In this inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Gavin Mlinar, CEO of Blacklisted Consulting and author of Yes, Your Way to Success. Why Don’t You? Gavin shares the remarkable story of how his upbringing, mindset, and resilience have driven him to negotiate billion-dollar contracts, become an endurance athlete, and launch his own company—all through one key trait: decisiveness.
Together, they unpack what it takes to keep going when most people quit, and how to act with confidence even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Major Takeaways / Learnings:
1. Most People Don’t Ask… But Gavin Does. Gavin landed on this podcast simply by reaching out with authenticity and persistence—something most people don’t do.
2. Rejection is Practice. Cold-calling 100 people a day at Merrill Lynch taught Gavin to normalize “no.” He reframed rejection as part of the process, not a signal to stop.
3. Decisiveness Is a Superpower. According to his book coach (also a therapist), Gavin is one of the most decisive people they’ve ever met—and that’s what makes him different.
4. Forget Perfect—Take Action. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan often leads to stagnation. Gavin encourages forward momentum over perfectionism.
5. Two Steps to Progress: 1) Research and validate through resources and conversations. 2) Make a decision, take action, and adjust along the way.
6. Ask for Help. Often. Most people don’t ask—but most people are predisposed to help when asked. Gavin encourages breaking through that hesitation.
7. Effort + Attitude = Progress. Gavin teaches his kids—and lives himself—by these two values. You don’t need perfection, just consistent energy and a positive mindset.
Memorable Quotes:
1. “Most people don’t ask for help. But most people are predisposed to help when asked.” – Gavin Mlinar
2. “There are very few things in life that are final. Failure is just learning in disguise.” – Gavin
3. “You get to wake up early. You get to catch that flight. That shift in mindset is everything.” – Bart Berkey
4. “Most people don’t… say yes.” – Gavin Mlinar
Why It Matters / How to Use It:
Listeners will walk away with practical tools to become more decisive, more resilient, and more open to opportunities. Gavin’s approach—research, then act—can be applied to anything from writing a book to launching a business, asking for a promotion, or learning how to surf.
His mindset of saying "yes" before conditions are perfect is a challenge to the perfectionist in all of us and his emphasis on attitude and effort is a reminder that consistency and courage can unlock extraordinary results.
Resources & Links:
Fill in the Blank:
Most people don’t…
" say yes. "