About the Episode
Today, my guest is Ryan Hawk. Ryan Hawk is a podcast host, author, keynote speaker, and advisor. Ryan is the host of The Learning Leader Show podcast, and has recorded more 550 episodes over the past 9+ years. Forbes called The Learning Leader Show, “the most dynamic leadership podcast around.” Inc Magazine said, “it’s one of the 5 podcasts to make you a smarter leader.” Apple named it an “all-time best seller” in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Ryan is the author of two books, and he joined us today to discuss his latest book, The Pursuit of Excellence: The Uncommon Behaviors of The World’s Most Productive Achievers.
Ryan candidly shares his journey from someone who wasn’t naturally curious or inclined towards learning, to becoming a champion for continuous growth and improvement. We delve into his early days as a football player, where he admits to not being a big reader or mentor seeker. However, everything changed when he landed a sales job at Lexis Nexus and realized he needed to prove himself. Through books like “Good to Great” and “Give and Take,” Ryan discovered the power of learning and curiosity. After finishing his MBA, he launched his own podcast to continue his education and follow his own curiosity.
In this captivating conversation, Ryan emphasizes the importance of choosing what to learn and who to learn from, rather than simply relying on traditional schooling. He shares the impact that curiosity, reading, and meaningful conversations have had on his personal growth and opportunities. We explore how being less judgmental and more curious about people’s stories can lead to deeper relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Ryan’s insights into being comfortable with looking dumb initially and embracing a beginner’s mindset are truly inspiring. We discuss the compound effect and the importance of consistency in sustaining excellence over time. He highlights the need to continuously learn, update beliefs, and seek out diverse perspectives. Additionally, Ryan shares his personal journey of prioritizing his passion for podcasting, speaking, advising, consulting, and writing books, while considering leaving his demanding sales job.
Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we dive deep into how continually growing, embracing change, and surrounding ourselves with the right people can lead to remarkable personal and professional success.