In this special edition episode, guest host John C. Maxwell flips the switch by putting Don Yaeger in the hot seat to discuss developing meaningful relationships. “I’m taking over your podcast!” announced Maxwell at the start of this lively conversation. And listeners will be glad he did as the two best-selling authors put their finishing touches on the rollout of Maxwell’s League of Extraordinary Leaders initiative.
Maxwell was named the #1 leadership expert in the world by Inc. Magazine. He is the author of more than 100 books that have been translated into 50 languages. Since founding the John Maxwell Company, he has traveled the world teaching what he has learned to Fortune 500 company leaders, university staff and students, church members, and community and national leaders. He has mentored many of the world’s influential thinkers on leadership and team-building.
One of those mentees is Corporate Competitor Podcast host Don Yaeger. Late in 2021, Maxwell announced he was entering into a partnership with five “new voices” aligned around his philosophy and Don was his perfect fit. In this podcast, Maxwell explains why.
“Great storytelling makes a person unforgettable,” Maxwell said. “The first time I heard you tell a story I thought to myself: Take notes, you are listening to a master storyteller. Then I read one of your books and thought: Read slowly, the guy knows how to connect with words on pages!”
Maxwell went on to describe Don’s decision to join his company to grow the area of books, storytelling, and communication as “one of my happiest days.” This episode caps off a month of podcasts featuring the other members of the team: Joel Manby, Valorie Burton, Tim Elmore, and Jeff Henderson.
“I’m a big believer that the key to good relational investment is to do it regularly,” noted Don. “Do it often and do it mostly when you need nothing. So many people are transactional, and I want to be, in everything I do, very, very relational.”
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You will learn:
Books mentioned:
Teammate by David Ross and Don Yaeger.
Best Seat in the House by Jack Nicklaus II and Don Yaeger.
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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