LeaderDiaries brings you practical leadership lessons from people who are actively doing the work. NFL and NBA athletes, founders, creators, and innovators break down the routines, decisions, and mentality that fuel consistent success through every season. Hosted by Justin Mohabir, this podcast uncovers the purpose, values, and influence behind real leadership. Every episode offers insight you can carry into your own life: how to handle adversity, stay committed, and build something that lasts.
Hard Work Wasn’t Enough… Here’s What I Was Missing | FAMU Record Holder DJ Lawrence
What happens when working harder still isn’t getting you where you want to go?
FAMU multi-record holder DJ Lawrence opens his diary on the lessons that changed the way he approaches success, from learning to surrender what he can’t control to realizing that more work isn’t always better work.
We talk about process over results, comparison, discipline, learning to rest without guilt, faith, and why chasing success too tightly can sometimes work against you.
Whether you’re an athlete, young professional, student, or simply trying to become better, this conversation challenges you to ask: Am I just working harder, or am I actually moving in the right direction?
25 Aug 2026
$10,000 Rookie Dinner, Going Undrafted & Earning a Spot in the NFL | Amari Gainer
Before anyone gave him a roster spot, Amari Gainer had already decided he belonged in the NFL.
His story is a lesson in confidence, preparation, and staying ready when your opportunity finally comes.
11 Aug 2026
Your Career Is NOT Your Identity | Former NFL Player Turned CEO Padric Scott
Former NFL player turned Founder & CEO Padric Scott shares what he learned about separating identity from profession. We discuss purpose, navigating major life transitions, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful life beyond your accomplishments.
28 Jul 2026
Why Greatness Requires You to Walk Alone | NFL Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman
What does it really take to become great? Former NFL linebacker Shaquille Quarterman shares the mindset behind discipline, accountability, faith, and why greatness often requires walking alone.
Whether you're an athlete, leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge how you think about success.
🎙️ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/justinhmohabir (https://linktr.ee/justinhmohabir)
#ShaquilleQuarterman #NFL #Leadership #Mindset #Discipline #PersonalGrowth #LeaderDiaries
14 Jul 2026
The Money Mistakes Keeping Young People Broke | Credit Union CEO Chuck Adcock
Justin Mohabir sits down with Credit Union CEO Chuck Adcock to discuss credit, debt, personal finance, and financial literacy.
30 Jun 2026
She Turned Pain Into Purpose & Shares Career Advice Every Student Needs
In this episode of LeaderDiaries, Justin Mohabir sits down with Christy Manzanas, Director of Employer Relations, mentor, and proud Florida State alum.
Christy shares her journey from growing up in Perry, Florida, to becoming a first-generation college graduate, navigating personal loss, and learning how to turn pain into purpose.
She also breaks down what high-achieving students do differently, why boldness matters, how networking creates opportunities, and why authenticity should never be compromised in the workplace.
This conversation is for students, young professionals, and anyone trying to find direction, build meaningful relationships, and walk into every room with purpose.
16 Jun 2026
From Music Major to CEO: Your Degree Doesn't Define You
Brian King shares how he went from studying vocal performance at Florida State University to becoming the
Founder & CEO of Lotus Markets. Learn why curiosity, adaptability, and relationships matter more than having the perfect plan.
Your degree opens doors—but it doesn't define your future. 🚀
2 Jun 2026
He Spent 8 Years at Walgreens Before Becoming a CEO
He spent 8 years working at Walgreens before betting on himself.
In this episode, Joel Sapp shares how he built GBooks, the mistakes most entrepreneurs make, and the leadership lessons that helped him transition from employee to business owner
21 May 2026
He Risked His Life for 20+ Years Chasing Criminals | Dominick Stokes
Former federal agent Dominick Stokes shares the leadership, pressure, and mindset required to survive 20+ years in federal law enforcement.
From social work to working violent crime, this episode is packed with powerful lessons on discipline, fear, purpose, and leadership.
5 May 2026
Why Leaders Should Never Say “I Overcame” — Instead, Adapt and Innovate | John Register
Unlock the mindset of resilience and leadership with John Register—a Paralympic silver medalist, Army veteran, and speaker who refuses to be defined by adversity. After a life-changing injury at the Olympic trials, John chose not to “overcome,” but to adapt, redefining what’s possible.
In this episode, he shares powerful lessons on pain, purpose, and growth—challenging the idea of “overcoming” and introducing a mindset rooted in adaptation and forward movement. You’ll gain insights on leadership, time management, and building genuine connections, along with practical strategies to elevate your impact.
From “amputating” what holds you back to understanding time as life itself, John delivers a perspective that will shift how you approach adversity, leadership, and growth.
