Career Competitor

About the Guest: Elia Blankenship is a consulting leader at RSM specializing in transformation work for financial institutions and beyond. With a background in management, organizational change, and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, Elia challenges the traditional “consultant tells, client does” approach. Instead, she builds partnerships rooted in listening, candor, and collaboration, empowering clients to own their growth journey. She’s also a champion for automation and AI adoption in the industries she serves.

About the Episode: In this conversation, host Steve Mellor and guest Elia Blankenship unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” They challenge outdated notions of consulting, explore the role of trust and candidness in partnerships, and dig into the messy reality of change. Elia shares her approach to creating ownership in clients, why “reading the room” is a critical skill, and how personal growth mirrors professional transformation. They also touch on adapting to digital trends, breaking through ego and bias, and the importance of staying curious in a fast-moving world.

At the heart of the discussion? Growth takes work. Hard work. But with the right people, the right mindset, and the willingness to listen, it’s work worth doing.

Key Topics Discussed

• Rethinking the role of a consultant
• The importance of listening, humility, and service in leadership
• Building trust before candid conversations
• Creating ownership so clients sustain progress
• Overcoming ego, pride of ownership, and readiness barriers
• Reading the room and adapting communication styles
• Applying consulting lessons to family and personal growth
• The need to embrace AI, automation, and digital transformation
• How speed-to-market is changing the consulting landscape
• Personal reflections on future growth and unfinished projects

Links and Resources Mentioned

• RSM – https://rsmus.com
• Books on Emotional Intelligence (Emotional Intelligence 2.0)
• Microsoft Copilot and AI tools referenced in discussion

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About the Guest: Tracy Clark is a leadership coach, former managing partner of an international oil & gas events business, and a passionate advocate for helping founders and leaders break through invisible limits. After scaling her company 450% and exiting for eight figures, Tracy shifted her focus to guiding others in discovering their own transformative power through deep inner work, curiosity, and radical experimentation.

About the Episode: In this eye-opening conversation, Steve Mellor is joined by fellow Brit Tracy Clark for a deep dive into what it really means to be "Growth Ready." Tracy shares her personal journey from scaling a multimillion-dollar company to becoming a leadership coach focused on helping others dissolve limiting beliefs, or what she calls “invisible boxes.”

Through powerful metaphors, such as the tree with visible trunks and invisible roots, Tracy encourages leaders to turn inward, embrace curiosity, and use playfulness as a serious tool for transformation. Whether you're a founder, a coach, or simply someone seeking to grow, this episode offers practical frameworks and energizing insights to challenge the narratives holding you back.

Takeaways:

• What it means to be GrowthReady
• Choosing discovery over certainty
• Challenging inherited beliefs and invisible boxes
• The role of self-concept in leadership and impact
• Tracy’s journey from business owner to coach
• Using curiosity, open-mindedness, and experimentation as leadership superpowers
• The power of playfulness in business and life
• How deep self-inquiry leads to clarity and calm
• Letting go of external blame and stepping into ownership
• Tracy’s Leadership Success Scorecard

Links and Resources:

• Tracy Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyclarkcoach/
• Leadership Success Scorecard: https://tracyclark.scoreapp.com/
• Steve Mellor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/

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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: Lori Melancon is the CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. A driven, candid, and deeply passionate leader, Lori is known for her commitment to systemic change, economic development, and building a more connected and resilient Baton Rouge. Her leadership style blends transparency, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief in community-driven progress.

Episode Summary: Steve Mellor sits down with Lori Melancon to explore what it means to be "growth ready" as both an individual and a leader of an entire city. Lori unpacks the idea of enduring "seasons of suck", those tough, messy, uncertain times that test us and ultimately forge our greatest growth.

Together, they dive into topics like vulnerability in leadership, the collective responsibility we all share in shaping our communities, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful work. Lori offers refreshing honesty about the loneliness of leadership, the power of transparency, and how embracing discomfort is essential for real progress.

Whether you're a high-performing leader, someone navigating change, or just looking for real talk about personal growth, this episode is rich with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

Key Topics and Themes Discussed:

• What it means to be "growth ready"
• Embracing the "season of suck"
• Vulnerability and transparency in leadership
• Community transformation and ownership
• Creating culture through communication and action
• How to lead with purpose in challenging political and social climates
• The emotional and personal toll of meaningful work
• Accountability and radical candor as tools for growth

Links and Resources:

• Baton Rouge Area Chamber: https://www.brac.org
• Ina Garten’s memoir reference: Be Ready When the Luck Happens
• Growth Ready Podcast: https://growthready.com

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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: Lex Gillette is a world-renowned Paralympic track and field athlete, speaker, and author. Despite losing his sight at age 8, Lex has built a career marked by world records, Paralympic medals, and a powerful mission to teach others how to "see" their potential. His message centers on leadership, resilience, and unlocking excellence in life’s everyday moments.

