown-Up-Excel-Personal-Professional/dp/1637581920] * Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation: Official Site [https://plantaseedfoundation.org/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1986480/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986480/support] Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community [https://growthready.myflodesk.com/h9ey8j47gr] Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest Larry Long Jr. is a global keynote speaker, sales coach, author, and founder of LLJR Enterprises. Known for his infectious energy and motivational message, Larry inspires professionals around the world to rediscover their greatness and live with purpose. A former athlete turned corporate sales leader, Larry now helps others step into their power with clarity, courage, and community. About the Episode In this high-energy and heart-filled conversation, Larry Long Jr. returns to the GrowthReady podcast with Steve Mellor to dive deep into what it really means to live with intention. From getting unstuck in life and business to building a global speaking career while staying grounded in family and personal health, Larry opens up about the mindset shifts, coaching, and community that fueled his transformation. Whether you’re on the edge of a leap or in need of a spark, this episode is a rally cry for bold, purpose-driven living. Takeaways: * The power of intentional investment in personal and professional growth * Why mindset is the bridge between strategy and execution * How Larry's health journey became a catalyst for greater impact * Building community while scaling a global speaking business * How to rediscover your inner greatness and live with bold clarity * The role of coaching, accountability, and faith in sustainable success * Reframing rejection and failure as stepping stones to purpose Links & Resources Mentioned * Larry's Website: larrylongjr.com [https://larrylongjr.com/] * Book: JOLT! Get Zapped into Intentionality, Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/] * NSA Influence Conference * Global Speaker Summit (2025 - Cairns, Australia) * Instagram: @longjr7 [https://www.instagram.com/longjr7/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1986480/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986480/support] Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community [https://growthready.myflodesk.com/h9ey8j47gr] Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

About the Guest: Amy Boone Thompson is the CEO and Owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, a trailblazer in the wellness industry, and Chair of World Active. With over two decades of experience in fitness leadership, Amy has worn every hat, from personal trainer to executive leader. Her mission is rooted in making health and movement accessible to all, and she leads with authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor reconnects with returning guest Amy Boone Thompson for an energizing conversation on leadership, personal growth, and shaping the future of fitness. Amy opens up about what it truly means to be “growth ready,” the challenges and decisions that come with leading a 300,000-member global organization, and why blending authenticity with agility is her leadership superpower. She also shares how writing her first book taught her to lead with gratitude, and why that practice is transforming how she shows up for her team and herself. Takeaways: * What it means to be “growth ready” in life and business * The power of curiosity and the dangers of ego-driven leadership * Blending personal and professional identities in lifestyle industries * How empathy became Amy’s superpower as a leader * Making bold, sometimes unpopular decisions in service of innovation * Leading with intention, especially during industry-wide transformation * Global leadership through World Active and WHO partnerships * Gratitude as a leadership practice * Aligning passion and purpose for long-term impact * Amy’s vision for the future of IDEA and inclusive fitness Links & Resources: * IDEA Health & Fitness Association: www.ideafit.com [https://www.ideafit.com] * Amy Boone Thompson on Instagram: @amyboonethompson [https://www.instagram.com/amyboonethompson] * IDEA World 2025 in Sacramento: July 17–19, 2025 Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1986480/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986480/support] Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community [https://growthready.myflodesk.com/h9ey8j47gr] Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

👤 Guest Bio: Margaret Watts Romney is a leadership communication coach, TEDx speaker coach, and author of The Speakership is Leadership. With a rich background in public speaking, neurology, and purposeful leadership, Margaret empowers individuals to find their voice, connect authentically with audiences, and lead through clarity and emotional intelligence. Her unique approach helps speakers of all levels become impactful communicators—from the TEDx stage to daily conversations. 📘 Episode Summary: In this transformative conversation, host Steve Mellor sits down with Margaret Watts Romney to explore the nuanced journey of growth, communication, and emotional awareness. From redefining what it means to be “growth ready” to uncovering the internal and external elements of powerful speakership, Margaret shares compelling stories and insights about navigating nerves, leading with intention, and the neurological roots of how we show up and speak. This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness and leadership for anyone looking to improve how they connect, communicate, and contribute to the world around them. 🗝️ Key Takeaways: * Growth isn’t a definition, it’s an experience shaped by emotion, intention, and clarity. * Speakership is about more than public speaking, it's about how we consistently use our words to lead and connect. * Emotional awareness is essential for decision-making and leadership. * Learn how to balance the “elephant” (emotional mind) and the “rider” (rational mind) to communicate more effectively. * Speaking isn’t always about talking, it’s also about asking the right questions and truly listening. * Margaret’s personal journey from a classical cellist to a speaker coach reveals the power of shifting focus from self to service. * Tips for preparing to speak under pressure, from TEDx stages to team meetings. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: * Margaret’s book: The Speakership is Leadership — Available on major booksellers * Website: www.masterspeakerlab.com [https://www.masterspeakerlab.com] * Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn: Margaret Watts Romney [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretwattsromney/] * The NeuroLeadership Institute (mentioned for emotional processing research) If this episode sparked something in you, whether it’s a new understanding of growth, the desire to own your speakership, or simply the reminder to trust your voice, then this conversation is just the beginning. 🎧 👉 Tune in now, share the episode with a friend or teammate, and don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your words help us grow and reach more listeners just like you. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1986480/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1986480/support] Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community [https://growthready.myflodesk.com/h9ey8j47gr] Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor