The Playbook With David Meltzer

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alli Webb and Michael Landau, the sibling entrepreneurs behind Drybar and co-CEOs of Messy, to talk about building businesses, working with family, and learning from experience. Alli and Michael share how their early challenges as business partners prepared them to build Drybar together, along with the complementary skills that helped turn a simple idea into a national brand. We discuss rec...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sam D’Arc, automotive retail leader and COO of Zeigler Auto Group, to talk about leadership, culture, sales, and building teams that can perform in a changing business environment. I share why cultures depend on clear values, daily practices, consistent communication, and leaders who understand what their people need to succeed. We discuss mentorship, knowing how to articulate value, ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles, to talk about leadership, sports ownership, humility, and giving back. David shares why he views owning the Orioles as a philanthropic investment in Baltimore and what he has learned from some of the most successful owners in professional sports. We discuss the relationship betwee...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sugar Ray Leonard to discuss the mindset, resilience, and humility that shaped his life inside and outside the boxing ring. Sugar Ray shares how determination and hard work helped him overcome more experienced opponents, while surrender and openness helped him confront personal pain, addiction, and difficult experiences from his past. We talk about losing our fathers, the strength that come...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jill Malandrino, creator and host of Nasdaq TradeTalks, to talk about the intersection of media, markets, technology, and authentic communication. Jill shares how her career evolved from institutional equity trading to financial media, why humility and continuous learning remain essential, and how experience creates wisdom that technology can’t replace. We discuss responsible AI, the ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Stephanie McMahon to discuss building an authentic brand, connecting with your audience, and creating a legacy that evolves with changing technology. Stephanie shares how WWE listens to its fans, empowers individual personalities, and uses feedback to understand what truly resonates. We talk about the importance of authenticity, star power, and giving audiences a reason to keep coming back....

In today’s episode, I share why curiosity is one of the greatest tools we have to expand awareness and create possibility. I break down how asking better questions, being more interested than interesting, studying your life, observing what others miss, and connecting the dots can accelerate your potential. Most importantly, I share why curiosity must lead to action—and how staying curious and committed to your divine di...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kendrick Stoddart, founder of IronMind Advisors, to discuss identity, transformation, and finding purpose after hitting rock bottom. Kendrick shares how a successful career in cybersecurity left him chasing achievement, acceptance, and the next finish line before recovery changed the direction of his life. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, letting go of ego, recognizing your value...

In today’s episode, I sit down with skateboarding legend and entrepreneur Tony Hawk. We discuss how skateboarding taught him to overcome fear, embrace failure, and develop the perseverance required to master something new. Tony shares why determination must be balanced with knowing when to walk away, how he stayed true to himself while facing criticism, and what transformed his name into a global business. He also reflects on...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sascha Doering, COO of Bugatti of the Americas, to discuss building a brand at the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and innovation. Sascha shares why understanding your audience is the foundation of strong operations and how Bugatti creates lasting value through craftsmanship, exclusivity, and relationships. We talk about perceived value, balancing emotion with logic, and staying true to a ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with former professional racing driver and entrepreneur Danica Patrick. We discuss how she balances the intensity that fueled her racing career with acceptance, gratitude, and a greater sense of purpose. Danica shares what she values in teammates, why honesty and transparency strengthen working relationships, and the challenges of mixing family with business. She also explains the deeper meaning...

In today’s episode, I sit down with legendary chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and his son Byron Puck, President of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. We discuss the challenges and rewards of working with family, earning respect across generations, and balancing tradition with a new vision for the future. Wolfgang shares how early adversity shaped his persistence and humility, while Byron reflects on proving himself and lear...

In today’s episode, I sit down with world class tennis champion, investor, and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova to talk about the mindset that fuels lasting success on and off the court. We discuss building high performing teams, balancing fierce competitiveness with humility, and why curiosity is one of the greatest advantages in business. Maria shares lessons from launching Sugarpova, investing in growing brands, mentoring wome...

In today’s episode, I share the system I’ve developed over nearly 29 years of weekly training and why lasting success isn’t about chasing bigger goals; it’s about building better systems. I break down how to define your divine direction, turn possibility into probability, create non-negotiable behaviors, prioritize your time, and manage emotional interference. Most importantly, I share why alignment, action,...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charity: water, to reflect on 20 years of building a global movement dedicated to bringing clean water to everyone. Scott shares how early ambition gave way to humility, persistence, and a deeper commitment to service as the organization grew. We discuss shifting from accumulation to purpose, learning how to receive as well as give, and why generosity can ...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler and former NFL star Steven Jackson. We discuss the emotional challenge of separating personal identity from football, staying present during a limited playing career, and preparing for the next chapter before the current one ends. Austin and Steven share how athletes balance loyalty with financial security, why contracts affect the players wh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Meegan, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing DUDE at DUDE WIPES, to talk about building a billion-dollar brand through humor, authenticity, and relentless creativity. Ryan shares how early reactions to the product gave his team confidence when they had little money or distribution, and how newsjacking helped turn cultural moments into national attention. We discuss staying humble through rej...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jerry Jones Jr., Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry shares how his family transformed a struggling football franchise into a global sports and entertainment brand by embracing risk, association, and emotional connection. We discuss the vision behind AT&T Stadium, The Star, and Formation, an entrepreneurial workspace designed to he...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Captain Glenn Shephard, television personality and longtime superyacht captain best known for Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Glenn shares how an unexpected opportunity brought him to reality television, what it feels like to be recognized, and why the show’s most memorable moments are rooted in real events. We discuss leadership, managing ego, making calculated decisions, and holding firm ...