Growth Over Goals

Bennett Stirtz on Faith, Humility & His Unlikely Road to the NBA

Bennett Stirtz joins Jordan Montgomery on the Growth Over Goals podcast just days before the NBA Draft to reflect on his remarkable journey from two Division II offers to becoming one of the most inspiring stories in college basketball. In this episode, Bennett shares how his faith, family, mentors, teammates, and coaches helped shape him into the leader he is today. He talks about the moment his work ethic changed, what he learned from Coach Ben McCollum, why he chose relationships and fit over a bigger NIL opportunity, and how he plans to stay grounded as he steps into marriage, a new city, and the next chapter of his basketball career. In this conversation, Jordan and Bennett discuss: • Going from overlooked recruit to projected NBA Draft pick • The role faith played in Bennett’s growth • Why being a great teammate creates opportunity • Turning down money and choosing what truly satisfies • Leadership lessons from Coach Ben McCollum and other mentors • Staying grounded when the lights get brighter • What Bennett wants to remain the same through every life change Bennett’s story is a powerful reminder that growth does not happen overnight. It comes through humility, consistency, faith, and the willingness to keep showing up when no one is watching.

Jon Gordon | The Habits That Build Better Leaders

In this episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery sits down with bestselling author, speaker, mentor, and longtime friend Jon Gordon for a powerful conversation about the daily habits that shape great leaders, stronger teams, and more meaningful lives. Jon shares insights from his newest book, The Power of Positive Habits, while unpacking the practices that have shaped his own journey. From becoming your own greatest encourager to forgiving fast, strengthening your strengths, choosing great over good, and learning how to slow down and enjoy the ride. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, friendship, and intentional growth. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, raising a family, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, Jon’s wisdom will challenge you to live with greater purpose, discipline, and joy. Order The Power of Positive Habits, subscribe to Growth Over Goals, and share this episode with someone who is committed to becoming a better leader.

Follow Well to Lead Better | Jordan Montgomery on the Leadership Traits Most People Miss

In this solo episode of Growth Over Goals, Jordan Montgomery unpacks one of the most underrated leadership traits: the ability to follow well. While leadership often gets the spotlight, Jordan challenges listeners with a powerful truth — if you are too big to follow, you are too small to lead. Jordan breaks down five traits of exceptional followers and explains why the best leaders remain open-minded, coachable, secure, and mission-focused. From owning the mission instead of just completing tasks, to handling tension with maturity, to making leaders better rather than more exhausted, this episode is a practical reminder that following well is not weakness — it is strength. You’ll be challenged to reflect on questions like: Where am I taking responsibility outside of my authority? Am I offering solutions or just pointing out problems? Does my leader get sharper because of me, or more exhausted? And where do I need to give credit away? If you want to grow as a leader, start by growing as a follower. This episode is a powerful reminder that leading well begins with learning how to follow well. Subscribe to the Growth Over Goals podcast for more conversations and solo episodes on leadership, influence, personal growth, and becoming the kind of person others want to follow. #GrowthOverGoals #JordanMontgomery #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #LeadWell #FollowWell #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #ServantLeadership

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?