The Early Edge Mentorship Podcast
Welcome to The Early Edge–a mentorship podcast for next generation leaders. Hosts Jay Messner and Jeff Andrews have spent decades growing businesses and leading people. Now, they’re sharing the lessons, insights, and hard-earned wisdom they wish they had known in their 20s and 30s. Whether you’re just getting started in your career or stepping into your first leadership role, this podcast is here to give you an added edge.
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Early Edge – Conflict Might Not Be the Problem
<p>Conflict is inevitable—but it isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, handled well, it can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and better teams.</p> <p>In this episode, Jay and Jeff explore why conflict happens, how unclear roles and different communication styles can create friction, and why going directly to the person is usually better than gossiping, escalating, or avoiding the issue. They also share practical ways to recognize when conflict is a problem to solve—and when it’s simply something to manage.</p>
Early Edge - Time to Catch Up
<p >Jay and Jeff are back for Episode 31 with a long-overdue catch-up. They share what they’ve been up to over the past few months, talk about a client they’re both working with, and reflect on the importance of staying connected with the people in your network. They also look ahead and preview the topic they’ll dig into in the next episode.</p>
Early Edge – Managing Stressful Moments
<p>Stress shows up in different ways—sometimes as a sudden “holy crap” moment, and other times as the slow buildup of many things hitting at once. In this episode, Jay and Jeff share personal stories from both their work and personal lives, from unexpected news and job changes to real-life moments that instantly shift your perspective.</p> <p>They talk about how to respond in those situations and how to focus on what you can control when everything feels uncertain. They also explore the difference between known stressors and the unknowns that can easily consume our attention if we let th...
Early Edge – 6 Frameworks We Use to Solve Tough Problems at Work
<p>Here’s the perfect starter toolkit for smarter problem solving at work! In this episode, we walk through some of the most useful frameworks we use in consulting—RACI, OVIS, ADKAR, Agile, DMAIC, and Fishbone analysis—and how they help teams clarify ownership, diagnose problems, and drive results.</p> <p>If you’re early in your career and want practical tools to structure problems, lead conversations, and stand out at work, this episode is a great place to start.</p>
Early Edge – Preparation, Mindset, and Momentum: Lessons from Snowbasin
<p>Big initiatives require the right pace, the right tools, and the right mindset. Jay and Jeff share thoughts from a recent ski trip to Snowbasin which translate directly to leadership, transformation, and career growth—how to prepare effectively, embrace discomfort, and maintain momentum without putting your team at risk. Many times the only way down is through the moguls!</p>
Early Edge – Why Asking for Help Can Change Everything
<p >Why is asking for help so hard sometimes? In this episode, Jay and Jeff unpack the pride, fear, and uncertainty that keep so many of us stuck trying to figure things out alone. From the days of refusing to stop for directions to real-life stories of career pressure, financial mistakes, and emotional breakdowns, they share moments that shaped how they think about this today.</p> <p >You’ll hear why “getting the first word out” can be the hardest part, how passivity and lack of vision hold us back, and why asking for help is actually a sign of streng...
Early Edge – Year-End Reset: Reflect, Organize, and Plan for 2026
<p >As the year winds down, Jay and Jeff walk through their personal year-end habits for reflection and planning. They discuss how to use holiday downtime intentionally—reviewing the past year, setting priorities for the next, and resetting systems that support focus and execution. From journaling and note-taking to goal setting, organization tools, and building a system that actually sticks, this episode offers practical ways to close the year strong and start the next one with direction and momentum.</p>
Early Edge – Know Your Audience & Read the Room to Increase Influence
<p>A key part of effective communication is knowing your audience and making intentional choices to increase your ability to connect and influence. In this episode, Jay and Jeff break down how to prepare, listen for clues, read the room, and adapt your communication in both planned presentations and spontaneous interactions. Packed with practical advice and real stories, this episode will help you communicate with intention and increase your chances of influencing others.</p>
Early Edge – Guest Tom Ujvagi on Five Common Contradictions in Leadership
<p>In this episode, we sit down with veteran leader Tom Ujvagi, who shares five common tensions is leadership. From navigating the messy reality that “management is great… except for the people,” to the art of being friendly—but not friends—with your team, Tom offers clear, hard-earned wisdom for leading well. We dig into the importance of delivering on commitments, recognizing failure, and training your replacement. If you want practical tips for your first leadership role , this conversation delivers it.</p>
The Early Edge: What Government Shutdowns Teach Us About Failed Leadership
<p>Jay and Jeff take a candid look at failed leadership, using the recent government shutdown as a relatable example of what happens when leaders stop listening and refuse to work together. They explore why collaboration, compromise, and results-focused thinking aren’t optional—and share real stories of how peers inside businesses can uphold core principles to keep their teams aligned and moving forward.</p>