Whether you’re a leader or navigating your own challenges, this conversation will push you to rethink setbacks—and turn them into your next level.
21 Apr 2026
Duce Robinson: The Truth About Being a College Athlete
In this episode, I sit down with my brother Duce Robinson and we talk about what leadership and adversity truly look like.
From not playing tackle football until high school to competing at the highest level, his journey wasn’t perfect or easy. We get into the challenges people don’t see — the self-doubt, the pressure, and the moments where your confidence gets tested.
Duce shares how adversity shaped him, what it taught him about himself, and why leadership starts with how you show up every single day. From having a clear plan to staying grounded in his faith, this conversation goes deeper than football.
If you’re going through adversity or trying to grow into a better version of yourself, this one’s for you.
7 Apr 2026
Leadership Under Center: A Quarterback’s Perspective | Deondre Francois
Leadership isn’t built in the moment—it’s revealed.
In this conversation with Deondre Francois, we explore what it means to lead under pressure, how discipline and habits shape identity, and the responsibility that comes with being a quarterback.
This episode is a deep look into leadership, adversity, and growth.
24 Mar 2026
How Did Kevin Knowles Become a Father at 18… and Still Make the NFL?
How did Kevin Knowles become a father at 18… and still make the NFL?
In this episode of LeaderDiaries, I sat down with my brother Kevin Knowles to break down his journey from becoming a young father to reaching the NFL. This is a real conversation about discipline, pressure, and what it takes to stay committed when life speeds up early.
If you’re chasing a dream while dealing with real-life responsibilities, this episode is for you.
What you’ll learn:
➡️Responsibility builds discipline and maturity
➡️How to turn pressure into motivation
➡️Why purpose matters more than excuses
This episode goes beyond football—it’s about mindset, growth, and becoming who you need to be when everything is on the line.
Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, CEOs, and leaders sharing real stories and practical lessons.
#KevinKnowles #NFL #LeaderDiaries #Motivation #Discipline #Mindset #Football #Success #PersonalGrowth #Podcast
10 Mar 2026
Too Slow for the NFL? He Ran a 4.9… Then Won the Super Bowl | Shemar Jean-Charles
What does it take to go from little league football to the biggest stage in the game?
In this episode of LeaderDiaries, I sit down with Shemar Jean-Charles to talk about his journey from little league football to the NFL, and what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level.
In high school, Shemar ran a 4.9 forty-yard dash, a time many believed was too slow for the NFL. Instead of letting that label define him, he used it as motivation. Years later at his Pro Day, he shocked scouts by running a 4.4, proving that discipline, preparation, and relentless work ethic can change the narrative.
In this conversation, we dive into the experiences that shaped him both on and off the field.
In this episode we discuss:
His journey from little league to the NFL
The daily habits that helped him compete at the highest level
The challenges and setbacks that made him stronger
The mindset required to stay ready when opportunity comes
What it feels like to become a Super Bowl Champion
Shemar’s story is a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear — and sometimes the very thing people doubt about you becomes the fuel that drives you forward.
24 Feb 2026
From Immigrant Roots to CEO
Explore the journey of Miren Oca, founder and CEO of Ocaquatics, from immigrant roots to successful leader.
In this episode, she shares how small, consistent improvements and strategic pivots built a thriving business.
Learn how creating systems like Olympians drives consistent success and elevates team performance.
Miren breaks down her leadership philosophy: hiring for attitude, building a strong culture, and motivating every role with purpose and appreciation.
If you’re a leader or entrepreneur seeking clarity, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you make meaningful progress and create lasting impact.
10 Feb 2026
Excellence Is a Discipline, Not a Destination
In this episode of LeaderDiaries, we sit down with Gavin Sawchuk to explore what excellence looks like beyond the stat sheet. With over 1,500 total yards and 20 touchdowns across his college career at Florida State and Oklahoma, Gavin’s impact speaks for itself.
But numbers don’t build themselves.
We discuss the discipline behind preparation, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and how adversity shapes leadership. From explosive plays on Saturdays to unseen work during the week, this conversation reveals why excellence is not a moment, it is a daily commitment.
Excellence is not a destination. It’s a standard you choose to live by.
28 Dec 2025
LeaderDiaries Trailer
Welcome to LeaderDiaries, hosted by Justin Mohabir. This show unlocks the stories behind leadership and personal growth. From athletes chasing greatness to founders building what they believe in, we explore the lessons earned through adversity, discipline, and purpose. This trailer sets the tone for what’s ahead. If you’re hungry to grow, learn, and lead, you’re right where you belong. Be present where your feet are.
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Spotify
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