by Mike Mooney
Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit(TM) with host Mike Mooney, uncovers the pivotal experiences that transformed successful executives into exceptional leaders. Through quick, fun and insightful conversations with C-suite leaders and innovators, we explore those career-defining breakthroughs that changed their life and leadership trajectory, forever.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/11/2025
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March 19, 2026
<p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> What does it take to lead boldly when the world is telling you to stand down?</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> In this episode of <strong>Your Epic Pursuit</strong>, host <strong>Mike Mooney, CSP</strong> sits down with <strong>Dr. Connie Book</strong>, President of <strong>Elon University</strong> — a trailblazing leader who made some of the boldest institutional decisions in higher education during one of the most uncertain periods in modern history.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> Under Dr. Book's leadership, Elon has been ranked #1 in the nation for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report — five consecutive years. But the real story is how she got there.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>In this episode, you'll discover:</strong><br /> ✅ The "force power" framework she learned at The Citadel — and how it saved Elon during COVID<br /> ✅ Why she signed a $50 million construction deal during the pandemic (and why it was the right call)<br /> ✅ How a nursing program launched in crisis is now sending graduates to Yale, Mass General & Johns Hopkins<br /> ✅ The "swing and miss" culture that makes teams more innovative — not less accountable<br /> ✅ The 3 Rs every great organization must maintain (from Bank of America CEO Hugh McCall)<br /> ✅ Why the wisdom is always in the group — and how to harness it without losing speed<br /> ✅ The renting vs. owning mindset shift that will change how you lead, live, and build</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> Whether you lead a team of 5 or an institution of thousands, this conversation will challenge you to stop planning your exit and start building your legacy.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> 🎙️ <strong>Your Epic Pursuit</strong> is a podcast hosted by Mike Mooney, CSP — leadership performance coach, keynote speaker, and former NASCAR performance professional. Each episode filters through the <strong>E.P.I.C. lens</strong>: Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity.</p> <hr class="bg-quiet h-px border-0" /> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> 📌 <strong>Chapters:</strong><br /> 0:00 – Introduction: Dr. Connie Book & Elon University<br /> 3:00 – The childcare center: A 20-year idea that finally happened<br /> 6:00 – Innovation is a process, not an aha moment<br /> 12:00 – Swing and miss: Building a culture of bold risk<br /> 18:00 – The 3 Rs: Relevance, Reputation & Reward<br /> 20:00 – The pandemic decision nobody expected<br /> 28:00 – Signing a $50M deal during COVID<br /> 31:00 – Launching nursing during a crisis<br /> 33:00 – The wisdom is in the group<br /> 38:00 – Renting vs. owning: The ownership mindset</p>
March 12, 2026
<p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> What separates leaders who chase trophies from those who build lasting legacies? In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™, host <strong>Mike Mooney, CSP</strong> welcomes <strong>Chad Biagini</strong>, President of <strong>Excel Search and Advisory</strong> — one of the most respected executive search and leadership consultancies in global sports, media, and entertainment.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> Chad is a Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree who has overseen 400+ executive placements at organizations including the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Pistons, World Surf League, and leagues spanning the NFL, NBA, MLB, and Premier League. Excel Search and Advisory recently welcomed a strategic investment from Goldman Sachs — and Chad is just getting started.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Chad pulls back the curtain on the bold career bets, servant-leader philosophy, and practical frameworks that have shaped his journey — and that can accelerate yours.</p> <hr class="bg-quiet h-px border-0" /> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>In this episode:</strong></p> <ul class="marker:text-quiet list-disc"> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>The trophy isn't the destination</strong> — why the pursuit itself is where real fulfillment and growth live</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>The "10 out of 10" life mapping exercise</strong> — how Chad maps the key areas of his life each January, names the behaviors of a 10/10 in each category, and aligns his daily actions with who he wants to become</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>The Excellence, Efficiency & Empathy framework</strong> — how Chad's team uses this 3-part model to evaluate organizational health and make smart investments in people and process</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>The Go-Giver career pivot that changed everything</strong> — how doing pro bono and low bono nonprofit executive placements took Chad from "the young guy down the hallway" to the most connected person in his industry</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Multiple