Power Forward

Erika Swilley knew from an early age that she wanted a career in which she could help others. She didn't know her path would lead to sports and the NBA. In this episode, Erika explains how she's followed her passion to become the Detroit Pistons Vice President of Community and Social Responsibility.As a 17-year veteran of the business, Erika knows the best way to identify community needs is by actually listening to people in the community. You'll hear about her approach and how anyone looking to give back can do the same.Erika also shares her leadership style and career advice, including the importance of finding others who have jobs that you want. 

As the Director of Operations for Michigan State's basketball team, David Thomas was known as the guy who got things done. Now, he's doing something brand new - in the world of financial planning. In this episode, you'll find out why David made the move and the importance of having a plan.David has been an entrepreneur before and learned more from his mistakes than his successes. You'll hear the lengths David went to in the face of adversity.You'll also learn why everyone should view themselves as their own CEO whether they run a business or not.

Robert Tuchman has started, built, and sold companies before. However, starting a new business during the pandemic presented a new set of challenges. In this episode, you'll find out what it takes to go out on your own as an entrepreneur and why it's important to pursue your passions. Robert also hosts a podcast, which gives him the opportunity to interview some of the most successful business people in the world. He'll share his biggest takeaways from those conversations.You'll also hear Robert's perspective on praising your team and why every entrepreneur has to accept failure and be able to pick themselves up off the mat.

Lauren Foundos was killing it in her job on Wall Street, but she knew it was time - time to make her business idea a reality. Five years later, she's raised millions in capital and her fitness tech company is partnering with brands such as the NFL, UFC, and Under Armour. In this episode, you'll find out how Lauren stopped thinking and started doing.Lauren's breakthrough moment occurred when she appeared on a TV show called Unicorn Hunters. You'll hear the story of how she pitched some of the biggest names in business, including the co-founder of Apple.You'll also learn how Lauren navigates the ups and downs that come with being part of a start-up and why believing in your business is essential to success.

Running 100 100-mile races in 100 weeks is a daunting goal on its own. But what happens when a global pandemic threatens to bring the journey to a halt? In this episode, our conversation with Michael Ortiz continues. You'll hear how the Game of Hundos went on despite unexpected obstacles.As he got deeper into the project, Michael put his goals out there for all to see. He'll explain why sharing your goals creates a greater sense of accountability.We'll also find out what Michael learned about himself through the project and what he hopes others take away from his story.

 You don't have to be extraordinary to accomplish extraordinary things. That's the message from Michael Ortiz, who went from not being a runner at all to pursuing a goal that seems impossible: running 100 100-mile races in 100 straight weeks. Michael took on the challenge of distance running to honor the memory of his brother, who died after a tragic accident. You'll find out how running ultramarathons became a medium for Michael to live his life differently. You'll also find out how Michael's idea to push his limits came to be and why the hardest part of accomplishing a goal just getting to the starting line. 

From the NBA to the financial industry, Gina Coleman has been comfortable in every room she's been in. It's helped her achieve success both as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive. In this episode, you'll find out Gina's advice for earning a seat at the table.As the Chief Sales Officer at Mass Mutual Great Lakes, Gina is always looking for ways to add value for clients. She'll explain how that type of mindset can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship. Gina is big on being your own advocate and she believes the best way to do that is to control your messaging. You'll learn how simply asking for what you want can help anyone climb the ladder.

 Leading a 75-year old company comes with a lot of pressure. And Andrew Blake wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode, you’ll find out how he’s planting his flag in the soil of a company that is still finding new ways to grow after all these years. Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the idea that is now Blake’s Hard Cider Company – a brand with national reach. He’ll explain how leaning into adversity can lead to innovation. The foundation of Blake’s is rooted in farming and the values that come with it. You’ll learn how those values shape their culture, which is essential to maintaining a strong brand. 

Cubie and Christian Hernandez are more than loan officers at Mares Mortgage. They are true advisors to their clients and citizens who uphold their community. In this episode, the Hernandez brothers share how they’re making an impact beyond the mortgage business.As former D-1 college athletes, Cubie and Christian have both been shaped by their experiences in sports. They’ll talk about lessons they carry into business, including the importance of being a role player.We’ll also find out the values that Mares Mortgage is built upon and how that all starts with the company’s founder – Cutberto Hernandez, Sr. Cubie and Christian explain how their Dad has inspired them to always do more for others than they do for you.

From the basketball court to the boardroom, every winning team has a common denominator that sets it apart. In this episode, Jamy Bechler pulls back the curtain on leadership through practical strategies and principles he teaches after 20+ years in athletics. Whether he’s coaching a team or a business, Jamy believes the best leaders are the ones who develop other leaders. He’ll explain how empowering your people sets them up to maximize their potential.We’ll also discuss why optimism can be a strategy, how to be better and not bitter after experiencing a setback, and what it really means to have a strong culture.

What makes someone who is climbing the corporate ladder decide to start over from the ground floor? For Amanda Adamcheck, it came down to the chance to live her dream. In this episode, you’ll find out how Amanda turned a side hustle into a thriving apparel business.Amanda’s business relies heavily on a community she’s grown through social media. You’ll learn how to build a brand that will keep customers coming back.As a leader, Amanda aims to empower her team while inspiring other women who want to become entrepreneurs. She’ll explain why staying in your own lane can bring true fulfillment.  

Leading the mortgage industry in innovative technology isn’t enough for Jason Bressler. He’s looking to build the best IT team in any business, anywhere. In this episode, you’ll find out how UWM’s Chief Technology Officer plans to do that by finding the right people and finding out what drives them.UWM’s IT team is more than 5 times larger than it was when Jason first joined the company 5 years ago. You’ll learn how Jason created an environment where people feel comfortable voicing their opinions because they know their leaders are listening.You’ll also find out why Jason embraces vulnerability as a leader and why his favorite movie serves as an valuable analogy during times of adversity.

Figuring out what direction you want your business to take can be daunting – that is until you realize there is no right or wrong choice. There’s only the choice that’s best for you. In this episode, you’ll learn how Heather Zara built her own video production company by listening to the voice inside.Zara Creative has gone from producing wedding videos to working with big national clients. Heather will explain how she’s grown the business by creating content that inspires action.As a leader, Heather had to establish the right values so she could build the right team. You’ll find out how to create a culture based on an ecosystem instead of an “ego system.”

Who do we serve and what does delight look like for them? By asking those two questions, Rich Sheridan created a company that has attracted people from around the world who want to replicate the culture of Menlo Innovations. In this episode, you’ll find out how the CEO of Menlo built a company on the business value of joy.One of the ways Menlo does this is by fostering an environment where people aren’t afraid to experiment. Rich will explain what can happen when leaders pump fear out of the room.We’ll also discus Menlo’s innovative hiring and business practices, which lean heavily on values such as comradery, collaboration, and compassion.

Rod Wallace has one of the most important jobs a leader can have: shaping the future of the next generation. Rod creates opportunities for young people through music, something he’s passionate about as a 30-year veteran of the music business himself. In this episode, you’ll learn how Rod’s innovative thinking is opening doors for those in his community.Rod believes that the best leaders are the ones that do more listening than talking. He’ll explain why seeking to understand people is more important than being understood.You’ll also find out how a new fellowship that Rod started is helping to amplify the voices of the African-American community, while also setting them up to succeed outside the studio.

As a long-time talent agent, Steve Herz has helped elevate the careers of countless broadcasters. In the process, Steve has figured out what separates good from great in any business. In this episode, Steve reveals how mastering the soft skills can help you separate yourself from the pack.Steve is also an entrepreneur and has clients and colleagues who have been with him for decades. He’ll explain how to build, develop, and maintain long-lasting relationships.We also find out Steve’s advice for winning in sales, which starts with losing a sales-driven agenda.

