John O’Leary welcomes Adam Wright, CEO of Pilot on the Live Inspired Podcast to share practical wisdom on embracing grace, grit, and purpose and actionable insights on leadership, faith, and the power of relationships to build a life of impact and joy.
Adam Wright is the President and CEO of Pilot, one of North America’s largest travel center networks serving more than 1.2 million travelers daily. From an All-American football player to a corporate leader overseeing 30,000 team members, Adam’s journey is a roadmap in resilience, intentional leadership, and the transformative power of faith and family.
Today, Adam shares how life’s challenges can fuel greatness, the pivotal role of faith and discipline in his life, and the importance of showing people they matter at every turn.
My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation with practical wisdom on embracing grace, grit, and purpose and actionable insights on leadership, faith, and the power of relationships to build a life of impact and joy.
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SHOW NOTES:
- About a month before his ninth birthday, Adam’s father passed away.
- There’s honor in all work. After the death of his father, Adam’s mother imparted wisdom about hard work and drive onto Adam and his siblings.
- There was a business man who had no business in taking interest in me.
- In addition to learning to steward his own gifts, Adam credits God’s grace and the countless number of coaches, teachers and business people who have poured into him.
- Interning at an energy company taught Adam to be humble and not be afraid to ask elementary questions. Working at a summer camp gave him an opportunity to be present with those that grew up similar to him. His job as a bouncer taught him how to take charge.
- Little disciplines, big victories. Being a running back and co-captain of his college football team taught him the most about leadership, teamwork, preparedness, hard work and mental toughness.
- Adam was an All-American running back for University of Nebraska at Omaha football from 1997-2000 and was a fullback on the New York Giants roster for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
- “ My best is never second best.”
- Showing people they matter at every turn. Pilot operates more than 900 locations in 44 states across the United States and dozens of locations in Canada, meeting the needs of more than 1.2 million interstate travelers daily.
- Adam has disciplined himself to wake daily at 3:07am in an effort to maximize every moment he has to achieve his very best.
- ”At the end of the day, the legacy we’re trying to build on earth, if we’re not connecting to people and living through others, what are we doing?”
- “ There’s much food beneath the fallow ground of the poor.”
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Marc Randolph. As co-founder and founding CEO of Netflix, Marc Randolph laid much of the groundwork for the streaming service that’s grown to 150 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media. Marc reveals seldom-shared anecdotes about Netflix including how the iconic brand got its name and their David versus Goliath story with Blockbuster. Yet it’s Marc’s unconventional definition of success (hint: it’s not money or fame!) and how creating positive workplace culture starts with the leaders that’s most intriguing. Listen to Marc Randolph on ep. 338.
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About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
ADAM WRIGHT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Bible or anything by Dr. Henry Cloud. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I don't know how to say it, but I would say zero cynicism. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Nothing. There's nothing I can't replace that I don't have in my heart already. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My wife Sabrina. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. You matter. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He loved God and loved people.
