The Action Catalyst

Gary Kusin, co-founder of GameStop, Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and former President and CEO of Kinko’s, tells the story of launching what would become GameStop, and how the catalyst for it's innovative business model was staring them in the face for so long. Hear Gary's full interview in Episode 457 of The Action Catalyst.

Karin Hurt and David Dye, the CEO and President, respectively, of Let’s Grow Leaders, dive into the findings of their book “Powerful Phrases For Dealing With Workplace Conflict”, including the REAL trends of workplace conflict and what’s driving it, the role of generational leadership styles, new world conflict vs old world conflicts, expectation violation, why silence is selfish, going with your G.O.A.T.s, scheduling the finish, having the courage to have the conversation, and contending with a "global staring contest with mortality".

Author, programmer, and entrepreneur Scott Young rejoins The Action Catalyst to talk about his book, "Get Better at Anything", including topics of discussion like what things it's NOT worth getting better at, what exactly IS "talent", the tension of learning, how these principles were on display during the Renaissance, the role of Tetris in all of this, and why monkey see is NOT monkey do.

Alex Neist, founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, talks about the transition from professional football to business, the value of polarizing marketing, and how to target your T.A.M. Hear Alex's full interview in Episode 456 of The Action Catalyst.

You may have wondered, rightfully so, why The Action Catalyst doesn't have it's own upbeat 80s ballad yet. Well, wonder no more... T.A.C. is the place to be, Ignite inspiration, spark creativity, Top leaders bulldoze through complacency. Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies. With Adam Outland, and host supreme in Stephanie Maas, yeah she's a boss. With the biggest guests, yeah we've got 'em all, let's hear a roll call! Chip Gaines, Adam Grant, Kris Allen, Stephen Covey, Cal Newport, Dean Koontz, Dave Ramsey, Stedman Graham, governors, senators, Olympians, and more, Creating impact is what they're here for. In and out in 30 minutes or less, it's no wonder we've been named as the best. Subscribe and listen anywhere that you like, Always growing, there's no end in sight. T.A.C. is the place to be!

Gary Kusin, co-founder of GameStop, Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and former President and CEO of Kinko’s, unveils his new book Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond, and shares insights on alignment and accountability, respect, honesty, and integrity, continuous change, tackling toxicity, good reasons vs real reasons, only getting paid for the stuff you DON’T like, launching what would become GameStop, the delicate and sometimes dark nature of mentorship, the 4 most mission-critical things to look for when hiring, and not necessarily being driven to win, but refusing to lose.

Best-selling author, Hall of Fame speaker, and distinction expert Scott McKain explains what it means to be different vs. distinctive, and lays out the 4 cornerstones of setting yourself apart. Hear Scott's full interview in Episode 4 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 456, with former pro arena football quarterback, and now the founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, Alex Neist.

Alex Neist, founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, shares his first love of football and his time as a former professional quarterback in the arena football league, explains how dedication is just motivation over time, gives the story behind the name “Hostage Tape”, and talks about the importance of being polarizing, targeting your T.A.M., the TRUE definition of success, and finally making it on Rogan.

Award-winning journalist and CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir explains why reporting on climate includes reporting on EVERYTHING, and how storytelling is the thing that sets humans apart from everything else on the planet, and also, which brings us together. Hear Bill's full interview in Episode 455 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, Hall of Fame speaker, and distinction expert Scott McKain explains different vs. distinctive, pursuit vs. attraction, the 4 cornerstones of setting yourself apart, and how creating clarity often means saying “no”.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn covers how to maximize your potential by entering...dun dun dun...the Potential Matrix. (Not scary, we promise.) Hear Mark's full interview in Episode 202 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn talks about making a “signature difference” and practicing "A.B.C.D." to create an amazing experience for customers and others around you. Hear Mark's full interview in Episode 1 of The Action Catalyst.

Award-winning journalist and CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir shares the story of his new book LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (CAN BE): Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World, explains why reporting on climate includes reporting on EVERYTHING, the one thing that makes humans special from every other animal on the planet, advice from Mr. Rogers, the influence from his very unique upbringing, why there’s no climate change without culture change and why Earth repair is self-repair, and bonds with host Stephanie Maas over a mutual admiration of Taylor Swift.

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, explains what makes the secret sauce of franchising, and why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something very wrong. Hear John's full interview in Episode 454 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn covers how you never really know your potential, but how to find out and maximize it with the Potential Matrix, the importance of disrupting yourself but refocusing after you do, and why being an author is a lot like fatherhood. Mentioned in this episode: Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com. Mark Sanborn Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com. Mark Sanborn

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn talks about the many Freds in his life, and covers topics like internalizing responsibility, making a “signature difference”, the tips to delivering an "elevated experience", practicing A.B.C.D., and how you can be seen as an absolute ARTIST, no matter what your job is. Mentioned in this episode: Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com. Mark Sanborn Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com. Mark Sanborn

Best-selling author, international speaker, award-winning podcaster, and media personality Carrie Wilkerson breaks down what it means to be "playing to the invisible audience", and how it often holds people back, from kids all the way to adults, from doing what they really want. Hear Carrie's full interview in Episode 165 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 454, with John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, author, and CEO of Loyalty Brands.

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, talks about being a world traveler without ever leaving the USA, fighting with his father while also making business history, the secret sauce of franchising, the biggest lesson from almost facing bankruptcy, competing against his own software and systems (and winning), why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something wrong, the pain of change, and practicing extreme brevity. And listen to the end to find out how Action Catalyst fans can get his book for free!