Find a way instead of an excuse. That’s the mantra mortgage broker Skylar Welch used to reach her 2020 goals despite the obstacles thrown her way by the pandemic. In this episode, you’ll find out how Skylar has grown her business with a mentality that she has to achieve what she sets out to do.Skylar isn’t new to mortgages, but she is new to leading a team. She’ll explain why it’s so important to surround yourself with like-minded people who are focused on getting the job done together.You’ll also learn how Skylar’s business has boomed without paying for leads. She’ll explain how adding a personal touch can help make a client yours for life.

Desmond Ferguson knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur since he was cutting hair in his Mom’s basement. It’s what allowed him to buy his first car at 16 years old and eventually start Moneyball Sportswear. In this episode, you’ll find out how Moneyball went from a hobby to a business that’s been around for almost 2 decades.Desmond actually started Moneyball while he was still playing professional basketball overseas. He’ll explain how the connections he made have fueled his company’s sales and how others should look at every connection as a business opportunity.You’ll also hear how Moneyball has carved out its own niche in the retail space through 3 areas that any business can take advantage of.

Anyone who’s ever run a business knows it can be a delicate dance to manage everything – sometimes literally! In this episode, you’ll find out how Stacy Tuschl started her own dance studio at the age of 18 and turned it into a multi-million dollar business before becoming a small business growth coach. Stacy is big on setting goals and finds that the fewer goals she hits, the more success she actually has. She’ll explain how it pays to think big.You’ll also learn why striving for perfection can actually hurt your business and how you can start out with just a few clients and still scale if you do things right.

There’s no substitute for hard work. It’s a lesson Matt Gouge learned from his father, who never missed a day of work as a truck driver. It’s the same lesson that has made Matt a successful mortgage broker. In this episode, you’ll find out how Matt has grinded every step of the way to build his business.A natural at sales and marketing, Matt had to learn how to lead. He’ll explain how building trust with your team enables you to grow and scale your business.Matt also talks about his love for advising and helping people, including why adding value without expecting anything in return will help your business over the long haul.

To change her community, she had to re-build it. Her name is Shemayim Harris, but everyone knows her simply as Mama Shu. In this episode, you’ll find out how a former school administrator became the Founder and CEO of Avalon Village, a sustainable urban oasis in Detroit.Mama Shu’s vision for transforming an entire city block was born out of tragedy after her son was killed by a hit and run driver at the age of 2. She talks openly about her healing process and how she was able to forgive the man who killed her son.You’ll also hear Mama Shu’s advice for others who are looking to make a difference in their communities, including how to build a team that can help you reach your goals.

Chris Lampen-Crowell didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. He just knew he loved running and building relationships. In this episode, you’ll find out how Chris built Gazelle Sports for the long run by focusing on community, culture, and customers.Still an avid runner, Chris talks about the benefits of exercise and how it can help you become more complete both personally and professionally. After 35 years in business, Gazelle Sports has had to endure its biggest hurdle during the pandemic. You’ll hear about the tough decisions that the company had to make and how they plan to keep moving.

When Jake Kelfer decided to go into business on his own, he asked himself 2 questions: What do I know and how can I help people? In this episode, you’ll find out how Jake became an author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker – all before the age of 30. Jake’s path actually started with an elevator ride. You’ll hear the story of how an interaction with a sports icon helped him figure what he wanted to do with his life.You’ll also find out Jake’s tips for elevating your business, including how to make yourself valuable by doing things that others aren’t willing to do.

Everyone told him he’d be dead or in jail by 21. He didn’t learn how to read until he was an adult. Yet Khali Sweeney found a way to not only turn his life around, but also do the same for hundreds of kids. In this episode, you’ll find out how Khali became the Founder and CEO of the Downtown Boxing Gym, a free after-school academic and athletic program in Detroit.Impacting his community was and remains Khali’s singular focus. You’ll find out the mindset it takes to turn a goal into a mission. Khali has received national praise for his work and was honored as a CNN Hero in 2017. He’ll explain his vision for building a team, which starts with one simple question: what brought you here today?

