Growth Over Goals

Make It Without Losing It | Jess Ekstrom on Success, Identity & the Arrival Trap

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author and speaker Jess Ekstrom to unpack the tension so many high performers face; how to chase success without losing yourself in the process.Jess shares the heart behind her new book Making It Without Losing It, diving into the “arrival trap,” the lies we believe about our worth, and the pressure to always chase what’s next. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and powerful reframes, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink what success really means, and how to pursue it in a way that actually leads to fulfillment.From redefining identity to learning how to lead, communicate, and live with intention, this episode is packed with insights for anyone striving for more while trying to stay grounded in what matters most.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “once I get there, then I’ll be happy,” this conversation is for you.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and living with purpose.

The Hidden Work That Separates Top Performers from Everyone Else | Weston Kieschnick

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author, educator, and nationally sought-after speaker Weston Kieschnick to unpack what truly separates high performers from underachievers — and why most people never see it happening. Weston shares the journey from classroom teacher to influential leadership voice, revealing how the principles that shape great educators also apply to parents, leaders, and professionals across every industry. The conversation dives deep into The Hidden Work — the unseen habits, mindsets, and choices that determine long-term success. Throughout the episode, Weston and Jordan explore: * Why education works best when parents and schools operate as true partners * The four behaviors underperformers default to — and what top performers choose instead * How ownership, truth, solutions, and grit drive sustainable excellence * Why attention, connection, and relationships are at the core of leadership * The growing crisis of isolation, exhaustion, and distraction in modern life * A powerful reminder that your want can never exceed your work This episode is a compelling reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intentional, disciplined effort when no one is watching. 🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: What hidden work am I willing to commit to today?

Leading Well at Home | Brandon & Jenni Scherff on Faith, Family, and Intentional Living

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with Brandon and Jenni Scherff for a deeply honest conversation about leadership where it matters most — at home. From navigating life in the NFL to raising a blended family rooted in faith, Brandon and Jenny share the rhythms, boundaries, and intentional decisions that have shaped their marriage, parenting, and calling. This conversation explores what it truly means to slow down, steward success, and build margin in a world that constantly demands more. Brandon and Jenni open up about adoption, infertility, transition, and why not every good opportunity is worth saying yes to. Together, they unpack practical family rhythms like “mellow yellow weekends,” identity-driven parenting, and the importance of protecting the home front through every season of life. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or a family, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t start with achievement — it starts with alignment. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why identity always precedes behavior Leading with intention during seasons of transition Creating margin, boundaries, and sustainable family rhythms Faith-driven parenting and marriage leadership Why not every opportunity is your assignment Slowing down to steward what matters most 🎧 Subscribe to Growth Over Goals for weekly conversations on leadership, faith, and living with purpose.

Leadership Beyond Presence | Mac Lake on Parenting, Purpose & True Impact

In this profound episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with leadership expert, author, and mentor Mac Lake, whose life has been marked by humility, stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to leading like Jesus. This deeply personal conversation explores the power of parenting with intentionality, the balance of influence and identity, and why true leadership is measured not just in our presence—but in what remains when we're gone. Mac reflects on raising his children, including award-winning artist Brandon Lake, and shares how surrender, boundaries, and daily example shape generational leadership. He also breaks down the difference between living like Jesus and leading like Jesus, challenging leaders in both ministry and the marketplace to use their influence with wisdom, courage, and clarity of purpose. Whether you're guiding a team, stewarding a family, or growing your own leadership capacity, this episode is a masterclass in raising leaders through presence, not pressure. Jordan and Mac unpack legacy, mentorship, and the ongoing pursuit of learning—reminding us that the gift may be God-given, but it must be God-used.

From Adversity to Impact: Patric Young’s Journey of Purpose, Gratitude, and Unshakable Joy

In this unforgettable episode of Growth Over Goals, host Jordan Montgomery sits down with Patric Young—former SEC Defensive Player of the Year and ESPN analyst—for one of the most powerful and inspiring conversations yet. Patric shares the story of his life-altering car accident in 2022 that left him paralyzed, and how that tragedy became the catalyst for a deeper purpose. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, he opens up about: The moment that changed everything—and how he found strength in the struggle Learning to receive help and the hidden strength in vulnerability How gratitude and joy became his weapons against apathy and depression His deep relationship with Coach Billy Donovan and the culture of love that built a Final Four team The power of perspective, relationships, and living with intention This is more than a story of survival—it's a testimony of transformation. Whether you're facing your own adversity or simply seeking perspective, Patric’s journey will challenge you to embrace hardship, choose joy, and lead with love. 📌 Plus: Learn about the Patric Young Foundation and the impact he's now making off the court. #GrowthOverGoals #PatricYoung #GratitudeInAdversity #Leadership #PurposeDrivenLife #BillyDonovan #Inspiration #Resilience #SECNetwork #FaithAndSports