The Playbook With David Meltzer

Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.

Entrepreneurship
Careers
Business
2001
Increasing Your Chances of Success
Hey everyone, this is a short episode on five aspects of your business that can easily increase your success. Don't forget to text me your feedback or let me know what you want to hear next at (949) 298-2905 Key Moments: [0:14] I believe in quantitative value [1:08] Credibility is the most important aspect of your business [2:16] People buy on emotion for logical reasons [6:30] Quantifying the impact of your business.
8 min
2002
Lee Zeidman: President STAPLES Center, Microsof...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Lee Zeidman, President of STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE, shares his thoughts on:[3:15] The two key components that got him to the point where he is today[5:10] Why he has no qualms about discussing deals that went well and those that went south[13:23] What three steps you need to take in order to get your first job in the sports industry[16:45] Why managing others is one of the most difficult challenges for this generation of business people  Lee Zeidman, President of the STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE, shares some of the lessons he’s learned in his decades of experience running some of the world’s biggest venues, including the importance of being straightforward and the challenges that being a manager presents. Zeidman and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, discuss strategies to successfully make a lateral move into sports or get your first job in the industry, why honesty is essential in building beneficial relationships in business, and the skills that Lee looks for when hiring members of his team. The pair also share their thoughts on how asking questions can completely change your career trajectory.
23 min
2003
The #1 Secret To Scaling Your Business
Hi everyone, in this episode I go over my four values and the three stages of scaling a business. Having a team that lives by your values will only increase the speed at which you scale. Please text me any feedback you have or let me know what you want to hear at (949) 298-2905. Key Moments: [0:48] Gratitude is the control of perspective [2:20] Forgiveness is essential to keep peace within an organization [3:10] Accountability accelerates the learning of lessons and gives us control [4:50] Effective communication is how are we connected to inspiration [6:50] The values do not have to be split evenly [8:05] The learning stage of scaling a business [9:38] The execution phase of scaling [10:38] The equity phase of scaling
12 min
2004
Jim Huether: CEO of Hyperice | #ThePlaybook 149
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice, talks about:[4:57] Some of the “great elements” that led him to take a job with the company and some of the first changes that he made as an executive[7:00] Whether education is a worthwhile investment for aspiring entrepreneurs or not [10:36] His approach to building a strong team and culture while avoiding the “bad seeds”[16:20] How to thrive in challenging environments and why Jim loves going places he hasn’t been before Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice, provides insights on how his experiences with startups prepared him for an executive position, whether education is a worthwhile investment for entrepreneurs, and shares his strategy for building the right team to continue growing as an organization.
21 min
2005
The 3 P's to Success: Passion, Purpose & Profit...
This is a quick 10 minute keynote I gave at UCI last year. After living a life profitability, this is the story of finding my passion and purpose. Key Moments: [1:25] I ignored my mom when it came to passion and purpose [3:00] The greatest piece of advice I received from my brother [4:18] When I asked my mom for advice she told me the internet would be a fad [5:45] I made a million dollars 9 months out of law school [7:10] At the age of 34 I had over $100 million dollars and I was completely lost
10 min
2006
Nick Chubb: Running Back for the Cleveland Brow...
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns running back, shares his thoughts about some of the differences between college and professional football, as well as his approach to leading by example. Chubb talks about how he’s always met challenges head-on with hard work and preparation and also discusses why some college football games are viewed like “off weeks”.   Chubb and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, discuss a range of topics such as the influence of Nick’s family in the way he approaches his job, not falling for outside distractions like chains and fancy cars, and why pressure should be viewed as a privilege.
19 min
2007
My Plan to Make Over a Billion People Happy | T...
Hello everyone! Today's episode is my keynote speech from the Thrive Conference in Las Vegas earlier this summer. Text me your feedback at (949) 298-2905 Key Moments: [0:50] My life's mission [3:27] Don't limit your point of entry [9:10] Receiving two job offers after graduating [16:19] My father's return to my life [25:17] You don't do what you love [30:40] Looking at life with a lens of productivity [ [37:17] Discovering meditation and the impact it had on my quantum shift
42 min
2008
The Reason You Feel Stuck
Are you feeling stuck right now? Instead of worrying about the results, start focusing on accelerating and growing. Key Moments: [0:22] Understanding the infinity of time [1:22] What happens to most young entrepreneurs [4:44] Focus on accelerating and growing not where you are [6:02] How people are missing the point of business
8 min
2009
Ronnie 2K: Director of Influencer Marketing for...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Ronnie “2K” Singh, Director of Influencer Marketing for NBA 2K, talks about:[3:21] What it was like dropping out of Columbia Law School to take a job with a women’s basketball team [8:20] Why you shouldn’t focus on immediate gratification and why you need to look at the long run[11:51] The storytelling challenges that marketers face in traditional sports and esports[14:53] How NBA2K games help retired players like Michael Jordan continue to stay relevant Ronnie “2K” Singh, Director of Influencer Marketing for NBA 2K, talks about his unusual path to working for 2K Sports, some of the lessons he’s learned about storytelling, and the challenges of creating timely and relevant content for your audience.