Adam Rosh always knew he didn’t have to invent something to become a successful entrepreneur. He just needed to find a better way to deliver. In this episode, you’ll find out how Rosh went from an emergency room physician to opening his own education and technology company.Adam set up his business so that if he failed, he would fail high. He’ll explain what it takes to point your compass in a direction that’s away from your comfort zone. Everything Adam’s company does is filtered through three core values. You’ll learn how that type of culture has created loyalty amongst employees and customers alike.

Tedx events have always been known for sharing ideas and inspiring innovation. Little did event producers Terry Bean and Charlie Wollborg know they would have to embrace that very spirit to make Tedx Detroit 2020 happen.In this episode, you’ll find out how Terry and Charlie took Tedx Detroit completely virtual and why that has created opportunities which they’ve never had before. You’ll also get a preview of what Tedx Detroit has in store, including how the event will feel like a return to its roots.

How can we close the gap between where we are and where we want to be? In this episode, you’ll get the answer to that question from Executive Coach, Bill Hart.Bill has been building champions for the last 17 years, from those in the C-Suite to small business owners. He’ll explain his fundamentals for success, including having the discipline to say no to the good so you can say yes to the great. As a 3-time cancer survivor, Bill has figured out how to live life on his terms. You’ll learn how to get the most out of every day by identifying what moves the needle for you.

At 6 foot 11, Paul Davis was hard to miss on the basketball court. But outside an arena of screaming fans, Davis had to find a new way to make his presence known. In this episode, you’ll find out how he went from putting up numbers on the court to crunching numbers in the financial world.It’s one thing to get your foot in the door with a potential client. It’s another for them to let you stay. Davis will explain how the lessons he learned in basketball help him sell relationships over a service.You’ll also hear Davis talk about the many injuries he had to overcome during his playing days and how those experiences shaped his perspective on transitioning to the business world.

She lived her dream for more than 20 years as a television news reporter. Then she decided it was time apply her skills in a different way. In this episode, you’ll find out how Robin Schwartz wrote a new chapter by opening her own public relations firm.Getting her business off the ground was one thing. Keeping up with growth was another. Robin will explain how she built a team that plays to its strengths. Like many other businesses, Robin’s company was drastically impacted by COVID-19. You’ll find out how her old TV skills helped her pivot quickly and keep filling her clients’ needs.

As human beings, we are programmed to compare ourselves to others. However, the biggest opponent we face every day is actually the person we see in the mirror. In this episode, Keynote Speaker Jake Thompson explains how to reach your full potential by competing against yourself.Jake started his company, Compete Every Day, by selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car. You’ll find out how to achieve your goals by focusing on outcomes while praising the process.Plus, Jake discusses how true leadership means caring about and investing in the people on your team and why that matters even if they decide to leave.

She is a top-producing mortgage broker and a mother of four. In this episode, you’ll find out how Jacinda has engineered a work-life balance that allows her to excel in both of those roles.Jacinda built her business on having a genuine desire to help people and by simply being herself. She’ll explain how to form relationships that create clients for life.One of the keys to Jacinda’s success is her willingness to delegate, both in her professional and personal life. You’ll learn how giving up control can help you grab hold of your priorities.

Quarterback. Realtor. Mortgage Broker. Wine Maker. In every arena he’s walked into, Vince Ferragamo has believed he’s going to win. In this episode, you’ll find out how the former LA Ram has used confidence and a cool demeanor to lead each of his teams to success.Much like in football, timing is everything in the real estate business. Vince will discuss the lessons he took from the field that have helped him overcome setbacks and win deals.You’ll also get a taste of life in Vince’s vineyard, where he uses a similar game plan to produce award-winning wines.

Long before his days as an All American at Michigan and a Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers, LaMarr Woodley was preparing for a career after football. In this episode, you’ll find out how Woodley drew up a game plan to break into the business world.On the field, Woodley created chaos for opposing quarterbacks. Now, he’s creating scripts for television and film projects. Woodley talks about tackling his dreams of making it in the entertainment business with the same tenacity he brought between the lines. You’ll also find out how self-confidence fueled Woodley’s success and how anyone can improve when they decide that their biggest competition is themselves.

As an executive at Netflix, Brandon Riegg is behind many of the shows that have kept millions of people entertained during quarantine. In this episode, Brandon explains the process of how a show goes from an idea to on screen.To make it in Hollywood, you have to be persistent and pay your dues. You’ll learn about Brandon’s path to the world’s biggest streaming service and how his leadership style reflects those experiences. You’ll also get a peek behind the curtain of Netflix, including the keys to their culture and why they view failure as an opportunity to be bigger and bolder.

Manny Amezcua is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and executive in the world of financial planning. Most of what he’s learned about business can be traced to his parents, who never went to high school. In this episode, you’ll find out how Manny has used lessons in humanity to achieve success.As a public speaker, Manny talks about living life by design. He’ll explain the recipe for doing that, including his approach to vision, hustle, grit, and gratitude. When Manny is looking to add someone to his team, he can learn everything he needs to know in 15 minutes. You’ll learn about his unconventional interview questions and how they’ve helped him build a dynamic team.

It’s one thing to open up a business. It’s another to do it in the middle of the biggest economic downturn in a century. In this episode, Shah Tehrany talks about the experience of starting up his company during the COVID-19 pandemic.A life-long New Yorker, Shah has been through tough times before. You’ll find out why Shah says challenges bring out the best in him.With a background in technology and a passion for people, Shah had all the tools to make it in the mortgage business. You’ll learn about his path to becoming a successful broker and leader.

There wasn’t a lot that Charlie Bell couldn’t do on the basketball court. He could score, rebound, and defend. But above all, Charlie was a winner. To this day, he’s the winningest player in Michigan State history. In this episode, Charlie shares the lessons he learned from all of the great teams he was on.Charlie didn’t just understand the game – he understood what role he had to play. He’ll explain why that is a key element for any successful team.After nearly 2 decades as a player and a coach, Charlie decided to leave basketball behind for the business world. He explains why he made the move and how he’s using his skillset to help his new team win.

It takes sacrifice, patience, and teamwork to open a business. As the husband and wife owners of Urbanrest Brewing, Zach and Mary Typinski know those things first-hand. In this episode, you’ll find out how they’ve bottled something special.Rather than rely on investors, Zach and Mary have built Urbanrest on their own. They’ll explain why that was important and how they’ve carved out a niche in the highly competitive craft beer market.Zach and Mary aren’t just the owners of their company – they are owner-operators. You’ll learn how that has helped them build a brand that their community has embraced.

It’s one thing to do something that matters. But it’s another thing to do it in a way that brings people together. In this episode, we find out the importance of unifying for a purpose with Grant Botma, the Founder of Stewardship Mortgage.In addition to running a mortgage company, Grant does investments, insurance, and also owns a technology company. You’ll find out why, in each of his businesses, Grants puts behavioral science over classical management skills to build a strong culture.Grant also explains his unique approach to hiring, including his belief that trust should be given, not earned, and what he asks from candidates in every interview.

How do you coach athletes to overcome the mental hurdle of failing more than they succeed? That’s the challenge faced by Hannah Huesman, Mental Skills Coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.In this episode, Hannah explains the mindset it takes to achieve peak performance, from the baseball diamond to the boardroom and beyond.She also explains why it’s tougher to analyze successes than failures, how awareness helps create successful routines, and knowing the how and why of confidence is the bottom of the iceberg.

What happens when your childhood best friend becomes your business partner? Justin DeJoseph and Chris Pell have the found the right dynamic to become a leading duo for one of the top mortgage broker shops in the country. In this episode, Justin and Chris explain how they successfully mix business with friendship.Like many in the mortgage industry, Justin and Chris’ story is one of persistence. You’ll learn how they made it through the tough times and came away with a better vision for their business.Despite their success, Justin and Chris never stop making adjustments. You’ll find out why some of their best successes have come from their biggest failures.

He grew up in a neighborhood so dangerous that pizza delivery wouldn’t go there. Where others around him may have used their environment as an excuse, Greg Jones saw a way out – and he went after it relentlessly.In this episode, you’ll find out how Greg engineered his path to big-time football, which took him to the NFL and made him a Super Bowl champion. Now in his second act as a motivational speaker, Greg will explain how others can find a second passion and why persistence is a prerequisite for success, especially in moments of self-doubt.