motives in the same direction</strong> — why it's okay (and smart) for giving to benefit everyone involved</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Building an authentic network</strong> — practical strategies for growing your career through service, curiosity, and genuine connection</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>The COVID roundtable that beat the Big Four</strong> — how Chad assembled 60+ global sports CEOs during the shutdown and became a strategic partner, not just a vendor</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Deep listening as a superpower</strong> — what presence really looks like in leadership and how it deepens every relationship</p> </li> <li class= "py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&>p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Double-dipping your time</strong> — Chad's method for maximizing his 24 hours by stacking learning with daily activities</p> </li> </ul> <hr class="bg-quiet h-px border-0" /> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Featured Quote:</strong><br /> "Your dreams will come true when you go out of your way to make other people's dreams come true." — Chad Biagini</p> <hr class="bg-quiet h-px border-0" /> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>About Chad Biagini:</strong><br /> Chad Biagini is the President of Excel Search and Advisory, a premier leadership consultancy specializing in sports, media, and entertainment. A Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, Chad has led over 400 executive appointments across major global sports leagues and organizations. He is also the host of The Excellent Leadership Podcast, where he interviews sports and entertainment leaders to explore championship cultures, high performance, and transformational leadership.</p> <hr class="bg-quiet h-px border-0" /> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>About Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™:</strong><br /> Hosted by <strong>Mike Mooney, CSP</strong>, Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™ is a leadership and performance podcast built around the pillars of <strong>Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity</strong>. Each episode features real, inspiring conversations designed to empower leaders with actionable tools to accelerate their personal and professional pursuit.</p>
March 5, 2026
<p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>From Bold Decisions to People-First Leadership: Tim Flanagan on Scaling, Strategy & Courage | Your Epic Pursuit Podcast</strong></p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> What does it really take to lead through a strategic inflection point? In this episode, Mike Mooney sits down with Tim Flanagan - third-generation leader, General Agent at the Pelora Group (MassMutual), Charlotte's 40 Under 40 honoree, and Most Admired CEO - for a raw, honest conversation on leadership, courage, and building high-performance teams.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> Tim shares the moment he looked across a conference table and realized his team had split into two camps - and what he did about it. He unpacks why hope is not a plan, how to think 10X when the pressure is on, and the "slow down to speed up" strategy he and his business partner use to cut through the chaos without stopping the business.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>In this episode, you'll learn:</strong><br /> ✅ How to apply 10X thinking to compress your vision timeline<br /> ✅ Why strategic inflection points demand bold people decisions<br /> ✅ The "slow down to speed up" practice for leaders under pressure<br /> ✅ What "honoring someone's choice" means in real leadership<br /> ✅ How micro moments and experience wakes build (or break) culture<br /> ✅ The people-first principle that's driven decades of Charlotte business success</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> Whether you're a founder, executive, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers the kind of practical leadership wisdom you can put to work immediately.</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> 🎙️ <strong>Guest:</strong> Tim Flanagan | General Agent, Pelora Group | MassMutual | Charlotte, NC<br /> 🏆 Charlotte's 40 Under 40 | Most Admired CEO | Best Places to Work</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> <strong>Connect with Tim Flanagan:</strong> [Insert Link]<br /> <strong>Connect with Mike Mooney:</strong> [Insert Link]<br /> <strong>Subscribe to Your Epic Pursuit:</strong> [Insert Link]</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> 📌 <strong>Chapters:</strong><br /> 0:00 – Welcome & Tim's Introduction<br /> 2:16 – The Science of Scaling & 10X Thinking<br /> 10:37 – The Bold Decision That Changed Everything<br /> 24:02 – Slow Down to Speed Up<br /> 31:40 – The People-First Leadership Principle<br /> 37:33 – Micro Moments & Experience Wakes<br /> 39:21 – Closing Thoughts</p> <p class= "my-2 [&+p]:mt-4 [&_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"> </p>
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Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit(TM) with host Mike Mooney, uncovers the pivotal experiences that transformed successful executives into exceptional leaders.
Through quick, fun and insightful conversations with C-suite leaders and innovators, we explore those career-defining breakthroughs that changed their life and leadership trajectory, forever.
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