23 min
2010
Abundance vs Scarcity | Success in SoCal Podcast
Hello podcast listeners, today's episode is from the Success in SoCal Podcast with Mike DePaul. We covered a wide range of topics from living in abundance, lowering the bar, and what makes Southern California the best place in the world for business. Key Moments: [1:47] Growing up with a scarce mentality [4:48] The first of the three lessons of scarcity that I learned [7:09] The second lesson of scarcity I learned [7:53] The third lesson and the most catalytic event of my life [9:56] Mentoring people to live in abundance [12:08] Lowering the bar [14:59] We are here to learn lessons [ 16:55] What makes Southern California the best place to do business
21 min
2011
James Clear: Author of Atomic Habits | #ThePlay...
James Clear, the best-selling author of Atomic Habits, shares insights on the best ways to begin forming a habit, some of the different approaches to behavior modification, and the relationship between our habits and our identity Key Moments: [2:09] Why there are two important strategies to help you start forming a habit [9:28] The importance of seeking out individuals who are 1-3 years ahead of where you are at [10:30] What it takes to have one of your behaviors become an “automatic” action [20:07] The difference between instinct and habit, as well as the influence of our genetics .
26 min
2012
How to Be More Productive With Your Time
Hi Podcast listeners, today's episode is all about being more productive with your time. Key moments: [1:39] Focusing on availability [2:34] Being twice as productive and working 16 hours a day [3:45] I'm a student of my calendar and I study it with a lens of productivity and accessibility [4:31] If you can do it now you save a minimum of twice as much time [5:42] I limit my phone calls to five minutes and my meetings to 20 minutes.
7 min
2013
The 6 Steps to Pitch Your Idea
Today's episode is about the six steps you need to consider when pitching your idea or trying to raise money. Utilizing each of these steps will make it much easier for you to manifest your ideas into reality. Key points: [0:17] Step one: Credibility [1:24] Step two: Emotionally Connect [2:45] Step three: Reasons [3:14] Step four: The Impact [4:46] Step five: The Capabilities [5:24] Step six: Quantitative Value
8 min
2014
Ann Hand: CEO of Super League Gaming | #ThePlay...
Ann Hand, CEO at Super League Gaming, talks about her early career, working for “traditional” big enterprise companies in oil and gas before venturing into the startup space, eventually landing as the CEO of the first esports company to trade on Wall Street.  Hand and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, discuss how they learned about the vast opportunities in the esports space and explain what esports are to people who don’t understand the appeal of competitive video games. The pair also discuss the importance of creating an accepting community for the 2.6 billion amateur gamers in the world.
23 min
2015
Planting Seeds to Grow Your Business
Your business/brand is just like a harvest, you have to begin by planting seeds and watering it everyday in order for it to grow. Rather than focusing on the outcome, focus on consistent behavior that will allow you to exponentially grow. Key Moments: [0:29] - Doubling strategy [5:33] - "That's how a $50 million dollar business is made" [6:44] - Jeff Bezos started a bookstore with a philosophy of disciples [8:29] - The two biggest deterrents of the ego based conscious are time and value.
10 min
2016
Kevin Wulff: Owner of Mitchell & Ness | #ThePla...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Kevin Wulff, Owner and Coach of Mitchell & Ness, provides insights on:[2:05] How Phil Knight created such a strong culture at Nike by borrowing the company’s core values from a competitor[7:51] Why managing with courage is essential for the leaders of any business   [9:21] How he took Asics to “the next level” as the first non-Japanese CEO[15:15] The true definition of a competitor in business and why Kevin wants one more run at greatness Kevin Wulff, Owner and Coach of Mitchell & Ness, discusses why it is important to be an entrepreneur in a corporate environment and what he learned holding executive positions at companies like Nike and Miller Brewing Company. Wulff provides insights on what “toughness” and “courage” really mean for leaders in business, as well as being a competitor. Kevin and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, go over a variety of topics such as the strength of company culture at places like Nike and Mitchell & Ness, the benefits of working for well-known brands, and why there are advantages to “sticking to your knitting”.
18 min
2017
What "Manifestation" Actually Means | Interview...
Hey podcast listeners. Today's episode is from a recent interview with Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros from the Hyper Conscious podcast. Since this is the third time I've been on their show, we were able to dig deeper into a few really interesting topics that I hope you enjoy hearing my perspective on. Key Moments: [3:45] - learn to be accountable [4:21] - what “manifestation” really means [7:50] - everyone’s “why” is the same [9:35] - pain is just a perception [11:20] - learning zone vs anxiety zone [15:01] - first thing I do everyday at 4am [16:12] - meditation takes practice [18:53] - my biggest struggle right now [22:50] - identifying the “needs” of your ego [24:40] - shopping for the right things [28:30] - when you know your values you can make quick decisions Learn more about the Hyper Conscious podcast here: https://www.thehyperconsciouspodcast.com/
29 min
2018
David McCourt: Founder and Chairman of Granahan...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, David McCourt, founder and chairman of Granahan McCourt Capital and author of the best-selling book Total Rethink, shares his ideas on:[2:45] Why problems are never solved by shouting[6:45] What it means to “rethink the model” and why today’s business world no longer revolves around incremental change[11:09] How the evolution of the internet is changing the way that people relate to each other and the truth [20:08] The biggest flaw of today’s educational system and why you should focus on your strengthsDavid McCourt, founder and chairman of Granahan McCourt Capital and author of the best-selling book Total Rethink, shares his thoughts on the importance of adapting your initial plans, some of the flaws with “big business” today, and how to find common ground when dealing with individuals who have different viewpoints.
