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

William O'Neill, Newport Beach

Will O’Neill, former Mayor Newport Beach

Will O’Neill is the former Mayor of Newport Beach. He continues to serve on the City Council and Finance Committees, driving policies for its 85k constituents while helping to manage a $260M annual budget.

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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!

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Damien Hobgood Surfing Magazine 2013

Damien Hobgood – ex Pro Surfer

Damien Hobgood is a surfing legend and has touched many lives through his example in and out of the water. He surfed professionally right out of high school when pro surfing was in its earliest days. He competed for 20 years before realizing he wasn’t loving it anymore. After deep introspection and lots of prayer, Damien has reconnected with his love of surfing and shares his journey here.

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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

  • 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