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
• Book: JOLT! Get Zapped into Intentionality, Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/
• NSA Influence Conference
• Global Speaker Summit (2025 - Cairns, Australia)
• Instagram: @longjr7

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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
• Amy Boone Thompson on Instagram: @amyboonethompson
• IDEA World 2025 in Sacramento: July 17–19, 2025

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👤 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
• Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn: Margaret Watts Romney
• 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.

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👤 About the Guest: Julio Melara is a seasoned CEO, publisher, entrepreneur, and author with a deep passion for personal development and leadership. With a track record of transforming adversity into opportunity, Julio brings decades of experience in business, publishing, and motivational speaking. He’s the publisher of Business Report and the author of several impactful books, including It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got. Julio lives what he teaches, and in this episode, he shares why being growth-ready means more than just setting goals; it means embracing the work that change requires.

🔍 Episode Summary: What does it really mean to be “growth ready”? In this powerful opening episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with Julio Melara to unpack the mindset, habits, and heart required for true transformation. Julio reveals the discipline behind consistent personal evolution, why most people resist the very change they seek, and how he stays anchored through the highs and lows of business and life.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of what it takes to grow, not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s hard. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or just trying to level up in your own life, this episode offers practical insights and real talk from someone who’s walked the path.

📝 Key Takeaways:

• What it really means to be "growth ready"
• Why most people want growth but resist change
• The role of clarity and discipline in sustainable success
• How to align your habits with your vision
• Why starting small can create massive momentum
• Julio’s personal story of resilience and purpose-driven leadership
• The difference between dreaming and deciding

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Julio Melara’s Website
• Book: It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got by Julio Melara
• Business Report – Julio's publication
• Connect with Julio on LinkedIn
• Step Into the Spotlight, Be Our Next Guest on GrowthReady

If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own growth journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, it helps us bring more powerful conversations to you each week.

Are you ready to grow? Let’s go.

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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

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👤 Guest Bio: Ric Moylan is a high-performance coach, speaker, and founder of Charity Boxing Nights and Reset Summit. With a background in elite boxing and martial arts, Ric brings a unique lens to personal and professional growth, bridging lessons from combat sports into boardrooms, businesses, and everyday life. His coaching philosophy is grounded in discipline, purpose, and the belief that real growth comes from doing the hard, boring stuff, consistently.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor sits down with long-time friend and performance coach Ric Moylan to unpack what it really means to be growth ready. From his roots in elite boxing to launching transformational charity events, Ric shares how the most meaningful breakthroughs often come from the most mundane, disciplined habits. They explore the concept of a “personal code,” how loose goals keep us stuck, and why putting in the work, especially when it's boring or inconvenient, is the key to unlocking your potential. You’ll also hear the moving story behind Charity Boxing Nights and how choosing discomfort can create lasting change, not just in your life, but in others’.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• “Do the work” isn't a cliché, it’s a mindset. Success is built in the monotony of showing up daily, not grand gestures.
• Create a personal code. Growth starts with clarity and commitment to who you want to be, not just what you want to achieve.
• Lofty goals mean nothing without concrete steps. Vague goals are a way to protect ourselves from doing the work.
• Growth is often boring. But embracing the boredom is where true progress lies.
• Balance is possible. You can be driven and disciplined and make space for joy, rest, and fulfillment.
• Give back, go further. Learn how Ric’s Charity Boxing Nights have helped participants transform themselves while raising over £700,000 for NICU units.
• Reset is powerful. Discover why carving space for reflection and recommitment can reignite your personal or professional journey.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 Ric Moylan’s Website: ricmoylan.co.uk
• 🥊 Charity Boxing Nights: charityboxingnights.co.uk
• 🎯 Reset Summit Info: resetsummit.co.uk
• 📱 Follow Ric on Instagram: @ricmoylan

If this episode challenged how you approach your goals, or reminded you that showing up every day is the work, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to GrowthReady, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what your personal code looks like. 

Let’s keep building a community of doers.

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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

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About the Guest: Debra Bradley is a seasoned fractional CFO and innovation strategist who specializes in guiding companies through transformative growth. With a career steeped in finance, risk assessment, and technological adoption, Debra is known for her bold yet calculated approach to change. Whether it's advising on AI implementation or recalibrating how businesses assess risk, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, curiosity, and a fearless attitude toward growth and disruption.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor is joined by Debra Bradley to explore why the greatest risk in business—and life—is often staying exactly where you are. From open water swimming to pioneering financial transformations, Debra shares how embracing discomfort and recalibrating risk leads to resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Together, they unpack the myths of risk, the pitfalls of success, and the critical role of leadership in high-change environments. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty or simply someone looking to grow, this conversation will shift how you think about change and challenge.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Growth demands discomfort: The biggest red flag for Debra? Getting too comfortable.
• Risk is misunderstood: Most people overestimate the danger of action and underestimate the danger of inaction.
• Lessons from the ocean: Open water swimming taught Debra to reframe fear and assess risk through a clearer lens.
• The true cost of not changing: Companies that cling to past success often face the greatest threats.
• AI isn’t optional: You’re probably using it already, so you might as well learn to leverage it.
• Leaders must model the way: Bold leadership is vulnerable, visible, and forward-looking.
• Quantify the unknown: Making abstract fears more tangible can reframe the risk/reward equation for your team.

🔗 Links & Resources:

1. 🌐 Bradley Ventures Website
2. 💼 Debra Bradley on LinkedIn

If this episode challenged your perspective on risk, change, or leadership, don’t keep it to yourself. 

Share it with a friend, post it on social media, and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform. 

Your support helps others find the show and fuels future conversations that help us all become more GrowthReady.

Send us a text

Support the show

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

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About the Guest:

Tamara “Tam” Jackson is a business strategist, speaker, and host of The Beacon Show. With two decades of corporate experience and a passion for empowering faith-driven leaders, Tam helps others navigate purpose, calling, and impact. Her work bridges the gap between faith and business, showing that success in the marketplace can also be deeply meaningful and mission-driven.

 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Tamara Jackson for a raw, insightful conversation about embracing uncertainty, taking intentional action, and living a life that matters. From personal challenges to career pivots, Tam shares how faith and discipline have guided her through it all. You’ll hear how a major life event reshaped her mindset, why inertia is the enemy of purpose, and how being a steward of your talents is more than just a nice idea, it’s a calling.

If you’ve ever felt the pull toward “more” but weren’t sure how to begin, or if fear has kept you stuck, this is the episode for you.

 Key Takeaways:

• Why being “Growth Ready” starts with internal work and spiritual discipline
• The power of acceptance vs. the illusion of control
• How inertia can keep us from reaching our potential
• Tam’s journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
• What it really means to be a steward of your time, talents, and opportunities
• Why clarity often comes through conversation and connection
• Creating legacy-driven content in the digital age
• How to live with intention in every season of life

 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 🎧 The Beacon Show
• 📱 Follow Tam Jackson on Instagram
• Join Tam's Facebook Group
• 💡 John Maxwell’s Daily 5 (referenced in Tam’s routine)

This episode is an invitation to stop waiting and start acting with purpose. If Tam’s words resonated with you, do three quick things:

1. Subscribe to GrowthReady on your favorite podcast platform.
2. Share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs a dose of courage and clarity.
3. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you.

Stay intentional. Stay growth-ready. 

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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

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About the Guest:
John Fareed is the Global Chairman of Horwath HTL, the world's largest and most established hotel, tourism, and leisure advisory firm. But before becoming a leader in global hospitality consulting, John was a U.S. Marine, a professional magician, and a young radio DJ. With a career marked by bold pivots and relentless curiosity, John’s story is a masterclass in personal branding, adaptability, and the power of saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities. He is also the author of From Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry.

About the Episode:
In this inspiring and wildly entertaining episode of the Growth Ready Podcast, host Steve Mellor welcomes John Fareed for a conversation that travels from a small town in North Georgia to the global stage. John shares how a willingness to be “open in all things” led him from radio and magic shows to the U.S. Marines, and eventually to chairing an international consulting firm. The episode explores how personal and professional growth often stem from the same core values, and how intentionally shaping your personal brand can be a game-changer. Packed with jaw-dropping stories and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career shifts or looking to build a personal brand with authenticity and purpose.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Why “be open in all things, be lucky in all things” is a life-changing mantra
• How John turned an eighth-grade radio job into his first personal brand evolution
• Lessons from the Marines and Magic Castle that shaped his approach to leadership and consulting
• The power of personal branding — and how to define your own brand using four key words
• Why belief and persistence matter more than a clear roadmap
• How to start managing your personal brand with commitment, investment, and consistency
• Behind-the-scenes stories of resilience, rejection, and remarkable turns of luck

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• John Fareed’s book: From Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry
• Horwath HTL: https://www.horwathhtl.com
• Connect with John Fareed on LinkedIn
• Connect with Steve Mellor on LinkedIn
• GrowthReady Linkedin Page

Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, subscribe to the GrowthReady Podcast, and leave us a review to help more listeners find these game-changing conversations!

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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

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About the Guest:

Dr. Chris Fuzie is an educator, leadership expert, and the President of the National Leaderology Association. With a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and 30 years of experience as a police officer, Dr. Fuzie brings a rare blend of real-world leadership, academic rigor, and an innovative approach to organizational growth.

His latest book, Liminal Space, challenges traditional views of leadership and followership, making him a perfect guide for today's evolving workplace.

Episode Summary:

What if the real secret to leadership and personal growth wasn't just about leading, but about learning how to follow?

In this powerful episode, Steve Mellor and Dr. Chris Fuzie explore how embracing failure, recalibrating motivation, and empowering others can transform the way we lead and live. Dr. Fuzie shares actionable insights about the science of leadership, the undervalued role of followership, and the hidden patterns (like behavioral tessellations!) that drive lasting success.

Whether you're in a leadership role, building your own growth journey, or simply looking to think differently about success, this conversation will leave you motivated, challenged, and equipped with practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways:

• Why motivation is rooted in science, not just "willpower"
• How failure actually boosts growth (if you see it the right way)
• The powerful, often overlooked role of followership in organizations
• Why true leaders empower others, and aren’t always the loudest voice in the room
• The importance of creating tessellations of behavior for sustainable success
• How to identify, teach, evaluate, and modify behaviors for growth in any setting
• A fresh perspective on how households, teams, and companies can grow by shifting their view of leadership
• Why cross-training and early behavior modeling are keys to successful succession planning

Resources and Links:

1. Dr. Chris Fuzie’s website: cmfleadership.com
2. Dr. Chris Fuzie’s books (including Liminal Space): Chris Fuzie on Amazon

If today's conversation sparked new ideas about leadership, growth, or the power of followership, don't keep it to yourself!

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👉 Share this episode with someone in your life who’s on a growth journey

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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

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