Welcome to MENTOR dna

Welcome to MENTOR dna, a leadership podcast hosted by Meesh Pierce. I welcome you to drop in as I talk to my c-suite friends about what makes them tick, lessons they’ve learned through their career successes and failures, and memories we share through the decades spent growing up in our careers. MENTOR dna is your backstage pass to learning how to reach your next career goal - whether as a manager or serving on a board.

Recent podcast guests

Jim Abbott former MLB pitcher July 1, 2008

Jim Abbott – Former MLB Pitcher

Jim Abbott is a former MLB Pitcher who played for the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers.

I first met him through my husband, who always speaks so highly of Jim. Gentleman, humble, funny, great athlete.

Words most men wouldn’t say about their golf opponent after losing a golf round to them.

Through the years, I’ve had the chance to get to know Jim and I’m thrilled to have had this opportunity to learn more about his career and lessons he’s learned post-retirement.

meesh pierce October 27, 2024

meesh pierce MENTOR dna podcast host

Meesh Pierce – advisor, board member, podcaster

Hi! It’s me, the host of MENTOR dna. Many of you have asked to hear my story, so Wharton Professor Pete Fader interviews me in this weird and fun episode. Thanks for listening!

meesh pierce January 11, 2022

Andrew Cherng, CEO and Chairman Panda Express

Andrew Cherng – Co-CEO & C0-Chairman Panda Express

Andrew Cherng, aka Uncle Andrew, is a long-time friend of my family. My mom introduced me to Andrew when I was raising money for my dotcom snacki, in the late 90s. He had wonderfully rich insights then and now, with 2400 Panda Express locations around the world, he shares those and more with us!

meesh pierce May 24, 2022

MENTOR dna's host

Meesh Pierce is a former executive who’s worked with fantastic leaders throughout her career in tech, entertainment, and corporate and non-profit boards. MENTOR dna brings these leaders into the spotlight to share their stories. Consider MENTOR dna your VIP coaching session with hard-to-reach executives across a variety of industries.

Leadership books

Following is an extensive list of recommended leadership books from my podcast guests.

Getting to Yes

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.
The Goal

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement
Stocks for the Long Run

Stocks for the Long Run: The Definitive Guide to Financial Market Returns & Long-Term Investment Strategies
Team of Rivals

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

How to Win Friends and Influence People

How to Win Friends and Influence People: self-help book written by Dale Carnegie. Over 30 million copies of this book have been worldwide.
The E-Myth Revisited

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
The Splendid and the Vile

The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
Think and Grow Rich

Think and Grow Rich: The Complete Original Edition Plus Bonus Material
Mindset

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

The One Minute Manager

The New One Minute Manager offers a way for you to succeed sooner with less stress in changing times—both at work and at home.
Good to Great

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't