In her corporate life, Paige Arnof-Fenn was always the person trying to bend, break, or change the rules. That’s how she knew she had to go out on her own. In this episode, you’ll learn how Paige has taken her past experiences and used them to build a successful marketing agency.As an entrepreneur, Paige spent many years trying to be everything to everyone. It wasn’t until a tough period in her personal life that she decided to choose quality over quantity. Paige explains why less can be more, both personally and professionally.

It’s no coincidence that top performers share many of the same mindsets and habits. In this episode, keynote speaker and former basketball performance coach Alan Stein explains why success is a result of doing the little things well, especially when no one else is watching. In his time as a basketball coach, Alan worked with NBA All-Star Kevin Durant and also spent time around the likes of Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant. You’ll find out how the strategies used by elite athletes can transfer to success in the business world. Plus, Alan reveals his biggest key to sales performance and how leaders can establish strong relationships with their team.

What does it take to make a decision that puts long-term gains over short-term pains? In this episode, we find out the answer with Mike Kortas and Mat Grella, co-owners of Nexa Mortgage. Mike and Mat ended their relationship with a business partner whose values didn’t align with theirs. You’ll learn why that is so important in business and why every action you take should reflect what you say your values are. We also find out why seeing beyond the bottom line is crucial to the reputation and success of any company.

What started as an idea amongst 5 friends has turned into one of the best stories in American soccer. In this episode, Detroit City Football Club co-owner Alex Wright explains how he and his buddies have helped promote a sport, a city, and grown a business all at the same time. Alex and the owners of Detroit City FC have poured a lot of sweat equity into their business. You’ll learn about the importance of being unselfish as you’re looking to advance in any job or company.Even as they’ve experienced rapid growth, the owners of Detroit City FC have stayed true to their original mission. Find out why having an authentic brand can build a loyal fan base and drive a business.

What does it take to pursue your passion project and make it your full-time job? In this episode, entrepreneur and restauranteur Quiana Broden explains how she made her dream a reality through perseverance, positivity, and a plan.Quiana’s business was actually born out of necessity. She’ll talk about the disease that prompted her to make a drastic lifestyle change and how she turned it into an opportunity to help others.Plus, find out how Quiana focuses her business model around what her customers want and how other entrepreneurs can take a similar approach to find success.

Shelby Elias has always known exactly what he wanted out of life. Even better, he had the persistence to go get it. From rehabbing and selling go-karts as a kid to diving into his own business at 20 years old, you’ll find out how Shelby went from humble beginnings to one of the top mortgage brokers in northern California. Shelby approaches his work relationships much like he does his personal relationships. He’ll explain how he’s found success by wearing his heart on his sleeve. You’ll also learn why Shelby believes the best goals to set are the ones that make you the most uncomfortable.

He’s one of the most successful college coaches of the modern era, a National Champion, and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. In this episode, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo shares the secrets that have helped him reach the top of the coaching world and how those skills translate to any business.One of the keys for a successful coach or leader is earning a team’s trust. Coach Izzo explains how he does that and offers his advice on what separates great from elite. We also find out why, even after 25 years in the same job, Coach Izzo plans to never stop learning or evolving.

He wakes up every day pumped up. He thinks everybody should act like they’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. And he believes that money should always be secondary to making sure clients are happy.In this episode, David Hall, President and CEO of Hall Financial Group, reveals his unique approach to leadership, including the one and only goal his company has. A perpetual optimist, David also explains why businesses get stronger when they focus on enhancing their people’s strengths instead of their weaknesses.

What if you were abandoned by everyone and everything that mattered to you simply for being yourself? How would you pick yourself up? Who would you turn to? Where would you go?In this episode, AVP of Sales Nick Gaudino takes us on his journey to find himself - from not knowing where his next meal was coming from to becoming a successful leader focused on helping others find their own purpose. Nick’s story is one of perseverance, acceptance, and ultimately, paying kindness forward.