“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. It’s that simple.”

Notable Moments

02:28 – Why you should be asking for what you want
03:36 – The origin of Jody and Lee’s working relationship
04:54 – Why most people don’t ask and how it limits them
06:22 – A story about a student who asked Lee just to be known
07:58 – How to ask without seeming selfish or overreaching
09:36 – Introducing yourself to company leaders
11:52 – Don’t say no for someone else. Ask and let them decide
13:19 – Challenge: Ask for something big and tell us what happens

One of the simplest yet most overlooked success strategies: asking for what you want. From professional promotions to meaningful connections, Lee Cockerell explains how powerful it can be to speak up and ask. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to be more intentional and courageous in pursuing opportunity.

Read the blog for more on how people miss out on great opportunities simply because they don’t speak up.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"What helped me the most was, leaving home and going out on my own and getting experiences."

Jumping into the unknown is rarely comfortable, but it’s where true growth happens. Stepping outside our comfort zone reshapes our perspective and how we lead, work, and live. That is true whether it’s traveling to a foreign land or saying yes to an intimidating opportunity.

After hearing Jody share his whitewater rafting adventure in Chile, it struck me how bravery really is progressive. Every time I took a leap in my own career, the fear was real. Moving countries, taking new positions, even getting fired at one point. But with each jump, I came back stronger, wiser, and more confident in my ability to handle whatever came next.

It’s amazing how we talk ourselves out of risk because of fear of not knowing or the fear of what others might think. But most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to be focused on ours. Experience is the best teacher. You can read about whitewater rafting all you want, but nothing compares to being pulled under and coming out the other side.

Setbacks like getting passed over for a promotion, or losing a job, often become stepping stones to something even better. The more we say yes, the easier it gets. Don’t be afraid to trust yourself, and surround yourself with people who support and inspire you.

Remember, courage and leadership don’t appear all at once. They grow with every brave choice you make. The key is to take that first leap. You never know where it might lead.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"We all have our own thing, and we all have to make that decision every day about what's in it for us, is it worth it, and is it worth my time."

Notable Moments

00:36 When to Say Yes or No

03:22 Invitations Increase with Familiarity

08:02 Facing Life's Tough Challenges

12:14 Managing Life's Responsibilities

14:17 Get Organized for Success

Sometimes, the most powerful tool you have is a simple “no.”
During my years at Disney, I learned that it's okay to not say yes to every opportunity. The more important thing is knowing which doors to walk through and which ones to keep closed. Success isn’t about overloading your calendar. It’s about making conscious choices so your time and energy add up to something worthwhile.

I’ve seen leaders rise by grabbing big opportunities. Djuan Rivers seemed to say yes to challenging new roles again and again. He didn’t accept every little invitation though. He chose the moves that advanced his career and expanded his world. On the flip side, I said no to a lot of late-night banquets and endless committees so I could be ready for what really mattered the next day.

It comes down to this: “Is it worth it?” That’s the question I challenge myself with all the time. The best use of your time is investing in things that help you grow, personally and professionally. Say yes to the adventure, the project, or the role that stretches you, but don’t be afraid to save your time for when it counts.

And here’s another secret: A big part of making your life easier is tackling the hard things head-on. Write down the tough conversations you’re avoiding, make a plan, and just get it done. Don’t let the easy distractions pile up and rob you of bigger opportunities.

Master the art of yes and no—your energy, focus, and future will thank you.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.