About the Episode: In this inspiring conversation, Steve Mellor welcomes back Lex Gillette for a deep dive into what it really means to be “growth ready.” They explore the mindset of daily excellence, the vital role of trust and feedback in high-performance relationships, and how Lex’s unique experiences as a blind athlete have sharpened his insights on leadership, dependency, and perspective. With powerful reflections on parenthood, adversity, and preparation for the 2028 LA Games, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider how they define success—and who they lean on to reach it.

Takeaways:

• The true meaning of being "growth ready"
• The role of flexibility, open-mindedness, and perspective
• Trust, communication, and feedback in high-performance teams
• Lessons from Lex’s journey as a blind athlete
• The daily competition mindset — winning the day
• Applying elite athletic principles to everyday life
• Preparing for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games
• Personal responsibility and leadership
• The story behind Lex's book No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision
• Navigating life with purpose, beyond sport

Links & Resources:

• Lex Gillette’s Website: www.lexgillette.com
• No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision (Book)
• Lex on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn (@lexgillette)
• Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

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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: Amanda Stern is a coach, writer, speaker, and expert in the practice of journaling as a tool for self-discovery, emotional clarity, and intentional living. A lifelong learner and former librarian, Amanda has built a unique approach to helping others show up more fully in their lives. She blends soft skills like presence and empathy with a bold curiosity about how we grow, adapt, and serve others... while staying grounded in our own values.

About the Episode: Amanda Stern returns to the podcast for a powerful, vulnerable conversation about what it really means to show up... for ourselves and others. In a world constantly pushing us to “find our lane,” Amanda challenges the idea that we must be one thing, do one thing, or stick to one path. Instead, she shares what happens when we lead with curiosity, practice presence, and honor the season we’re in.

From juggling multiple part-time roles to letting go of full-time journaling work, Amanda gets real about burnout, reinvention, and how self-reflection (through journaling or otherwise) helps us move forward with purpose. It’s an episode full of insight, compassion, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating change, seeking meaning, or just trying to figure out what’s next.

Key Topics and Themes

• What it means to be growth ready
• The power of curiosity as a core value
• Showing up for others vs. showing up for yourself
• Letting go of control and embracing life’s magic
• Parenting lessons that translate to self-awareness
• Building and releasing a passion project
• Learning to value soft skills and intangible talents
• Creating space for presence in a noisy world
• How journaling fosters personal transformation
• Redefining success in seasons of change

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Amanda Stern on LinkedIn
• Original appearance on Career Competitor podcast
• GrowthReady Podcast archives

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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 Episode:

In this special milestone episode, Steve Mellor reflects on seven years of podcasting and what’s kept him going through every high and low. He shares a deeply personal story of a swimmer he once coached, Timmy and how rediscovering his "why" led him back to joy and forward to the Olympic trials. Steve also invites listeners to ask themselves the big question: Why did you start?

This episode is a timely and powerful reminder to reconnect with the spark that first inspired you.

Takeaways:

• The danger of forgetting your “why”
• A personal coaching story that illustrates rediscovery and resilience
• The emotional and mental toll of high expectations
• How reconnecting with purpose reignites performance
• Reflections from 7 years of podcasting and over 270 episodes
• The quiet crisis behind many great achievements
• Powerful self-reflection questions for realignment

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• GrowthReady Podcast
• Follow Steve Mellor on Instagram: @coachstevemellor
• Book Steve for Speaking

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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: Gene Rice is a seasoned executive recruiter, entrepreneur, and author of the bestselling book “From Grad to Grown-Up.” With a rich career that spans from owning rock clubs to founding one of the top executive search firms in the U.S., Gene is dedicated to helping young professionals and leaders find clarity, passion, and purpose in their careers. He also co-founded the "Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation," supporting youth in pursuing their passions regardless of financial limitations.

About the Episode: In this episode, Steve Mellor reconnects with Gene Rice three years after their first conversation. Together, they explore what it truly means to be “growth ready”,  diving deep into themes of career clarity, passion-driven work, and the hard truths about professional fulfillment. Gene shares invaluable stories from decades of placing top executives and mentoring young talent, all anchored around a powerful message: don't wait until you're burnt out to find what lights you up.

Takeaways:

• What being “growth ready” truly means
• Gene’s eclectic career journey from rock clubs to executive search
• The importance of aligning career with purpose and passion
• Common regrets people have at the end of life
• How young professionals can test their passions before committing
• Advice for mid-career professionals feeling stuck
• The emotional ROI of doing work you love
• Strategies for maintaining long-term professional joy
• The mission and impact of the “Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream” foundation

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Gene Rice’s Book: From Grad to Grown-Up
• Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation: Official Site

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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

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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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: 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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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

Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor