Lance Bergstein grew up as a nationally ranked tennis player, but his biggest challenge wasn’t on the court. It was off it—convincing others that his Type 1 diabetes wouldn’t hold him back. Turned away by coaches who feared the “liability,” young Lance learned early how to prepare harder, think faster, and prove himself again and again.
That resilience is what now fuels him as CEO of Lincoln Equities Group and as a professional endurance race car driver. Whether he’s negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal or navigating a hairpin turn at 100 mph, Bergstein leans on two things: his preparation—and his mindset. He believes decisiveness is a muscle, one that must be trained by making fast calls, owning outcomes, and learning from the past.
At Lincoln Equities Group, he’s built a team where ideas matter more than titles and where every employee has a stake in the outcome—literally. His approach to business is part engineering, part gut instinct, and all team-first.
In this episode, you will learn:
• How to develop “eyes up” vision and anticipate opportunities before they arrive
• Why decisiveness beats perfection in both racing and leadership
• How Lance builds employee loyalty through deal-level ownership and culture
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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