In this episode of the Expert Network Team podcast, we sit down with Diana Kokoszka—former CEO of Keller Williams MAPS Coaching, global speaker, and best-selling author of Becoming More. Diana shares powerful stories from her coaching legacy and dives deep into the science of mindset, transformation, and leadership.
She discusses:
• The difference between liberating and limiting mindsets
• How language can shape or sabotage success
• The science behind brain rewiring, including the Reticular Activating System
• How leaders can reprogram their thinking and environments to build generational impact
• Why “I can’t” was a banned phrase in her home Whether you’re a business leader, coach, or just someone striving for personal growth, Diana offers tangible insights and practical tools to start changing your mindset—today.
Watch Part 2 for even deeper insights into her framework, the four inner storytellers we all battle, and the powerful force that defines true success.
Karl: Welcome to the Expert Network Team Podcast. Diana, we are so excited to have you here.
Diana Kokoszka: Thank you! It’s great to be back. The first time was amazing, and I think this time will be even better.
Jeff Krommendyk: Good to see you, Diana. And great to be with the whole team again.
Taylor Smith: Finally in person! It’s so fun to be here with everyone.
Karl: It’s exciting to have everyone together, and Diana, it really does feel like meeting an old friend. Last time we talked, the conversation was fantastic, and we’re grateful you’ve come back to join us.
Diana Kokoszka: Absolutely. I believe things happen for a reason—there are no coincidences. We were supposed to do this again.
Karl: For those who may not know you, can you give us a quick overview of your background?
Diana Kokoszka: Sure. About five years ago, I stepped down as CEO of Keller Williams Realty International’s coaching and training division. During my non-compete period, I did a lot of volunteer work—traveling with John Maxwell’s team, opening schools and businesses focused on values-based education. That work is now coming into schools in the U.S., and I’m really excited. I still serve on the board of directors for that initiative. Now that I’m back, I’ve written a book and am helping others launch their own coaching companies through mentorship and training. At Keller Williams, we turned a $1M loss into over $500M in revenue over 12 years, so people often ask me how we did it.
Nate: That’s incredible. I’d love to hear more about your work with John Maxwell and the foundation of your book.
Diana Kokoszka: The book really came from years of people asking me when I was going to write one. I had written programs at Keller Williams, like the Bold course—Business Objective, a Life by Design—which was launched during the 2008–2011 downturn. That course helped agents thrive despite the market challenges. Bold agents averaged 14.7 transactions in just eight weeks. It not only helped individuals—it truly saved the company. People began texting me saying it changed their lives, and while I know they made those changes themselves, the course was the catalyst. One night, I got a text like that while I was reading on the dock at Lake Travis. I turned the page and saw the JFK quote: “If not now, when? If not us, who?” That’s when I knew—it was time to write the book.
Taylor Smith: Can you talk more about how mindset plays into the book?
Diana Kokoszka: Of course. Mindset is at the core of it. Research shows 95% of our success is based on mindset. I studied neuroscience, looked at the mindsets of great leaders like John Maxwell, Ed Bastian, Sheryl Sandberg, and narrowed it down to seven liberating and seven limiting mindsets.
The liberating ones: growth, gratitude, confidence, abundance, positive humility, and curiosity.
The limiting ones: fixed, entitlement, doubt, scarcity, negativity, hubris, and judgment.
We all have a mix of these. I’ve even developed a mindset assessment that helps individuals identify where they are and how to grow. It’s being released soon.
Nate: What would you say to someone who says, “This is just who I am. I can’t change”? And can you speak to the epigenetics and brain science behind that?
Diana Kokoszka: That’s a great question. Yes, we are shaped by both nature and nurture. But our environment and the input we allow—what we read, hear, watch—can actually change our DNA. Up to 80% of our success can be attributed to our environment. If we trained our brains to think a certain way, we can also retrain them.
Here’s a practical tip: try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. It disrupts your brain’s routine, making it more aware. Then, use affirmations like “I am a grateful person.” Those “I am” statements tap into the Reticular Activating System, or RAS, which works like a mental Google search—it filters information based on what we tell it is important. The more you feed your mind what you desire, the more it will notice and act on it.
Karl: Can you give some examples of how language affects mindset?
Diana Kokoszka: Absolutely. Language has power. For example, changing “I’m frustrated” to “I’m fascinated” shifts focus from the problem to curiosity. Saying “I’m working through this” instead of “I’m depressed” changes your mental posture.
Avoid words like “but”—it negates everything you said before it. Use “and” instead. “Try” is another—there is no try. Do or don’t. Replace “I need” with “I desire,” and “I have to” with “I get to.” Even “hope” can be passive; use “I trust” or “I believe.”
Taylor Smith: That’s so helpful. My dad wouldn’t even let us say “I can’t” growing up.
Diana Kokoszka: Mine either! “Can’t” was like a swear word in our house. It’s amazing how those little words program our brains.
Nate: You mentioned a great story last time about a drummer—could you share that again?
Diana Kokoszka: Yes—Clint Pulver. As a kid, he was constantly tapping in class and labeled a “problem child.” But one teacher, Mr. Jensen, saw his talent. He handed Clint a pair of drumsticks and said, “You’re not a problem. You’re a drummer.” That moment changed his life. Clint went on to perform on national stages and is now in the Speaker Hall of Fame.
Carl: That’s powerful. Diana, thank you for everything you’ve shared. We can’t wait for part two where you’ll go deeper into the four storytellers in our minds.
Diana Kokoszka: I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for having me!
Outro: Thank you for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with someone who would benefit. For topic requests or to meet a member of the Expert Network Team, email us at info@expertnetworkteam.com.
Disclaimer: Listening to this podcast does not create a client-professional relationship. The views expressed are those of the professionals only. Investment advisory services may be provided through A&I Wealth Management. Securities may be offered through Geneos Wealth Management.