On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Chris Barton, creator of Shazam, inventor, and former Google and Dropbox executive, to explore what it takes to turn seemingly impossible ideas into reality.

When Chris first imagined Shazam, experts told him the technology couldn't be built. After overcoming countless technical challenges to launch it, the company spent six consecutive years on the brink of bankruptcy before finally taking off. Today, Shazam has surpassed 2 billion downloads, but the lessons behind its creation extend far beyond technology.

Chris shares his Start from Zero approach to innovation, explaining how questioning assumptions, practicing creative persistence, and eliminating friction can help individuals and organizations unlock new possibilities. He also discusses how these principles apply to today's business challenges, from embracing AI and new technologies to inspiring teams to think differently.

Key topics include:

• The unlikely story behind Shazam and the obstacles Chris faced bringing it to life
• How Shazam survived six years on the brink of bankruptcy
• Why our default way of thinking can limit innovation
• The Start from Zero method for challenging assumptions and generating bold ideas
• What creative persistence really means and how to push past seemingly impossible obstacles
• How eliminating friction can improve products, processes, and experiences
• Why embracing AI and new technologies requires a shift in mindset
• How Chris's experience with dyslexia helped shape his approach to solving problems
• Why Chris is now working with his son on a new venture focused on dyslexia diagnosis
• How to stop treating obstacles as final answers and start finding creative ways around them

Chris's message is a powerful reminder that innovation isn't reserved for inventors or technology companies. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or pursuing an ambitious goal, thinking differently about what's possible can open the door to extraordinary results.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Chris Barton to your next event.

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Molly Fletcher, one of the first female sports agents and known in the industry as the “female Jerry Maguire,” to explore what her years in the sports world taught her about high performance and reaching your full potential.

From creating your own scoreboard instead of comparing yourself to others to treating recovery as an essential part of performance, Molly shares the mindset shifts that can help people continue raising their own standard.

She also explains why consistent feedback matters, how high performers approach change differently, and how changing the “mental script” in your head can help you move forward when you feel stuck.

Key topics include:

• Why the best performers compete against themselves instead of everyone around them
• Creating your own scoreboard and focusing on your own potential
• Why consistent feedback can help people continually improve
• Why recovery is a discipline, not a reward
• How high performers approach change as an opportunity for growth
• What organizations can learn from the mindset and practices of the sports world
• Why successful teams can’t afford to settle after achieving results
• How Molly customizes her message to the challenges and goals of each organization
• Identifying the “mental scripts” that may be keeping you stuck
• Taking small, intentional steps toward becoming the person you want to be

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Molly Fletcher to your next event.

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with bestselling author, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, professional pilot, and keynote speaker Jason Harris to explore the combat-proven principles behind his No Fail Trust® methodology.

After 11 combat deployments, Jason knows what it takes to operate in environments where the stakes are high and trust is essential to getting the mission done. He shares how those experiences shaped his approach to teamwork and why the same principles can help organizations strengthen trust, accountability, connection, and performance.
Jason also shares how he helps organizations surface challenges around trust, communication, psychological safety, and accountability, and why building stronger teams starts with creating genuine connection.

Key topics include:

• The high-risk combat experiences that shaped Jason's approach to teamwork
• The story behind his No Fail Trust® methodology
• What it takes to build trust before the pressure hits
• Why training, processes, and empowerment matter to team performance
• How connection can lead to commitment, accountability, and trust
• Why anyone can influence culture, regardless of title
• How Jason takes organizations beyond the keynote through workshops and deeper engagement
• The story behind his new book, No Fail Trust: The Flight Manual for Building Teams That Deliver Under Pressure
• One simple way to start building stronger trust today

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jason Harris to your next event.