58 min
2019
Daily Habits Will Make or Break Your Success
Today's episode is from a roundtable talk I hosted at RISE Conference earlier this year in in Hong Kong. I discussed why daily habits will make or break our success and how to get out of our own way to allow it to happen. Key Moments: [1:22] - Asking your network for help [3:40] - Learn to unconditionally give [6:20] - Daily minimums for your habits [8:15] - A healthy activity you can do for the rest of your life [9:11] - Sleep is our most important habit
10 min
2020
What I Would Tell My 21-Year-Old Self
Key Moments: 1:45 - the right time to raise money 3:24 - only so many "no's" between you and what you want 4:45 - work/life balance 8:10 - networking through being of service 9:10 - always have one question to ask 11:00 - seeking our parents validation
14 min
2021
Jonathan Becher: Co-President of the San Jose S...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Jonathan Becher, Co-President of the San Jose Sharks, shares his thoughts on:[3:45] Why his personal mantra is “culture eats strategy”[5:36] How the Sharks focus on creating a great end-to-end experience for their attendees[9:02] Why technology cannot be used to solve every problem that sports fans experience[16:30] His best piece of advice for someone who wants to get their first job in the sports industry Jonathan Becher, Co-President of the San Jose Sharks and former CMO of SAP, talks about his journey from a corporate giant to working in the front office for an NHL team. Becher provides insights on helping expand SAP’s reach in the sports industry, how the team works to create Sharks fans for life, and why he views team employees as brand ambassadors. Jonathan and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, cover a range of topics including their best approach to landing your first job in sports, the difference between earned and granted trust, and how technology can be used to improve fan experience at sports and entertainment events
20 min
2022
No One Is "Busier" Than Anyone Else
I really think you're going to enjoy this episode. This is from an unexpected conversation with a young man who showed up at my office at 8am to ask for advice on how he can accelerate his career and be more productive his time. Key Moments: 0:30 - Two kinds of Accessibility 1:24 - Utilizing your calendar 4:24 - Do it now 6:12 - The cost of procrastination 7:15 - Beating other people with math 9:30 - Why I guarantee the value I provide 12:50 - My goal for social media
14 min
2023
Garrain Jones: Transformation Coach and Motivat...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Garrain Jones, transformation coach and motivational speaker, shares his ideas on:[5:38] How his time in a French prison taught him what freedom really means[10:59] His reaction to not getting credit for a #1 hit song he that wrote[12:34] Why he’ll never ask “Can it get any worse?” ever again [18:52] How a positive shift in his mindset empowered him to completely change his life Garrain Jones, who is a transformation coach, author, and motivational speaker, shares the lessons he learned from experiences in a French prison, as well as how advice from a homeless man forever changed his perspective on life. Jones dives into topics such as the influence of his parents on his life and why his stint in prison taught him the meaning of freedom.  In this episode, Garrain Jones and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, discuss the impact that a positive mindset has on your ability to manifest what you desire, the right approach to dealing with loss or hardships, and how to clear your connection to whatever sources of inspiration.
25 min
2024
The Muscle 99% of People Forget To Workout | Bl...
I loved this conversation I had with Dridha Ananda from Blissful Athlete. We went deep into the spiritual side of my beliefs and why 99% of you are forgetting to work out the most important muscle we have, and why it's the ultimate key to happiness. Key Moments: [1:43] - I'm not busy, I'm productive [3:12] - Everybody is already "woke" [7:50] - Lessons keep coming until we learn them [12:15] - I view myself as a farmer [13:20] - I didn't believe "The Secret" [16:25] - Laws vs Morality [17:23] - Get off your ass [20:35] - Law of Surrender [22:55] - Why I study my sleeping habits [24:50] - If you have an idea, it exists and it's possible [27:20] - Happiness is the mindset to achieve anything you want [28:50] - The muscle 99% of people forget to workout [32:50] - Play the game and enjoy it
35 min
2025
Jerry Jones Jr.: Executive Vice President/Chief...
On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Jerry Jones Jr., Executive Vice President/Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Dallas Cowboys, shares his ideas on: [2:47] His father’s approach to leveraging the brand of the Dallas Cowboys [9:20] Why making major investments is like “dancing with the devil” and the challenges of building AT&T Stadium [14:38] Why their new business endeavor, Formation, is about brand association and relationship building [18:03] How his father creates an “uneven playing field” by attaching products to the famous Star logo [21:50] The unusual request that Emmitt Smith made when signing a big contract Jerry Jones Jr., Executive Vice President/Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Dallas Cowboys, discusses the evolution of the Cowboys’ branding efforts as well as the development of a better business community through their newest endeavor, Formation.
25 min