
Start With A Win
Every day you have a choice.
Adam Contos
Show overview
Start With A Win has been publishing since 2018, and across the 8 years since has built a catalogue of 567 episodes, alongside 197 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 140 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 59s and 24 min — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 28 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Adam Contos.
From the publisher
Every day you have a choice. You can wake up and choose to give in to mediocrity and complacency, you can choose bad habits and poor choices, and you can do the bare minimum to get by and fly under the radar. Or you can choose to make today the day that sets you apart from the crowd, you can choose to start doing the right things, the things that will set you up for success. You can choose to create a life that is worth living, worth waking up to, and worth sharing with the world around you. Today You can choose to start with a win.
Latest Episodes
View all 567 episodesQuick Win - Transforming Team Culture for Extraordinary Results
Tania Khazaal: How to Lead Yourself, Your Family, and Your Business
Quick Win - Achieve Your Goals with Solution Oriented Thinking
Quick Win - Unlock Your Focus: Essentialist Strategies
Quick Win - Don't Think Big
Mitch Matthews: Why Most Goals Stay Small (and How to 10x Them)
Quick Win - Declutter Your Life
Quick Win - Respecting Time
bonusHere's the reality: as you gain stature, wealth, and advancement, your tolerance for wasted time decreases, while respect for your time increases. Respecting everyone's time is crucial—it's a significant deposit into your relationship account. Keep investing time in those relationships, and others will value you more. Remember, "early is on time."#RespectTime #BuildRelationships #QuickWin⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Ep 371Rich Horwath: Stop Wasting Time on Business Strategy That Doesn't Work
In a world where “strategy” has become a buzzword and busywork often masquerades as progress, host Adam Contos sits down with renowned strategic thinking expert Rich Horwath, today on Start With a Win, to cut through the noise and get to what really drives results. This conversation dives into the hidden habits, mindsets, and decision filters that separate reactive leaders from truly intentional ones - those who create clarity, focus their teams, and win on purpose instead of by accident. Packed with sharp insights, real-world stories, and practical wisdom, this episode challenges you to rethink how you spend your time, set priorities, and lead with direction. If you’re ready to trade chaos for clarity and turn strategy into a daily advantage, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Rich Horwath is the Founder and CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute, where he helps leadership teams think, plan, and act more strategically to drive direction, advantage, and results. A strategy workshop facilitator, executive coach, and keynote speaker, he has helped more than 250,000 leaders worldwide strengthen their strategic capabilities. Rich is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of eight books, has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, and is recognized by Chief Executive Magazine as “the world’s foremost expert on strategic thinking.”A former chief strategy officer and top-ranked graduate professor of strategy, Rich combines real-world experience with practical tools executives can apply immediately. Inspired by a leader’s question - “How can I become more strategic?” - he built a roadmap to help leaders move from tactical to strategic thinking and continues his mission to teach the world to be strategic.00:00 Intro03:04 Define it…only three words! 05:10 Biggest mistake that leaders make…08:30 A two-page plan, goals (what) and how, is that really all I need!11:50 This needs to happen every 90 days! 14:30 How do we fix middle management?17:28 How to think about strategy and culture?19:07 The three As!22:24 A golden insight, write that down…25:02 A habit that will help stick to your strategy!28:05 A what workout…www.StrategySkills.comhttps://www.strategyskills.com/strategic-book/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - Is Emotional Intelligence Important?
bonus⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadershipEmotional intelligence is a leader’s superpower. Understanding your team’s emotions builds trust and fuels collaboration. Show you care, and they’ll go the extra mile! 🌟 #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Teamwork===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - Unlocking Career Success: The Power of Emotional Intelligence
bonusUnlock your path to promotion with the power of emotional intelligence! Dive into the three essential "A's" – awareness of self, awareness of others, and awareness of the business – and learn how they can supercharge your career. Understand yourself, connect with others, and align with your company's goals to achieve professional success. Don't miss out on this quick win for your career! #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #QuickWins⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Ep 370Henna Pryor: How to Stop Being Awkward
In this lively and eye-opening episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Workplace Performance Expert and bestselling author Henna Pryor to unravel one of the most misunderstood emotions in modern leadership: awkwardness. With humor, science, and refreshingly real stories, Henna exposes the hidden ways awkward moments shape our confidence, communication, and ability to lead under pressure. Together, they explore why today’s increasingly “smoothed-out” world desperately needs leaders who can navigate discomfort with authenticity and courage. This conversation invites listeners to rethink what being confident truly means - and why embracing the messy, human moments might just be the ultimate performance advantage.Henna Pryor, CSP is a Workplace Performance Expert who helps leaders and teams elevate their performance mindset, communication, and interpersonal effectiveness. A regular Inc. Magazine columnist and 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, she blends two decades of experience with a science-backed approach to taking strategic risks and boosting social and mental fitness. A global keynote speaker and clients’ self-described “secret weapon for impossible change,” Henna has spoken at TEDx and SXSW and is featured in outlets like FastCompany, INSIDER, HuffPost, NBC, and FOX. She’s also a SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Glassdoor WorkLife Pro, and her book was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year.00:00 Intro01:27 Did you just want to fit it? The three word tag line…04:26 Is this parallel to this? No, it’s this!07:05 Name the awkwardness that exists in the situation.11:30 The best tip!16:01 Do you use AI and how?18:55 This first then this second…21:28 I snuggle my puppy however this is the best way that will help most.www.pryoritygroup.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/ https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - Great leaders don’t expect their team to serve them
bonusGreat leaders don’t expect their team to serve them—they serve their team. Ask your team today: What can I do to help you succeed? Then, take action. Empowerment builds trust and loyalty. ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadershipWant weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Quick Win - Give Recognition!
bonus⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadershipRecognition isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Employees who feel recognized are 5x more connected to company culture. Make it a daily habit! 🌟 #EmployeeRecognition #Leadership #CompanyCulture===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Ep 369Rome Madison: The One Belief That's Killing Your Growth
In this energizing episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with powerhouse speaker and futurist Rome Madison for a raw, no-nonsense conversation about stepping boldly into uncertainty. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead fearlessly, push past the lies we tell ourselves, and break free from the comfort zones that quietly hold us back. Rome brings his trademark fire - mixing story, strategy, and spirit - to challenge listeners to rethink confidence, reframe failure, and reconnect with the deeper power they already possess. This is a conversation that shakes you awake, stretches how you see yourself, and leaves you hungry to grow.Rome Madison is a dynamic speaker, author, and podcaster who helps people boost self-confidence, face fears, embrace uncertainty, and cut through chaos to achieve bold, ambitious goals. Known for his high-energy delivery and inspiring message, he empowers audiences to take risks and pursue success with fearless determination. A pioneer in the precision medicine industry, Rome draws from extensive sales management and executive leadership experience, sharing powerful lessons from leading massively successful start-ups to navigating the challenges of corporate collapse and restructuring. A futurist with a Specialty in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School Online, he blends forward-thinking insight with real-world expertise. Featured on more than 50 TV and radio programs nationwide, Rome has spoken on global stages, including the Consumer Electronics Show, where he shared his expertise on the Future of Healthcare. His mission is simple yet profound: inspire people to crush their goals, no matter the obstacles.00:00 Intro01:50 When you are uncertain?04:50 The statement that is the arrow thru the heart!07:05 One of the great Jim Rohn quotes… 10:20 How to get your mindset correct or kick yourself in the rear?14:02 How to get over the failures? One of the best statements…17:14 One of the lines you tell yourself… 18:27 If you ground yourself in this status, you can be this for the good!23:55 Can’t put into words how amazing the last five mins were, go back and listen.27:10 A moment of what!https://romemadison.com/https://iwantmorenow.com/ ===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - You're Not a Leader Without Clarity
bonus⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadershipClarity drives action. Set clear, measurable goals so your team knows exactly what’s expected—clarity is power! 💡 #Leadership #TeamSuccess #Clarity===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

Quick Win - Fail First. Fail Forward.
bonus⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadershipSuccess starts with failure. Great leaders see mistakes as feedback, using each one to learn and grow. Fail forward and watch the impact compound! 💪 #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Success===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Ep 368John Tarnoff: How to Reinvent Yourself Mid-Career
In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with John Tarnoff whose career story defies conventional wisdom and challenges everything we think we know about success, failure, and leadership in today’s volatile workplace. What unfolds is a candid, thought-provoking conversation about reinvention, identity, and the invisible forces shaping modern careers - from boardrooms to break rooms. With sharp insights, unexpected truths, and moments that may make you rethink how you show up at work, this episode invites you to question old assumptions, confront uncomfortable realities, and imagine a more intentional path forward - both as a leader and as a professional navigating an uncertain future.John Tarnoff is an executive and career transition coach, speaker, and author who helps mid-career professionals build more meaningful, sustainable careers. After a 35-year career as a film producer, studio executive, and tech entrepreneur—where he was fired 39% of the time—John learned how to turn setbacks into reinvention. At 50, he earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and built a global career coaching practice.John has led career workshops for MBA programs at UCLA Anderson and Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business, and coached leaders at companies including Bank of America, Bridgewater Associates, Levi Strauss, SoftBank, and TD Ameritrade. He is a TEDx speaker, the author of the bestselling Boomer Reinvention, and the creator of the 3 Elements Careerbuilder Framework.00:00 Intro02:05 I’m not the problem?03:42 This process is outdated, do this instead.06:05 You work for them, they don’t work for you!08:36 The more you do this, will build this, because of this!11:01 What are the real responsibilities of a senior leader?13:33 Three Elements Framework.20:31 How to reset?23:01 Closing advice…26:35 Write, write, write!===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - The Surprising Reason Why You Can't Get Things Done!
bonusRevitalize your organizational efficiency with the power of rapid execution! Cultivate a culture of swift action, urging your team to swiftly implement decisions and plans. Embrace agile methodologies to expedite project completion and adapt to change seamlessly, often referred to as sprints.Identify your goals, set a clear finish line, and sprint towards it with a focus on achieving a minimally viable product swiftly. Experience the boost in productivity as you cross the finish line.Measure and reward speed and efficiency in task completion while upholding quality standards. Regularly review and check your work to maintain excellence. That's your quick win for the day! #RapidExecution #AgileCulture #ProductivityBoost⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
Quick Win - Revolutionize your decision-making processes!
bonusRevolutionize your decision-making processes! Streamline efficiency and eliminate delays by implementing clear procedures within your organization. Try the 3-2-1 rule: bring 3 thoughts, 2 options, and 1 suggestion to the table for each decision. Empower your team members to make informed choices within their scope, fostering growth and reducing bottlenecks. Encourage learning about situations through exploring options, ultimately benefiting your business. #DecisionMaking #EfficiencyBoost #LeadershipTips⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory