POPULARITY
14 episodes with long term thinking
3 episodes with long term thinking
3 episodes with long term thinking
2 episodes with long term thinking
3 episodes with long term thinking
2 episodes with long term thinking
2 episodes with long term thinking
5 episodes with long term thinking
2 episodes with long term thinking
Market trends, risk management, and long-term planning take center stage alongside clips discussing work and legacy. This episode with Jackie Campbell highlights how disciplined decision-making and perspective influence financial outcomes. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 352-251-1015 or visit www.mycampbellandco.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | YouTube | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with bestselling author Eric Ries for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, mission, and the growing crisis of short-term thinking in business.Eric first transformed the entrepreneurial world with The Lean Startup. In his latest book, Incorruptible, he tackles a new challenge: why so many organizations lose sight of their purpose, compromise their values, and drift away from the very mission that made them successful in the first place.Together, we explore why many traditional business “best practices” are no longer serving leaders, employees, or society — and what it takes to build organizations that can withstand the pressures of short-term performance, protect trust, and stay anchored in their values over time.Through powerful stories, real-world examples, and surprising data, listeners learn how organizations can defend their mission, outlast competitors, and resist the economic “gravity” that pulls so many companies into compromise. From redefining profit as human flourishing to making trust and love into competitive advantages, the episode offers a blueprint for building companies that not only succeed financially, but endure.Whether you're a founder determined to preserve your mission, or an executive seeking to build a culture of integrity, this episode is packed with practical guidance and inspiration. Tune in to discover what it truly means to become an incorruptible force for the good of your business and the good of humanity.What You'll Learn- The perils of “best practices.”- Corruption isn't just a crime – It's losing your purpose.- How the moral logic of capitalism has been lost.- Redefining profit: Maximizing human flourishing.- Mission (not money) makes companies endure.- Trust and love are competitive advantages.- Governance isn't boring. It's your organization's DNA.- Does growth kill mission? The risk is real. The reality does not have to be.- You can build incorruptible companies: An evidence-based business case.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - A Special Topic and Guest(01:49) - From the Lean Start-up to Incorruptible(04:07) - Defining and Diagnosing Corruption(08:32) - The Moral Logic of Capitalism and Value Creation(13:03) - Redefining Profit and Human Flourishing(19:15) - Mission Drift and Protecting Organizational Purpose(22:01) - Outliers: Exceptional Companies and New Best Practices(25:29) - Financial Gravity, Longevity, and Employee Ownership(30:00) - Trust as Organizational Currency(34:23) - The Long Term Stock Exchange and Long-Termism(35:20) - Love, People-First Leadership, and Real Competitive Advantage(41:23) - Governance, Board Dynamics, and Creating Incorruptible Organizations(44:46) - Lessons from Case Studies: Zita Cobb and Beyond(49:16) - Closing Reflections and Practical ResourcesKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Incorruptible, Integrity, Do Good to Lead Well, Long Term Thinking, Effective Governance, Market Reform, Lean Startup Method, Company Culture, Avoiding Short Term Thinking, Corruption, Capitalism, Value Creation, Shareholder Primacy, Business Ethics, Corporate Mission, Profit Redefinition, Human Flourishing, Stakeholder Alignment, Organizational Trust, Financial Gravity, Mission Controlled Companies, Organizational Character, CEO Success
New research suggests nearly 100 of our CEO's are backing their businesses but not New Zealand. The Pivot and Pace survey found many CEOs are growing frustrated with the country's lack of long-term thinking. Many are saying three-year political cycles and a lack of cross-party agreement are holding the country back. Founding Partner of Pivot & Pace Kendall Langston told Mike Hosking there are other countries with visions longer than two political cycles. He says CEOs aren't wanting Government involvement – rather a runway and guaranteed resilience to create some confidence in the direction they're heading. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research suggests nearly 100 of our CEO's are backing their businesses but not New Zealand. The Pivot and Pace survey found many CEOs are growing frustrated with the country's lack of long-term thinking. Many are saying three-year political cycles and a lack of cross-party agreement are holding the country back. Founding Partner of Pivot & Pace Kendall Langston told Mike Hosking there are other countries with visions longer than two political cycles. He says CEOs aren't wanting Government involvement – rather a runway and guaranteed resilience to create some confidence in the direction they're heading. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Darrick Hutchens is a financial advisor and founder of Monon Wealth. He is passionate about helping individuals and families build confidence, clarity, and long-term success with their finances. Known for his steady leadership and client-first approach, Darrick specializes in guiding people through important life and wealth decisions with purpose and perspective. 00:40 Process Over Emotion in Performance 02:00 Early Lessons That Built a Competitive Edge 03:40 Control the Process, Beat Bigger Competition 05:40 Golf as a Mirror for Self-Awareness 10:40 Learning to Respond to Setbacks, Not React 15:40 Why Time Alone Builds Mental Toughness 20:40 Separating Identity from Performance 25:40 Staying Steady When Pressure Rises 30:40 Decision-Making Without Emotional Drift 35:40 Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World 41:10 Building a Niche in Correctional Facilities 47:00 Protecting the Business Inside a Specialized Market Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram! Follow At: X @drrobbell Instagram @drrobbell Download Your Daily Focus Map! https://drrobbell.com/ 5 Mental Toughness Advantages for Financial Advisors: https://pages.drrobbell.com If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review! Dr. Rob Bell
In this episode, we explore toxic fitness culture with movement coach and WeShape co-founder Tyler Bramlett, whose perspective was transformed after a life-altering cycling accident pushed him to rethink appearance-driven fitness. Drawing from years of rehabilitation and research, Tyler shares how alignment, mindful movement, and "movement freedom" can help people move with less pain, greater confidence, and a healthier relationship with their bodies. With more than 800 million views and 6.3 million followers, he's challenging the fitness industry and redefining what it really means to feel good in your body. Key Takeaways To Tune In For:(05:51) – Beyond Functional Fitness (09:39) – From Ego to Body Respect (12:30) – Long Term Thinking and Self Care (16:56) – Body Neutrality and Self-Worth (21:27) – Joyful Movement and Movement Freedom (25:32) – Feeling Lighter and Mindset Shift Resources talked about in this episode: Websites: WeShape Social media handles: FB LinkedIn IG YouTube
Bottlenecks often act as constraints on growth, but companies that create funnels through them can gain pricing power and capture long-term value. Investment manager Mike Taylor reveals some of the companies he thinks achieve this best and how he spots such pinch points before they fully form.Mike Taylor is a Baillie Gifford partner, an investment manager in its Global Alpha Strategy and a co-manager of The Monks Investment Trust. In this conversation, he tells Short Briefings… host Leo Kelion about how bottlenecks can confer an advantage on companies that sit astride them. That includes those that serve a mismatch between supply and demand created by others, and those whose products and services create a new pinch point, which they control. In addition, he explains why mixing a cocktail of bottlenecks in his portfolios can deliver smoother growth for their shareholders. Portfolio companies discussed include:Medpace – the drug and biologic contract research organisation Games Workshop – the maker of the Warhammer tabletop battle gamesTidewater – the provider of offshore vessels to the oil and gas sectorFreeport-McMoRan – the mining company that produces gold and copper, among other mineralsDISCO – the precision tools company, widely used in the semiconductor industrySamsung Electronics – the electronics conglomerateSK Hynix – the memory chip specialist Resources:Don't Burn Your Boats: the case for selective AI investingGlobal Alpha Investment StrategySPQR: A History of Ancient RomeShort Briefings on Long Term Thinking podcast archiveThe Monks Investment TrustValuing scarcity in the age of AI Companies mentioned include:AmazonDISCOGames WorkshopTidewaterFreeport-McMoRanMedpaceNVIDIASamsung ElectronicsSandozSK HynixTimecodes:00:00 Introduction02:10 Investing inside and outside Baillie Gifford03:55 Defining bottlenecks04:45 How Medpace helps biotechs meet regulatory requirements07:35 Founder-leader, August Troendle09:30 Stress testing the bottleneck12:00 Games Workshop creates its own pinch point14:50 Shepherding Warhammer over the long term17:45 Mixing bottlenecks to reduce volatility20:05 Tidewater and the coming offshore vessel shortage23:30 Freeport-McMoRan feeds the US's copper needs26:20 AI bottlenecks: silicon wafers and high-bandwidth memory30:00 Enduring versus fleeting bottlenecks31:25 Book choiceGlossary of terms (in order of mention): Adenovirus: A common type of virus that can cause mild illnesses such as colds, sore throats or conjunctivitis, but can also be modified for medical uses such as delivering genes into cells. Gene therapy: A treatment that works by adding, altering or replacing genes inside a patient's cells to treat disease.Clinical trials: Research studies in people that test whether a medicine, treatment or medical approach is safe and effective. FDA: The US Food and Drug Administration, the regulator responsible for approving medicines, vaccines and medical devices in the United States. Contract research organisation: An organisation that helps biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies run clinical trials.Private partnership: A business owned by its partners rather than by public shareholders. Supernormal profits: Profits above what would normally be expected in a competitive market.Supply side: The part of an industry concerned with how much of a product or service companies can provide.Demand side: The part of an industry concerned with how much customers want or need a product or service. Rate limiter: The factor that determines the maximum speed at which something can grow, expand or be produced.Novel therapies: New types of medical treatments, often based on recent scientific advances.Intellectual property (IP): Legal rights over creations such as brands, stories, characters, designs, patents or software.Free cash flow: The cash a company produces after paying the costs needed to run and maintain the business.Energy transition: The shift from fossil-fuel-based energy systems toward lower-carbon sources such as renewables, batteries and electrification.Compute: The processing power needed to train or run AI models or other computing tasks. High-bandwidth memory (HBM): A type of advanced memory chip that can move very large amounts of data quickly to processors, making it especially useful for AI systems. Steam turbine: A device that uses steam to spin a wheel or rotor, converting heat energy into mechanical motion.
There's no reason parties on left and right in New Zealand politics can't work together to get stuff done. This week we've seen it with the India FTA. It's essentially just deal-making. It'll pass because a party not in government joined forces with two in government to make it happen. We've seen it with a member's bill, put forward to Labour's Arena Williams, on international money transfers. When you transfer money to somebody overseas, the banks and transfer companies can basically say what they like about fees and commissions then charge you what they like. They don't need to up front about it. The bill would force them to tell you what they going to charge before you're charged, rather than find out once the money's left your account. It seems like pretty sensible law-making to me. It passed its first reading this week. A Labour MP's bill. National didn't support it. But that didn't matter, because ever other party in the House —including ACT and New Zealand First— did. The modern slavery bill had similar bi-partisan support. Imagine if we could get that same sort of love-in on energy and infrastructure? The fact our politicians are trained like pit bulls to attack each other —the Opposition is literally called the Opposition— is an advantage to a single party state like China, don't get me wrong. But where the Chinese, and others who don't have to worry about that pesky wee thing we call democracy, benefit is that they have one plan. One team. One dream. They build roads and trading routes with the next 50 to 100 years in mind, rather than the next three. Business and industry —and therefore jobs— depend on and plan around things they know to be true. Getting Beijing-style plans without resorting to dictatorship requires a few grown-ups, a little less mongrel, and little more long-term thinking in Wellington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the latest episode of the #RadicalReformers Podcast, Andrew Laird is joined by Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU). Jonathan and Andrew explore the importance of communities having trust in councils and other key local institutions and also why long-term thinking matters. They discuss how both councils and the communities they serve have essential roles to play in our society and its future success. Councils create the enabling framework, accountability and formal representation. Communities bring civic energy, local knowledge and the capability to shape solutions that fit real lives. Jonathan is also clear that embedding prevention and place-based approaches can take years - but that's exactly why they're so powerful. Ten years can feel incremental until you look back and realise it was the most radical change of all! When participation works through and alongside institutions, you get the best of both. For anyone working in (or alongside) public services who's trying to make an impact, Jonathan's advice is simple - just "keep going" - because the difference isn't always one dramatic leap, it's often the accumulation of changes made every single day. Real change rarely arrives with a quick, big announcement. More often, it's built quietly through long-term thinking, shared endeavour, and the discipline to keep going.
Welcome to episode #1033 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). We spent the last twenty-five years calling software "technology," which was convenient, profitable and just a little bit delusional. Apps got smarter. Feeds got stickier. Ads got creepier. Dashboards got dashboards. Meanwhile, the real world kept asking harder questions. How do we produce enough clean energy for eight billion people? How do we build things again? How do we manufacture without waste? How do we use AI for science, not just better chatbots and faster slop? Pablos Holman has spent his career living inside those questions. He is a hacker, inventor, venture capitalist, and founder of Deep Future, an invention capital firm backing the mad scientists, rogue engineers and maverick entrepreneurs trying to build technologies that actually matter. His career has touched everything from cryptocurrency in the 1990s and AI for financial markets to the early days of Blue Origin and the launch of Intellectual Ventures Lab, where the work included mosquito-killing lasers, malaria-diagnosing microscopes, vaccine coolers, advanced antennas and nuclear reactors powered by waste. His book, Deep Future - Creating Technology That Matters, argues that the next wave of innovation will not come from making software marginally more addictive. It will come from solving the physical, messy, expensive, essential problems that humanity depends on: energy, water, food, waste, construction, manufacturing, medicine and infrastructure. In this conversation, Pablos makes the case for optimism with teeth. Not optimism as a mood. Optimism as a discipline. A willingness to stare at massive problems without flinching… and then go build something. We talk about why software can't save the world by itself, why energy may be the root problem behind almost everything, why AI's most meaningful work may happen in science, and why the future belongs to people willing to work on problems big enough to scare everyone else. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:04:47. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Pablos Holman. Deep Future - Creating Technology That Matters. Check out Pablos on the Tim Ferriss Podcast: One of The Scariest Hackers I've Ever Met — Pablos Holman. Follow Pablos on LinkedIn. Follow Pablos on X. Follow Pablos on Instagram. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Deep Future and Venture Capital. (02:47) - The Shift from Software to Deep Tech. (06:08) - Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Robotics. (08:49) - The Environmental Impact of Energy Production. (12:13) - Innovative Solutions for Energy Challenges. (15:08) - The Role of AI in Scientific Advancements. (17:53) - Cultural Shifts in Manufacturing and Education. (20:55) - The Future of Energy and Nuclear Solutions. (23:56) - The Importance of Long-Term Thinking. (26:45) - Connecting Work to Meaning and Purpose. (30:13) - The Role of Corporations in Infrastructure Investment. (33:03) - The Future of Jobs in an Automated World. (36:13) - AI's Role in Solving Global Problems. (39:01) - The Need for Optimism in Technology. (41:59) - Final Thoughts and the Future of Humanity.
Welcome to episode #1031 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a time when businesses are still trying to wrap their heads around "customer experience," few thinkers have shaped that conversation… and pushed it forward… as much as B. Joseph Pine II. As cofounder of Strategic Horizons, Joe has spent decades helping organizations understand how economic value evolves… from commodities to goods, to services, to experiences… and now, to something far more ambitious. Best known for The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre And Every Business A Stage, Joe didn't just introduce a concept… he gave leaders a new language to describe how businesses compete for time, attention and meaning. In this conversation, Joe extends that thinking through his latest work, The Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers To Achieve Their Aspirations, where the goal is no longer just to stage memorable moments… but to help customers become something more. He argues that the highest form of economic value isn't what a company delivers… but what a customer becomes as a result. That shift reframes everything: experiences are no longer the end game… they are the raw material for change. Drawing on decades of research and real-world examples, Joe makes the case that businesses must move beyond efficiency and even beyond engagement… toward fostering human flourishing across dimensions like health, wealth, wisdom and purpose. It's a bold elevation of the role of business… one that demands a long-term mindset, ethical use of data, and a deeper understanding of individual customers as people, not segments. And while technologies like AI can accelerate customization and coaching, Joe is clear that tools alone won't get us there… mindset will. In a world obsessed with speed, optimization and short-term gains, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the real opportunity lies in helping people grow… not just transact. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 58:44. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with B. Joseph Pine II. Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers To Achieve Their Aspirations. The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre And Every Business A Stage. Strategic Horizons. Follow Joe on Substack. Follow Joe on X. Follow Joe on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - The Experience Economy: A Game Changer. (03:07) - Understanding Experiences vs. Services. (06:01) - The Challenge of Attention in the Experience Economy. (09:05) - The Progression of Economic Value. (11:50) - Transformation: The Next Level of Value. (14:56) - The Role of Self-Service in Experiences. (18:07) - Empathy and Customer-Centric Business. (20:53) - Long-Term Thinking in Business Strategy. (31:32) - Long-Term Investment Strategies for Companies. (34:51) - The Importance of Meaningful Purpose in Business. (37:48) - Data, Analytics, and the Customization Revolution. (39:40) - Balancing Data Use and Customer Privacy. (46:51) - The Concept of Flourishing in Business. (52:15) - Experiences vs. Anti-Consumerism. (53:35) - AI: The Future of Customization and Transformation.
Connect with Early Riders // Connect with OnrampPresented collaboratively by Early Riders & Onramp Media…Final Settlement is a weekly podcast covering capital markets, dealmaking, early-stage venture, bitcoin applications and protocol development.Chapters00:00 - Morgan Stanley Enters the Bitcoin ETF Race09:53 - The Implications of Morgan Stanley's Strategy21:23 - Coinbase's Bitcoin-Backed Mortgages28:59 - Stablecoin Clarity Act and Market Dynamics32:51 - The Future of Banking in Crypto34:08 - Market Dynamics and IPO Insights38:02 - Legal Challenges in the Crypto Space42:30 - The Evolution of Bitcoin as a Treasury Asset45:52 - AI's Impact on the Financial Sector50:43 - Square's Bitcoin Payment Innovations54:14 - Tether's Audit and Market Trust56:44 - The Role of AI in Business Growth01:00:31 - Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term MarketIf you found this valuable, please subscribe to Early Riders Insights for access to the best content in the ecosystem weekly.Keep up with Michael:https://x.com/MTangumahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mtanguma/Keep up with Liam:https://x.com/Lnelson_21https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-nelson1/Keep up with Brian:https://x.com/BackslashBTChttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cubellis-00b1a660/
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Joel “Thor” Neeb '99 explains this simple framework. “Yes” builds experience. “No” protects focus and time. SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Joel Neeb '99 explains this simple framework. Yes builds experience. No protects focus and time. Leadership is knowing when to shift. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK JOEL'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS 1. Time is your most finite — and most misused — resource. Facing mortality created instant clarity: Stop letting others waste your time. You must actively protect time to focus on what matters most. 2. Regret comes from inaction — not failure. Neeb didn't regret failures — he regretted not trying things that were uncomfortable. Leadership growth = bias toward action in uncertainty. 3. Imposter syndrome + growth mindset = a leadership superpower — “I don't belong here… yet” paired with effort fuels growth. Elite teams are full of people quietly thinking the same thing — and pushing forward anyway. 4. Reinvention is not optional — it's continuous. You don't “transition” to a new role — you start over from scratch. The best leaders willingly become beginners again. 5. Comfort is the enemy of growth. When things become easy, growth stops. Leaders must intentionally seek discomfort, not avoid it. 6. Elite teams + inspiring mission = peak human performance The most meaningful work comes from: Being on a team where you feel you must earn your place and pursuing a mission bigger than yourself. This combination drives purpose and performance. 7. Say yes early in life, say no later in life. Under 35: Say yes to everything → build capability through exposure. Over 35: Say no to almost everything that doesn't align with your goals → protect focus. Leadership maturity = ruthless prioritization. 8. The future belongs to those who disrupt themselves first. AI (and any disruption) rewards those who move early. “Stay slightly ahead of the rate of change” = competitive advantage. 9. AI should be a thought partner in everything; not a replacement but an accelerator. Leaders who integrate AI into daily workflows will move exponentially faster. 10. Think in five-year transformations, not three-month wins. People overestimate short-term output and underestimate long-term transformation. Leadership requires a bold long-term vision and daily actions from that vision. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 — Introduction: From Fighter Pilot to CEO-Level Leadership 00:00:49 — Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: The Moment That Changed Everything 00:03:48 — Clarity on Time, Regret, and What Truly Matters 00:07:02 — Reinventing Yourself: Leaving the Military & Starting Over 00:10:04 — Growth Mindset, Imposter Syndrome & Elite Teams 00:13:38 — Learning the Language of Business 00:17:14 — AI Is Disrupting Everything: What Leaders Must Know 00:22:46 — Using AI as a Thought Partner to Move Faster 00:24:58 — Say Yes Early, Say No Later: Mastering Your Time 00:35:06 — Big Goals, Long-Term Thinking & Final Leadership Lessons 00:37:22 — Joel's Big Audacious Goal: Leading Through AI Disruption 00:42:47 — Using AI to Learn Faster (Even While Working Out) 00:48:14 — Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways ABOUT JOEL BIO Joel "Thor" Neeb '99 is a recognized business leader in the software-as-a-service (SAAS) industry. He most recently served as vice president of execution and transformation at VMware, where he led a cultural and operating model transformation for the 40,000-person company as well as helped launch VMware's AI roadmap and strategy. Prior to VMware, he served as chief executive officer at Afterburner Inc., where he led more than 100 elite professionals, including former fighter pilots, Navy SEALs, and Army Rangers, in helping global organizations achieve breakthrough performance. Neeb is a former United States Air Force F-15 mission commander. He was the tactical leader of 300 of the most senior combat pilots in the U.S. Air Force and oversaw the execution of a $150-million-per-year flight program. CONNECT WITH JOEL LINKEDIN | 8x8 CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor: Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ryan Hall | Director: Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor: Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer: Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS: Guest, Joel "Thor" Neeb '99 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:11 Joel, my friend, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Joel Neeb 0:13 Thank you very much. So glad to chat with you. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:15 Oh gosh. Well, we are excited for this. It's going to be just a filled conversation of incredible insights, and you have so much to share. And I think what's really special about this is how we're going to touch into AI, because it is relevant, and it's everywhere now, but I actually want to dial it back first to a very specific moment in time, and it's probably an area that has really transformed your life, right? So you went through stage 4 cancer. I mean, not many people can say that they have gone through that and survived it, and I think it also really impacted others in your family. Can you just share a little bit about your story? Joel Neeb 0:49 Yeah, so back in 2010 I was flying, on top of the world. I was going through the interview process for the Air Force Thunderbirds, and I found out, out of nowhere, that I had a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. So within just a couple of weeks, I went from feeling like I was at the peak of good health to now being told that I had about 18 months to live and a 15% chance to live five years. And those would be a pretty gruesome five years if I did make it that far. And so that was the new reality that I had to contend with. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 1:19 I can't even imagine that. I mean, just… Was there some kind of indication, like, you went in and you were checked up and they found this? I mean, it just wow, just boom. Joel Neeb 1:30 You know, it's funny. I actually have to credit the flying role with most likely diagnosing and solving this for me early. Because when I would fly and I'd have my G suit on my abdomen, it would inflate against me when I pulled Gs, and it was a pain that I was experienced on the right side of my abdomen that right around my appendix. On a scale of one to 10, it was like a two. So nothing big, but big enough that when I went and saw the flight surgeon for my annual physical, I mentioned it, and I said, I'm sure it's nothing, but they did the right thing, and did some quick tests and ultrasound on that area and some MRI work, and they were able to very quickly determine that a big tumor grown in that spot. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:09 Wow. Well, I guess right there, just a lesson off the bat is listen to your body. You know your body, and if something doesn't feel right, seem right, you know, say something and get it checked out. Joel Neeb 2:18 That's exactly right. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:19 Oh, my goodness. OK, so you got that diagnosis. You're sitting there with that information. How do you process that? What is the conversation with your wife, you know, what's the next step when you're given some kind of timeline like that? Joel Neeb 2:34 Yeah, you know, it's interesting. I would have thought having gone through like fighter pilot training and even the Air Force Academy, and, you know, all the things that build resilience in life, that I would have felt more prepared for that moment. In other words, that I would have felt more prepared than the average individual. But I did not. I felt, I felt very much like I was in a catastrophe from which I couldn't see how to get through the day to day activities. I was a zombie around the house and it really relied on my wife and my family stepping in to help me. And so for a good couple months, it's was just kind of inconsolable and, you know, I always like to say it was, I would wake up and go through my day very, very tired because I didn't sleep the night before. And then I go to bed staring at the ceiling fan spinning, trying to figure out, you know, any options that I would have to extend my life for my kids to remember me a little bit. I had a 1- and a 3-year-old and so I went through life for a couple of months just a zombie and doing very poorly. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:38 So what changed in that couple of months that, I guess, changed the trajectory of how you looked at things, or how you approached her, or what happened? Joel Neeb 3:48 Yeah, you know, there's a great quote that I repeat a lot, which I think makes a lot of sense, which is “the dying have the most to teach us about life.” And what it really means is that when you're faced with these types of struggles, that all of a sudden, whether you're 80 or 33 like I was, you get a certain amount of clarity right in that moment and it's good for eliminating the rest of the noise in your life and identifying what's most important and what should have been most important all along. And that comes through and is in the forefront is it was fascinating to me that the moment I got the diagnosis, immediately I was mad at myself for spending any extra time at work, like it was like a light switch in my head went off and said, like, “You shouldn't have stayed that extra hour at work just to watch the clock turn. You were done with your job there.” I had a boss at the time that I was a huge fan of and he was a clock watcher, and wanted just to be in there to fill up time. And my mind immediately went to “now my finite resource is time, and I've been wasting it.” And I remember vowing that I'll never waste my time again, and I've been very disciplined against letting anybody steal time from me from that point forward; that was one of the key things I took away. And then looking back in my life, there were things I regretted, things that I celebrated and that I was proud of, and also considered what I would do differently if I was given a second chance. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 5:05 So, you know, you wrote a book called Survivor's Obligation. I'm curious about this journey, though, because obviously you beat it 15 years later, you're here. So, you know, you beat the odds of the 18 months. What was that like when you still had to provide for your family? You know, you were still working like, what was that journey like? Joel Neeb 5:25 Yeah, first of all, I have to credit the Air Force with showing up in a huge way. At that time, I was watching other people in the civilian sector who were undergoing cancer struggles, and they had a much more difficult time than I did. The Air Force had stepped in and was making meals around the clock for my family. I didn't have to show up to work. I you know, they afforded me every opportunity to get better and I really credit the Air Force family with getting me through that period of time, in ways I just certainly would not have been able to get through on my own, and in terms of, like how I looked at my life as I was thinking about the things I was proud of and the things I regretted. The things that I was proud of I was a little surprised by, and the things I regretted I was surprised by. I didn't regret my failures, of which there were many. I didn't regret them, because what I actually regretted were those times that I didn't try, where there's times where I didn't make the effort into doing something new that was a little bit scary, that would have put me outside of my comfort zone, and maybe would have challenged my ego a little bit. And now the end of my life was here, and I'd never have a chance to do anything else. You know, my story was complete. And I said, you know, really angry at that. Had I gotten a second chance, I would do things very differently. I love being a fighter pilot, but I would have preferred it to have been a chapter in my life, not the entire book. I would have tried to go to the business world and done all these things, and when I did get that second chance, and basically, God called my bluff and said, “All right, let's see if you actually follow through with this.” Then, of course, I had to hold myself accountable to living differently in that next chapter. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:02 So that's what you're doing now. You're living in this next chapter. And so, I mean, I think there's a transition out of the military. Obviously, you retired as a lieutenant colonel. And so talk us a little bit about in this moment of what you're going to do if given a second chance. Let's talk about what some of those things that you took a chance on, maybe in the business world first. Joel Neeb 7:24 Sure. So our mutual friend, Kovacic, he says, “I'm in the middle of my Texas Longhorn MBA right now. It's amazing. It's just down the street from you.” He knew — he was following my cancer struggle closely. And he said, “Look, you're two years into this journey. Who knows what the future holds?” But I talked to him about wanting to be in the business sector and trying something new. And he said, “If you're serious about that, you should join the MBA program.” And so that's what I did. I went and joined the MBA program and had a blast being the dumbest guy in the room, by far, in business school. At the same time, it almost reminded me of being a fighter pilot again, or at least the early days of being a fighter pilot, because it was a little bit of a combination of terror and exhilaration, which is really what I loved about being a fighter pilot. That first time you go upside down by yourself and in pilot training and you prove to yourself you can do it, you're a little bit terrified, but fully exhilarated, and knowing that this is exactly what you should be doing. At the same time, I had that same sentiment as I'm sitting in business school classes, as I'm trying to keep up with the conversation there, and you say, “Well, you know that's so different from flying a plane, how are you getting the same joy out of it?” And it's really because where I landed with, you know, what did I value most in life. It came down to the times when I was on an elite team with an inspiring mission, an elite team, meaning I felt like I didn't deserve that spot there. And the little secret was, everybody on the elite team didn't feel like they deserve that spot there. But boy, are they going to try to earn it. And then that inspiring mission that we're pursuing, whether it was our time at the Air Force Academy, I always felt like I didn't deserve to be there. I felt like that was an incredibly elite team with an inspiring mission. Felt the same way about being a fighter pilot. Had a healthy dose of imposter syndrome going through all of this, but I've learned to believe that that's a bit of a superpower, in a sense, because if you have imposter syndrome coupled with a growth mindset, which means I don't belong here today, but I can sure earn the right if I try hard. I think that helps us to really realize the full potential of our lives. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 9:26 Really well said. And I think that actually kind of helps us see how you're able to make that transition. I want to go back to the fact, — first off, Kope is amazing. I love that he, you know — it talks about the Long Blue Line and our networks from the Air Force Academy. They really are for life. And I think, you know, you just, kind of just showed that you applied and you participated in this MBA program when you're in your mid-30s. Then can you talk about that a little bit? I think there's an interest in, “Oh, if I didn't do this in my 20s, it's too late.” Can you talk about that transition in, you know, your mid-30s, and do you think that was the right time? Can people do it later in their life, etc? Joel Neeb 10:04 So I would say you certainly can do it at any point in life. You can recreate yourself at any point. A lot of — gonna go totally off topic, but a lot of longevity science is saying that the first person to live to be 150 is alive today, meaning we're all going to see a lot more healthy years hopefully in our lives than ever before. So that should mean that all of us should pursue multiple chapters, and there's certainly not a point in life where we're done reinventing ourselves. But the key is the word “reinventing.” And I was at a point in my career where, at 33 years old, I was very, very comfortable flying. I was very, very comfortable doing air shows and flybys and leading missions and signing autographs. And so my identity was a lot of ego and not a lot of growth, meaning it felt good to be told how great I was at doing a certain skill set, but it wasn't that hard to do anymore. It becomes rote, and I wasn't growing at this point. In order to go into the business world, I had to completely reinvent myself. And I like to tell people that are transitioning out of the military, as difficult as it was to do the first thing, whether that's be a fighter pilot or an intel officer, or how you had to reinvent yourself at 23 years old — that's just as challenging as it's going to be. You have to sign up again for the B course, as we call it, as fighter pilots. The thing that introduces you to being a fighter pilot and realize that you're devoting that much effort to reinvent yourself. And people would push back and say, “Yeah, but you've already led in these environments. You have all of these things that should carry over. Wouldn't it be easier for you just to make a transition and less of that initiation energy that's required to start this new thing?” The answer is no, you literally have to start it over, as if you're 25 years old. You got to eat a lot of humble pie and realize you're not special in this environment. But the good news is, you can become special very quickly if you're willing to reinvent yourself now — you bring perspective that nobody else can carry. Nobody else knows how to navigate high stakes, life-or-death environments like we've learned in the military. Nobody shows up with the processes that we've learned through checklists and through cultural training, all the things that maybe we didn't even aware that we're seeing. As soon as you see the opposite in the business world and you realize, well, we don't have that great of a culture here. We had a great one in the military. That's a huge resource that you can bring into that environment, but only after you've completely reinvented yourself and translated your skill set into something that's meaningful for that business setting. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:28 So Joel, that's fascinating, because what you're saying is you're almost stripping yourself of all these experiences to really open up your aperture for what's new. And I'm curious if this was a way you came into that? Sid you go in with your eyes wide open with that plan, or did you learn this about yourself? Joel Neeb 12:47 I came into it arrogantly. I went into these conversations thinking, “Wait till they see how much I have to offer. I've been in very complex scenarios. I've led my way out of them. I have all these awards for being a good leader and a good instructor, and so just wait until they see what I've got to offer.” And that's why business school helped me out a lot, because in a sandbox setting that really didn't have consequences, I got to participate in conversations and learn very quickly I didn't know what they were talking about and that they were — they had an understanding around business already that I didn't have. I didn't understand the language, and I needed to really reeducate myself to become ready in this moment. And so there were moments in that period where I would have done very differently in approaching that next transition, had I known how far I had to go to really having something to offer the business sector. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 13:38 Was there a moment during that time when you were getting your MBA that, in a way that cancer startled you as a life-or-death situation, and you changed your you know — “If I'm given a second chance.” Was there a moment in the business, you know, getting your MBA where you like, really, like, linked into like, this is what I'm going to be doing. It was so clear to you the next move in this, in this journey. Joel Neeb 14:04 Yeah, I say that. I mean, there's one that stands out that really showed how little I understood the business world. So they're talking about pipeline in this conversation at my MBA school, and they said, “You know, we need to improve pipeline. We're working on getting better pipeline for our needs.” And I'm listening to this thinking, “What are they talking about? Is this like an oil pipeline? Is this pipe plumbing? What do they mean?” And for those in the business sector, of course, you understand. They're talking about a sales pipeline. A sales pipeline is a sales funnel that shows that the leads that turns into the sales and the conversion rate and all the things that that, of course, I know intimately well. Now, at that point, it showed me that there's an entire language I just haven't been exposed to, because I'd been talking about missiles and G forces and airplanes for so long that it didn't matter how much experience I was bringing to the table. There was a language I didn't understand. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 14:50 I think that is really, really thoughtful in how you showed that, because then it helped you probably in navigating when you're leading, you know, other teams that have different experiences coming to the table. So when you learn that language, and I want to talk a little bit about, you know, CEO of Afterburner, let's just talk about your role in the civilian sector, your multiple roles, I'd love for you to share a couple of stories where you've grown as a leader and where you've continued to learn things about yourself in that space. Joel Neeb 15:22 Yeah, so at Afterburner, what we end up doing at Afterburner, more often than not, was leading in keynotes, doing workshops for training, and what we would show them is how you can leverage the things that we learned in the military on the elite teams that we participated in, whether that's Green Beret, fighter pilot, Navy SEAL — we hired all those backgrounds, and, of course, look for teams that had a business degree on top of that. What we ended up doing was getting on stage in front of these folks and sometimes talking to 10,000 people. So I've done presentations in front of 10,000 people in my past. And what I was surprised by — thinking about the learning opportunities and where the growth came from — is that even after having done 3,000 briefings, you know, in a fighter pilot setting, and getting in front of the red flag team in Nellis and doing a presentation there, I would be behind the scenes at some of these huge presentations, and I would get incredible stage fright, I guess is the only way to say it. Butterflies. I would feel like I was going to pass out. And the reason I share this is because I was frustrated that it didn't translate better to this new thing that I was looking to do with public speaking. Now I'm talking for an hour, and I had to be engaging and comical at times, and, you know, bringing the audience into it. I say that because, once again, I was finding that that combination of terror and exhilaration and proving to myself that I could do it, and I had a new place that I needed to grow into for that now, I've done this enough times where my heart rate doesn't go up a beat when I do this at this point, but that's after doing thousands of presentations and I think the key takeaway for me was our growth is never over with, and it's growth that really feels good, and so leaning into those areas of discomfort has been something that's been really important to me my entire life, particularly after cancer. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:06 So what is growing you now? What is new for you that you are pursuing in your personal growth and development? Joel Neeb 17:14 Yeah, so it was new for me now is what's new for society, this next era with AI. AI is going to disrupt every one of our lives. And just as aggressively as AI disrupted my life with cancer, or, excuse me, as cancer disrupted my life, or even becoming a fighter pilot or joining business school disrupted my life, we see the same thing take place on a personal and professional level because of just how powerful this new technology is. And if you're sitting there wondering, “It hallucinates still, and I don't really buy it, and we'll see where this ends up,” I'm here to tell you, as somebody who's at the bleeding edge of AI that's going to transform every single thing we do in very good ways, but also disrupt the way you think you add value today, and the way you think that you know we should participate on teams right now. And so that's it's going to disrupt everything. And so I'm looking to constantly reinvent myself in the context of this next era. And I'm also looking to lead our 2,400-person company at 8x8 on that same journey, so that we can disrupt ourselves before we're disrupted. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:14 So what does that look like right now? Share something maybe that is on the leading edge of that, you know, that forefront of being disruptive before you're disrupted in your organization. Joel Neeb 18:27 Yeah, so for us, it's making this new technology as accessible as possible so that we can break down the barriers for using it and realizing that, much like in the '90s, we went from only a small technical portion of the company that was using computers, then expanded to, of course, everyone in the company is using a computer on every desk. But that wasn't always like that in the late '80s and early '90s; that was just reserved for a very technical portion of the group. Now that expanded. Of course, everyone's on the net. You wouldn't dream of trying to get a job without being internet savvy and having computer skills. We're going to see the same thing take place with AI and so, and I don't just mean using AI. I mean using AI to code, using AI to build things, and it's not just going to be reserved for that technical component of the company anymore. And so what that looks like for us: We conduct a weekly session where we talk about the use cases from the previous week on a personal and a professional level. Why is that important? Because now we're breaking down that barrier. So last week, I'll give you an example. We had somebody whose father passed a couple months ago, and this person had he lives in the UK. He's from Africa. His father had never met his son, so this person's grandson, his father's grandson, he'd never met. And by using AI at his funeral, he was able to take their images and create a moment where they came together and hugged and picked up the grandson and played this really touching video for the rest of the people there to share in that moment that never really happened, of course, but was able to celebrate this person's life and that connection through the grandson. And it was just a really I mean, they were people that were getting emotional, talking about it, listening to the story. And then we have somebody else say, I had my basement flood, and I took pictures of it, and I used AI to imagine how we would have to renovate it and build it back better. And somebody else says I successfully used AI to combat the tax increase on my house, because I came up with good comparables around the area and a good way to beat it. By the way, it's a really good one to use, if you have… Col. Naviere Walkewicz 20:32 A mental note right there. Joel Neeb 20:33 Exactly. So we're lowering the barriers on a personal level. So then when I tell you on a professional level, here are my expectations for how you'll bring AI to the table to accelerate the things you're already doing, the teams are ready to do that, and that's been a really important aspect of this journey. Naviere Walkewicz 20:50 Is it important for an organization to already have a culture that is open to — I think what you know is you're going to get a bunch of different perspectives. You're going to get a, you know, maybe thinking outside the box that you wouldn't have thought of. So would you say that the organization was ready for that? Or have you had to create that culture along the way? Joel Neeb 21:11 Yeah, I'd say, you know, change is hard. Nobody likes change. We like being through change. And so one of the things that growth provides an opportunity to change for the better, but it's always start to get that activation energy to really pursue change. And so what we had to teach the culture at 8x8 is to not be change weary, but to be change ready, and to understand that in this era, our ability to stay a couple months ahead of the rate of change will be a superpower the likes of which no one can compete with us. Meaning as difficult as it is to pursue this change and to continue reinventing yourself — and when I say revenge up, I mean if you're doing the same thing today in six months, then you're gonna be passed by — literally changing that fast. And we're seeing that inside of our company. And so the new constant will be changed. The new constant will be disruption. And the faster we get comfortable with that, and the faster we realize that if we disrupt ourselves a little bit faster than the competition, that's a superpower, but we're already enjoying it internally within 8x8, but it's because we've forced ourselves to get a little bit ahead. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 22:15 that's really interesting. And I imagine, would you say that it takes, you know, when you are in this transformation mode, because this is what you're taking your organization through, you know, how are you coaching as a leader? How are you — maybe it's through the repetition of trying it in their personal life. But you know, what are you sharing from a leadership perspective that's helping them think that way constantly, right? I mean, it's different from, “OK, I'm going to do this today and…” But how are they constantly ingraining that in themselves? And how are you leading that? Joel Neeb 22:46 Yeah, a couple of ways. One, we're saying that AI should be a thought partner in everything that we do, maybe not a thought leader, meaning, I'm not going to hand off a decision or an activity to AI, per se, but literally in everything that we do. So I'll give you a quick example in your role. So you're doing podcasts, and these are amazing. And by the way, you're poised, and I'm not surprised after knowing you at the Academy, because you were very polished then. But this is incredible. You did a phenomenal job with this. But let's say that you want to get some feedback after this session. You can take this transcript, upload it to AI, and you would say, “Give me the key themes from this session that we discussed.” You could say, “Create emails that will be enticing and send them out to the entire team based on this transcript that we have for this conversation.” You could say, “Create new episodes and new questions for the next 10 guests that will continue to weave a red thread of common questions and common themes throughout all these.” Where I'm going with this is when you consider how to use AI as a thought partner in everything that you're doing, you can go 100 times faster on the key things that we want to accomplish. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 23:52 I believe that wholeheartedly. And just a little side story, I'm coaching my son's fifth grade basketball team. Never coached basketball before, and he's going to be middle school next year, so it's the one and only year. But I used ChatGPT to build out my coaching plan, and we are — we only lost our first game and we've been undefeated since so I'm going to hand it off to my ChatGPT coaching partner. Joel Neeb 24:13 That's amazing. That's a great story. See, that would be one we'd love to hear at our session that we do every week around how accessible AI is. Because people hear that and they say,” I can do that too. I want to bring that to my kids game.” The more we use it every single day, the better prepared we're going to be for the big changes that are coming. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 24:27 Excellent. So Joel, I want to dig into your personal life a little bit, because you have such a fascinating way of — I mean, you make everyone feel that the moment that they're spending with you is 100% theirs. But I know in the background — and your time is important, you talked about that — but I know in the background, you are doing so many things. You've got your family is a key pillar. You know, your health and fitness is a key pillar. You're traveling all the time. As a leader. You know, how are you navigating all of that and doing it so well? Joel Neeb 24:58 Well, first of all, I appreciate the sentiment. I certainly don't feel like I'm always doing it well, but I'll tell you my philosophy and how I mentor people that are that are pursuing a path to their dreams, and whatever that dream might look like, is the following. I tell them, “If you're younger than 35 years old, you need to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.” What do I mean by that? When the boss asks you if you're able to give a big sales presentation, even though the voice in the back of your head says you're not ready for this — “I don't think you you're gonna do well,” the answer is yes. You prepare yourself, you go out there, you embarrass yourself, you do it better next time. And that's how you learn through that process. When they ask you if you're ready to go lead this mission, your answer is yes. You're gonna figure it out. You're gonna do everything behind the scenes to make sure that you're successful. And you're going to push yourself into that discomfort zone and ensure that you're leaning into all of those opportunities as aggressively as you can. Why? Because it's exposure to all of those areas of discomfort that really owns the discipline for us to perform in this positive way when you get to those areas now. When you're after 35 years old, the main advice that I give to people is that you're flipping the script. You are no longer going to say yes to everything you're asked. You're going to aggressively say no to everything you're asked unless it aligns to your key things that you want to pursue in life. So you're completely looking at it in a different direction. I've said yes to everything for the first half of my life. Now I'm saying no to everything in the second half. Why? Because it's the distractions that stop us from doing the big things in life. Once we pass about 35 years old, the better you are at saying no to things, the freer your time will be to say yes to the most important things. So while it looks like I'm juggling a lot of things, to your point, I'm aggressively saying no to everything else that doesn't align with a few things that I have really focused my time on. Naviere Walkewicz 26:52 So let's pull that thread a little bit more, because saying no is uncomfortable, and it may feel to some that they are letting others down. How do you or how might you coach them through telling someone no? Joel Neeb 27:09 Yeah, I would say that I don't have that problem. I probably did, and certainly prior to cancer, I would have. I am at the place now after I've learned how short all of our lives are, not just my life because I had a cancer battle. And the big surprise for me was not that I might die in 18 months, it was that I was going to die at all. Because for all of us, that notion of death is so far away and really something that we don't really come face to face with very often in life, that all of a sudden I had to accept the fact that I was going to die someday, and I better make good use of the time between now and then. So when people ask to have my time, I aggressively say no. I never feel bad about it. And then I also introduce gatekeepers to my time on top of that. So I don't even — most of the time you're working with my executive assistant, most of the time you're gonna be working with somebody on my team, and that's because I want to jealously guard my time at this stage so I can be as incredibly impactful on the few things that I want to do as possible. That desire dwarfs any emotional attachment I would have to say no to somebody else that long time. It doesn't even cross my mind to think twice about it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 28:25 I think that's a great lesson right there. I mean, I think if you actually put time as the, you know, main, the thing you're protecting, right, everything else on to your point, it dwarfs behind that. And I think the way you did that, you actually made it very doable for people to say no, because now you've created gatekeepers, you put some stops in there. And I think that's a lesson that people can take away as they're looking to navigate their journey forward. So thank you for sharing that for sure. So, you know, you wrote two books, I'm sure there's probably more. Is that something you've always wanted to do, or has that been a realization of “I've experienced this, and there's a — I need to share this. Like, what was the impetus behind writing books on your experiences? Joel Neeb 29:09 Yeah, great question. Very different reason I wrote both books. So the first book was born out of this feeling that as I was going through cancer, that clarity that I experienced: The dying-have-the-most-to-teach-us-about-life piece of it, I came back to the sense that, wow, I wish I knew this before I had cancer, I would have lived my life very differently, and I had made a deal with God that, you know, if I do make it through this, I want to share these insights and share what you know, my perspective was from being on this precipice with death and what I take away from it, because I did think it was valuable enough for my life to share with others in my immediate vicinity and then to write it in a book. And I just needed to get that out of me. The second one for the insight age is much more around what is the template that I wanted to pursue within companies to help take them from the Information Age where we have universal access to information, to the Insight Age, where we now have universal access to AI-driven insights, and how you prepare for that. I wanted people to have the template for it and understanding about how I approached it before I showed up so that we could all be on the same sheet of music when I led the transformation. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 30:15 OK, that's really helpful. So as we think about AI in business, and, you know, having a template for that, can we talk a little bit? And we went to the Air Force Academy, and so I, gosh, I can't even imagine how I might have been a better student had we had AI back in the day. But how do you see AI disrupting? You know, our service academy cadets are, you know, anyone going through, you know, degree programs, you know, how do you use it where there's still original thought, but obviously it's, there's a thought partner that is helping you and maybe accelerate that. I mean, how is that working? Joel Neeb 30:49 It's the same shift that you and I both experienced with universal access to information in the Information Age. And so in other words, there was a time where you had to memorize every phone number that you would call in your network, right? I mean, I sat down — we went to a high school reunion recently and we all sat down and we're trying to rattle off the phone numbers across the table. And we got most of them out there, still lingering in our head somewhere, these memorized phone numbers for everybody. I couldn't tell you, like, my kids phone numbers at this point, like, because I'd push a button and I just get it. And where I'm going with that is we're now in an era where memorization of rote facts and phone numbers and just facts that you can find in the internet is no longer required, and we're used to that, right? And so I wouldn't say that we think less. I would say we think a lot more. At this era there's a risk right now of saying, “I'm no longer going to be required to do critical thinking, because AI is going to do some of that for me.” And the answer is, it will. But much like I got a calculator for every GR that I got to go to — I did a math minor at the Academy… Col. Naviere Walkwicz 31:54 That's why I didn't see you in any classes. Joel Neeb 31:59 I brought a calculator to every test, but it certainly didn't make it easier. If anything, it made it harder. I would have had an easier time like writing down calculations and just having to do the arithmetic. Because I had something that did the arithmetic for me, it elevated my thought process and made me more responsible for the critical thinking. You're going to see the same thing with AI. So as you think about it, how AI will disrupt a knowledge institution like the Air Force Academy. At first blush, we would think, well, it's just going to make it easier to cheat. It's going to make it easier to do the things that we're doing today. Yes, it does, just like if I only was doing arithmetic, a calculator makes it easier for me to do that, and I can turn my brain off. But as we all know, it's just going to elevate the threshold for what is required of us, right? So we're going to go in right, we're going to go into this next era with a thought partner on everything that we do, but you still have to guide that thought partner. You still have to point it in the right direction. You have to ask it the right questions. This era is going to be much less about having the right answers and much more about asking the right questions to find success. Col. Naviere Walkwicz 32:59 Which is critical thinking at its finest, honestly. Fascinating. So, you know, Joel, I think about you and, you know, when I see the, like, the things that you're doing, American Ninja Warrior, your family is involved in this. How do you see, you know, how do you bring your family into the vision that you have it with the growth mindset? Do you see that that's how your family is? All the children are raised that way your wife is. I mean, is this the way that the Neeb household kind of operates? And has it always been this way, or has it really been since you kind of came to that realization that life is too precious for me to live otherwise? Joel Neeb 33:35 Yeah, I mean, I try to live the philosophy that I want my family to live as well. And it's not the Joel show, meaning this is not just for them to support me and go cheer in the crowd at American Ninja Warrior. My wife has gone on and done physique competitions like you have as well. Col. Naviere Walkwicz 33:49 She's amazing. Your whole family's amazing. Joel Neeb 33:53 And she's a regional board member for a group called YPO. So she's in charge of 3,000 CEOs and a network for that. And then she just did a presentation to Europe yesterday on AI herself, and she's going to be traveling to Europe next month to do the presentation in a live setting. And so where I'm going with this is, I feel like because of my cancer battle, because of what we've experienced as a family, and we've learned how precious our time was and how incredible it is to experience that combination of terror and exhilaration, all of us lean into those moments, and we don't do it perfectly, and we all get mad at traffic, and we all are lazy once in a while, and, you know, myself included, but more, we try to do a little bit extra step into that direction, because it has been such a fun way to live after having the scare that we had as a family. Col. Naviere Walkwicz 34:43 That makes sense, and I can really see your family embracing that. You know, I want to ask you a question about yourself and what you're doing on a daily basis to be better, and it sounds like you're already thinking about it right? Reinvention on a constant basis. But if there was anything else you would say that you're doing on a daily basis to be better and better is, you know, in quotes, like you define what better is, what would that be? Joel Neeb 35:06 Yeah, I think that there's a couple of things that I think we should all try to do if we're trying to be, quote, unquote “better.” As you said, there's a quote I like that that says that we vastly overestimate what we can do in three months and we underestimate what we can do in five years. Col. Naviere Walkwicz 35:27 OK, wait, say that one more time. If you don't mind, say it one more time. Joel Neeb 35:30 Yeah, really, we overestimate what we can do in three months. “I can't wait for February. I'm going to do X, Y and Z.” And then we disappoint ourselves because we didn't accomplish all those things. And yet we underestimate what we can do in five years. What do I mean by that? It means that if we were intentional about what we wanted to do in the long term, about what we wanted to grow into in years from now, five years from now, you can reinvent yourself to be anything. I think conceivably, any of us could say, “I could accomplish just about anything in five years, if I put my mind to it.” The problem is we think in the short term, and so a lot of us think of I need this happen fast. I need the, you know, in three months. I need this to take place. That's putting the car before the horse. We need to define what we want to be in the long term and then back into what that implies we need to do right now. That also speaks to the focus that I have and saying no to other things, because if I have this big, audacious goal for what I want to be in the long term, then I have to say no to a lot of things if I'm going to take those steps necessary to start marching down that path. And so what I say to folks is that build that long term first, build that vision of what you want to be in the future that's exciting to you, whether that's a fighter pilot or a CEO or you name it, shoot for the stars, whatever that is that you want to be, and then start backing into it and celebrate the fact that you're doing this. In other words, then people get caught up and, you know, I feel like I'm not making enough progress, and I'm mad at myself for not taking enough steps, I would challenge that and say, don't put the pressure on yourself that you have to do this. Reverse that conversation. Say, “I get to, I get to pursue this vision.” Doesn't mean it'll take place. Doesn't mean to occur. But if I have a vision in mind, and I'm taking steps towards it, even if I don't reach it, I'm still going to be in an incredible place that I wouldn't have been otherwise. And so that's, that's the approach that I would take. Col. Naviere Walkwicz 37:18 All right, Joel, so what is your big audacious goal in five years that you're working towards? Joel Neeb 37:22 Big audacious goal? Yeah, so I am super excited about the future of AI. I think that it has a lot of positive and negative implications for society in general. And so I'll give you a quick example. Right now, we've got 9.5% of our recent graduates that are unemployed, which is much higher than it's ever been from graduating college. That's unique, and what I attribute that to is that we're just starting to see the workforce disruption that's occurring because of AI. We're starting to see the workforce drawdown that's occurring because of it. At the same time, we're seeing companies that are able to do much, much more with AI. And so they're questioning, well, how do I operate as a company? How do I teach everybody to stay on board this training and be successful in this new environment and then societally, we're challenged with, well, how do I set up our young people for success? How do I tell my 19-year-old what to do to do to be successful. So when I think about the big, hairy, audacious goal that I want to go pursue in this next chapter in five years, I want to be on the forefront, helping the government, helping companies, helping everyone to continue disrupting themselves and leaving as few people behind as possible in this next era. Because that's the real threat. And the challenge is cats out of the bag. If we don't do this, China is going to do it like others are going to pass it by. Pass it by. The wrong answer would be to try to step it back in the bag and say we're not doing any I we're going to put regulations around, putting our heads in the sand. We would just get passed by, like, in a few years by our biggest competitors out there, which we know we don't want to have happen. And so the key is, how do we keep as many people up to speed with his transformation possible? So I talked to, you know, graduates like August Pfluger, who's in Congress, and we have, yeah, he's awesome. And so we talk about, what does that look like in the future he's shaping, you know, the future from a government perspective? I talked to former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, is a good friend of mine, and we go on vacations together and a conversation we have about from a corporate perspective: How do we address this as well? So that's my big goal. That's what I want to influence over the next couple of years. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 39:22 Love that. So if you could rewind the clock and, you know, tell your young Joel, and this is really for anyone who is looking for preparing myself for that long term, right? So maybe it's not the five year, the big thing in five years, but it's — this is for what can I do today that is gonna — I'm gonna help myself — future me. What would you tell yourself, Joel? Joel Neeb 39:43 If I were to go back to Academy Joel, I would say, “Take this experience more seriously.” At the time, I kind of resented the experience that I was going through at the Academy, not understanding fully that they understood how to polish the coal to try to make it into a diamond. And I didn't always see the method to the madness behind the scenes and why they were doing things. And I would tell myself to take it more seriously, to lean into the leadership opportunities, lean into the experiences. I think it's a tendency as a cadet to lean away from those and to kind of look at those with resentment. I remember I did, and I wish I would have taken those more seriously. I wish I would have taken my 20s more seriously in terms of pursuing things that were uncomfortable, and not just getting comfortable towards the latter end of my 20s and early 30s, where I was flying upside down with ease every single day and really not doing anything that was challenging me too much. I certainly didn't have it all mastered and figured out. But my discomfort was all but gone in those moments. And so I would tell myself, “Keep leaning into those areas of discomfort, because it's in those areas that we find growth.” And growth is one of the top things that we can feel as a human being. Being a part of an elite team is growing together on an inspiring mission. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:56 Well, I know that you are, you know, constantly in the forefront of AI, but what makes you or what causes you discomfort now that you're working through? Joel Neeb 41:05 What causes me discomfort now is compelling a 2,400-person organization to move as quickly as I think we need to. In other words: right now. The things I'm talking to you about, I'm communicating with them about on a daily basis, and we have remotely dispersed teams. I'm staring into cameras like we are right now. So I'm not sitting in the room with them and helping them to learn these things. My discomfort is around how as a leader, can I be more compelling about the burning platform that they're standing on right now, that as soon as it burns away, their role is going to be obliterated, and we're going to be disrupted by the market. And how do I really excite them around this destination that we're pursuing together, where we're going a little bit faster than the rate of change? I'm proud of the progress that we've made, but in terms of the discomfort that I'm feeling, it's almost impossible to go fast enough in this era, and so I am. The thing that keeps me up at night is, how do I make this more compelling for them? And then ultimately, I know that whatever themes I'm learning right now to make it compelling is what I'm going to have to bring to society in this next chapter, as well as we try to keep the entire American society moving ahead of the rate of change that we're experiencing. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 42:14 Well, thank you for that. I would imagine you probably phoned your friend, ChatGPT, on some ways to do that, but I think that what you really shared today has opened, I think, eyes of how we can partner with technology at our fingertips. I mean, you and I were just chatting before this, and I asked you this, because one of the things I remember you being really big on is finding time to read as a family. I remember you had like Saturday family time, we read. As much as you're traveling and as much as you're trying to move your organization at this rate of change with AI, where do you find time to read now? Joel Neeb 42:47 Yeah, so I use AI for that too. So when I'm in the gym, I upload a chapter at a time into ChatGPT for the books that I'm reading, and I ask it to read it to me in the voice thing that it can do. And so it's reading the book to me. But the really cool part is, it's not just audible. I'm not just hearing, you know, the recording of it. And by the way, you can even tell it talk two times faster or whatever you want to do for the right speed. And I'll interrupt it. The cool part is, I'll say, “Hey, wait a second. I didn't really understand that that part of the book. Break it down for me in simpler terms.” And it'll actually pause, explain it to me and put it in terms that my fighter pilot mind can understand, or I'll even say, “Yeah, tell me about that theme in the context of the company that I'm in, 8x8, and tell me how we can apply that right now, and look at our industry. And how can I take some of this to that team?” And so it takes a book that was generically written and makes it customized for my experience by leveraging AI to do that. So once again, it's a thought partner in literally everything that I do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 43:42 What's the last book that you read in which you were able to take some of those things to, or maybe that you'd recommend to some of our listeners to listen in via ChatGPT. Joel Neeb 43:51 I just finished reading the Teddy Roosevelt biography, which is phenomenal. What an incredible American, and it was inspiring to read. And I was able to pause it in parts and challenge some parts of the books and say, “Did that really happen?” And, “Tell me more about this incident in history.” And it explains some historical pieces that I wasn't aware of and the book didn't delve into as much as I would have liked it to. That's a little bit of a boring historian-nerd kind of answer, but that's what I took away from it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 44:17 Well, thank you for sharing that. So Joel, is there anything that we didn't talk about today that you would really like to make sure that we touch on? Because this has been a really exciting and fascinating conversation for me, but I want to make sure, because this has been your leadership journey, and there's so many facets to that that that we hit on the things that are important? Joel Neeb 44:33 The thing that I've learned in my time is that the foundation that we receive in the military, whether that's the cultural foundation, how we are all aligned with similar values, with a common mission that's inspiring the adherence to what we call in the business world, standard operating procedures, what you would call in the military, a checklist, effectively. That foundation that we have is easily the most valuable resource that I carried into the business world and the teams that I've been on. And I think we underestimate just how powerful that experience is, that during our 20s, we're in this incredibly disciplined environment with a really strong culture, really strong sense of value, really strong sense of mission. Pay attention to that while you have that opportunity. While you're being exposed to it, pay attention to how it was built. Pay attention to how they that accelerated our success in those teams. Because I promise you, you'll want to someday carry those concepts to every team that you're on in the future. And so I think it's an opportunity for us to leverage the incredible team that we're on in the military, and talk about that in an exciting way with whatever team that we participate on down the road. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 45:50 Thank you for sharing that. And if I could just pull on that thread a little bit more in that just in that transition, and taking those to those teams, I want to just jump to your very first transition from military to Afterburner? How did that come about for you? And I think that just our folks will be curious on that. Joel Neeb 46:10 Yeah, so Afterburner is a company that's been around since 1996 and they basically took some of those things from the military that I just spoke to, brought it into a corporate setting and helped them to adopt the same levels of positive outcomes. And when I saw this company, I said, “Wow, they really tapped into something that I that I knew as well intuitively, that if we apply some of these same themes, we could really take over anything in the business world. And so I reached out to the CEO and kept bugging him and continue to stay on his radar until he agreed to bring me into the office in Atlanta. I was living in San Antonio, and I went out there on my own dime and did an interview with them, and it went well. And of course, the rest is history after that point. But I found the thing I wanted to do and pursue, and then a very aggressively got in front of the people that could make it happen and definitely was part of the journey for me that I needed in order to be successful. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 47:04 Yes, I definitely wanted you to share that, because I knew, obviously, you had that experience. You took those things that you learned, and you wanted to hone in as you led other teams. But I think the critical piece was you pursued it, and you continue to pursue it, and you continue to pursue it until you got there, right? And so I think that's a critical part of moving forward and getting what we want. So I really am glad that you shared that, because it may seem that it's really easy just to make the transition, right? You can check all these boxes and so you're the shoe in, but it sounds like that wasn't the case, and you had to make a case for yourself. Joel Neeb 47:39 One-hundred percent. I had to be my own biggest advocate, and not in an arrogant way, in a way that I could show I could add value for that team. And that was, that was a lesson that I've taken and tried to apply since then. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 47:51 Well, I'll tell you what, it's been, gosh, 1999. How many years is that? 25 years for us? I mean, I feel like, you know, this has been a true honor to be able to sit with you. I mean, I've always watched your journey and just really been cheering you on, but I think what's incredible is how you're able to now really give back to our Long Blue Line. So Joel, thank you so much for this time today. It's been really wonderful having on Long Blue Leadership. Joel Neeb 48:14 What a privilege, Naviere. And I would say, you know, you had just asked me back in 1999 if there's a dozen people from the Academy that I thought would be very successful, your name would have been one of them. I don't think there's another person at the Academy who would have said my name. So we came from very different starting points, but I'm super excited to see the success you created, and, more importantly, the impact that you have on our graduate community, because it is noticed by everyone that I talked to. So thank you for how you lean into that our community as well. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 48:43 Thank you for saying that. And as we come to a close, I'd love to offer a few thoughts before we go. What stands out to me today from our conversation is how leadership is both timeless and adaptive. Joel's journey from commanding F-15 missions to leading global organizations and navigating AI reminds us that leadership fundamentals remain steadfast, just like you said, yet in the context in which we lead, it's always evolving, and the ability to adapt is what sets exceptional leaders apart. His story of personal resilience, overcoming stage four cancer diagnosis underscores that leadership is defined by how we respond to challenges and how we make lasting impact. From lessons in the cockpit to corporate transformation and personal discipline. Joel offers a blueprint for leading with confidence in uncertain times. Thank you for investing your time and listening in Long Blue Leadership. I encourage you to share this episode with others who are also in their personal journeys, especially because it's my classmate and he's phenomenal. Thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. I'm Naviere Walkewicz; until next time. KEYWORDS Leadership, leadership development, modern leadership, leadership mindset, growth mindset, resilient leadership, adaptive leadership, transformational leadership, leadership under pressure, leading through adversity, leadership lessons, executive leadership, high performance teams, elite teams, leadership philosophy, leadership strategy, personal growth, professional development, continuous improvement, reinvention, career transition, imposter syndrome, mental toughness, discipline, time management, prioritization, decision making, strategic thinking, innovation leadership, change leadership, leading through change, disruption, self leadership, accountability, peak performance, overcoming fear, stepping outside comfort zone, leadership habits, future of leadership, AI leadership, leadership in the age of AI, digital transformation, organizational culture, team culture, mission driven leadership, purpose driven leadership, high impact leadership. The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Chris Bachinnski, Co‑CEO & President, GHY International Published: March 2026 Length: ~35 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Annik sits down with Chris Bachinnski, Co‑CEO and President of GHY International, for a leadership‑focused conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a customs brokerage and trade business in a volatile, tech‑driven environment. Starting from sweeping floors in his dad's trucking company at age 12 to leading a 100+ year‑old firm, Chris shares how work ethic, curiosity, and culture have shaped his career across transportation, marketing, and now trade. What You'll Learn in This Episode Chris's unconventional path to trade Grew up in trucking, bought his dad's company in his 20s, then sold into a publicly traded roll‑up and learned the pros/cons of “quarterly mindset.” Shifted into a small marketing agency as CFO/COO, where he discovered the tight link between brand and culture and began doing leadership/culture training for clients. GHY first hired his firm for branding and leadership work; later, owner Rick Reeseinvited him in as President specifically for his leadership and culture skills, not customs expertise. Designing and changing culture on purpose Chris interviewed all 105 GHY associates in his first 6–7 months just to listen, then worked with leadership to define: what must never change, what needs to improve, and which behaviors will be tolerated. His core belief: “Culture is the result of the behaviors you permit”—leaders must live values first, then hold people accountable, even when that means making hard calls on long‑tenured but misaligned employees. From operator to enterprise‑level leader With GHY now ~245–250 people, Chris's CEO coach pushed him to stop being involved in everything and focus on: looking around the corner, aligning the organization, and holding leaders accountable. He still stays grounded by walking the office daily, restarting one‑on‑one interviews with staff after 10 years, and sharing results from his annual leadership feedback survey with the entire company. Leading through uncertainty and mistakes In COVID and the recent tariff/trade waves, GHY leaned into two non‑negotiables: care for people and care for clients, avoiding knee‑jerk layoffs and thinking long‑term even after a “spooked” decision in early 2025. On errors, Chris rejects the “I let people make mistakes so they learn” line as arrogant; instead, he tells the story of a six‑figure error where GHY refused a resignation, treated it as (expensive) education, and moved forward. Advice for aspiring leaders Chris distinguishes between title‑driven leaders and those who see leadership as stewardship: taking what's been entrusted, making it better, and protecting it for the future. His core advice: cultivate insatiable curiosity, ask lots of questions, seek mentors, practice empathy (especially now, with stressed employees and customers), and avoid short‑term, fear‑based decisions. Tech, AI, and the future of brokerage Chris is candid with his board that technology is the one thing he least wants to under‑estimate; the impact he thought was 5–10 years out is arriving much faster. GHY's focus: embrace technology plus process improvement not as a headcount weapon, but as a tool to make people better, improve accuracy, and help clients succeed—constantly questioning “we've always done it this way.” Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Chris Bachinnski (Co‑CEO & President, GHY International) Producer: Annik Sobing Subscribe & Follow • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts Join the conversation with fellow trade professionals in the Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Why do so many talented senior engineers struggle the moment they step into a tech lead role? Most of them are promoted based on their coding ability, but that same strength becomes a liability the moment they start leading a team.In this episode, Anemari Fiser, tech lead coach and author of “Leveling Up as a Tech Lead”, shares the three mindset shifts that define the transition from senior engineer to effective tech lead: moving from an “I” to a “We” mindset, shifting focus from code to value, and trading short-term thinking for long-term impact. She explains why so many engineers hold on to coding out of fear, how to delegate without losing accountability, and why most technical problems are really people problems in disguise. Anemari also addresses how AI is reshaping the tech lead role and why the fundamentals of leadership still apply regardless of the tools your team uses.Key topics discussed:The 3 mindset shifts required for the transition to tech leadWhy your coding strength can hold back your teamHow to let go of coding without losing your technical edgeDelegation secrets: setting expectations that actually stickInfluencing without authority — and when it's not enoughHow to measure your impact when results are hard to seeLeading your team through AI adoption without creating chaosTimestamps:(00:00:00) Trailer & Intro(00:02:41) What Motivated Anemari to Write Her Book, Leveling Up as a Tech Lead?(00:05:41) How Is the Tech Lead Role Defined?(00:06:45) How Does the Engineering Manager Role Differ From a Tech Lead?(00:09:37) Why Is the Transition to Tech Lead One of the Most Challenging Career Moves?(00:14:21) How Can Tech Leads Shift From Short-Term to Long-Term Thinking?(00:18:34) How Can Tech Leads Learn to Let Go of Writing Code?(00:26:30) Why Is Every Tech Problem Actually a People Problem?(00:30:52) How Can Tech Leads Delegate Effectively?(00:37:18) How Can Tech Leads Influence Without Authority?(00:40:37) Why Is Accountability Without Authority Unfair to Tech Leads?(00:43:42) How Can Tech Leads Measure Their Impact?(00:46:52) How Does AI Change the Role of a Tech Lead?(00:52:26) Should Tech Leads Use AI to Get Back to Hands-On Development?(00:55:33) How Can Tech Leads Stay Accountable for AI-Generated Code?(01:00:26) With AI in the Mix, Is a Tech Problem Still Just a People Problem?(01:01:10) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Anemari Fiser's BioAnemari Fiser is a tech leadership trainer, coach and O'Reilly author of Leveling Up as a Tech Lead. With over a decade in tech, she has coached 500+ engineers and trained 400+ tech leads worldwide, and shares practical leadership insights on LinkedIn with a community of 30,000+ tech professionals.Follow Anemari:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/anemari-fiserWebsite – anemarifiser.com Leveling Up as a Tech Lead – oreilly.com/library/view/leveling-up-as/9781098177508Like this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/252.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.
SummaryIn this episode, Benjamin Lee discusses the importance of goal setting, faith, and overcoming obstacles in life and spirituality. He shares practical insights on turning dreams into actions, trusting God, and maintaining systems for success. TakeawaysDreaming is important, but action is essential to realize goals.Motivation is fleeting; commitment is what sustains progress.Sharing goals with others can increase accountability.God's will should be the foundation of our goals.Systems and routines make success more achievable.Chapters00:00 The Power to Overcome01:34 Dreaming Big vs. Taking Action09:35 Setting Realistic Goals11:20 The Concept of Manifesting15:49 Trusting God's Will18:21 Long-Term Thinking and Goal Setting21:34 The Importance of Intentionality27:49 Spiritual Aspirations and Growth33:19 Overcoming Doubt and Sin37:17 Building Systems for Success resourcesAtomic Habits by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear/dp/0735211299The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519Nehemiah Bible Study - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+1&version=NIVPhilippians 3:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A14&version=NIV2 Peter 3:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A9&version=NIVBooks and Blogs- https://twitter.com/BenjaminLeePodcast - https://icandopodcast.comDr. Kenny Embry: https://www.balancingthechristianlife.com/
Jay Meagher of RS Garage joins us to break down engine building, fastener science, and what it really takes to build high-horsepower cars. From 2JZ setups and transmission choices to the reality of running a performance shop, this episode dives deep into both the technical and business sides of the industry. Take your build up a whole new level with 6XD Gearbox: https://6xdgearbox.com Code "Minnoxide5" for 5% off High Performance Academy: https://hpcdmy.co/Minnoxide Use code "MINNOX" for 55% off ANY course Use Code "MINVIP" for $300 of the MINVIP Package Tuned By Shawn: https://www.tunedbyshawn.com Code "Minnoxide" for 5% off! Ship With Sure Thing Logistics: https://www.surethinglogistics.net MORE BIGGER Turbo T-Shirts: https://www.minnoxide.com/products/more-bigger-t-shirt 00:00 Intro 00:55 The Future of the Car Scene 03:27 Modding Cheap Cars, Rust & Barrier to Entry 07:46 Best Platforms for Young Builders and Picking The First Build 13:43 Learning Cars Today (YouTube, ChrisFix, Info Access) 17:35 What Jay Is Still Learning (Business, Ethics & Hardware) 20:58 Engine Building vs Tuning 24:05 Fastener Science (Torque, Clamp Load & Failures) 32:13 Advanced Hardware, Materials & Engine Mistakes 34:49 The Supra Build: Starting Over 37:09 Transmission Talk, Liberty, Dog Boxes & Reliability 41:22 The “Fun Zone” for Power 44:02 Shop Growth: Hiring, Teaching & Paying Talent 01:07:40 Engine Break-In, Startup Process & First Run Philosophy 01:15:30 Data, Tuning Approach & Real-World Testing Mindset 01:24:26 Cooling Strategy, Power Delivery & Traction Reality 01:33:00 Compression Ratio, Fuel Choice & Engine Durability 01:58:00 ECU Control, Throttle Limiting & Managing Big Power 02:08:30 Business, Money & Long-Term Thinking in the Industry 02:17:11 Life Perspective & Closing Thoughts
The Color of Money | Transformative Conversations for Wealth Building
Building wealth isn't just about buying buildings—it's about expanding our mindset, upgrading our circle, and playing the long game.In this episode, we sit down with real estate investor Rafik Moore, who built a $300M+ portfolio after immigrating to the U.S. with nothing. Rafik shares how mentorship unlocked his first million-dollar deal, why value-add investing is a formula anyone can learn, and how limiting beliefs—not lack of opportunity—hold most people back.We explore the difference between being broke and being poor, the psychology behind wealth creation, and why kindness and integrity compound faster than short-term wins. Rafik breaks down how he structures deals so his team participates in the upside, and why he created the Value Add Network to help others scale into commercial real estate.At the core of this conversation: proximity matters, mindset matters, and asking matters. If we dare to think bigger—and take action—we can build wealth while building others.We Talk About: [00:00] The Secret to Wealth Is Kindness[02:02] From Financial Survival to Purpose-Driven Wealth[07:35] What the Value Add Network Actually Teaches[11:52] Rewriting Limiting Beliefs Around Money[14:50] Why Self-Worth Drives Financial Success[17:37] Building Trust Through Integrity and Long-Term Thinking[21:37] Why You Miss Opportunities You're Not Ready For[23:32] The Million-Dollar Lesson That Changed Everything[30:59] Plugging Into an Institutional Investment Machine[38:38] Ask Relentlessly and Expand Your ProximityResources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyFollow Rafik Moore on Instagram: @rafikmoore Learn more at Value Add NetworkBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.
You've lived in moments where one emotional decision can cost you a stack of chips… or three strokes in 90 seconds. And that's why this conversation with Alex Huang hits so hard. Alex breaks down how poker "tilt" and golf blow-up holes are the same problem in different clothing: impulsivity, entitlement, and emotion hijacking decision-making. We talk long-run thinking, why variance (aka luck) doesn't excuse bad process, and how numbers can act like "bowling bumpers" that keep you from derailing when your expectations outpace reality. You'll also hear Alex's best frameworks for talking players off the ledge after a mistake, why elite players obsess over reflection (even after shooting low), and the single message he'd put on a billboard every golfer would see: process, not results. In this episode, you'll learn: Why impulsivity in golf is just "tilt" with a scorecard How to think in "the long run" so one hole doesn't define your round How variance + luck can still coexist with elite decision-making Why 15-foot putts deserve realistic expectations (and calmer emotions) How data creates objectivity without crushing feel-based players Where ego and entitlement bleed strokes (especially par 5s + short par 4s) How elite players reflect, catalog "feels," and build resilient performance Get your pencils ready and start listening. Apply for 1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: Click here to apply to work with me. The 90-Day Golf Identity Upgrade Accelerator: This is a private 3-month coaching container designed to help serious golfers rapidly upgrade their beliefs, rewire their golf identity, and accelerate lower scores through deep subconscious transformation — not surface-level tactics. Click here to learn more and DM me "identity upgrade on Instagram (@thepaulsalter) to learn more. More About Alex Huang Alex is the COO of DECADE Golf. He works with several dozen LPGA / EPSON Tour players as well as many of the Top 10 college programs in both Men's and Women's golf. He specializes in distilling complicated golf data and ideas into simpler heuristics and concepts. You can follow Alex on Instagram here: @alexhuanggolf Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thepaulsalter Key Takeaways: Tilt isn't an emotion problem—it's a decision problem that emotions accelerate. The long-run mindset protects you from chasing: one bad swing doesn't require a heroic response. Variance is real: a good decision can produce a bad outcome (divots, bounces, gusts) and still be the right play. Numbers act like bowling bumpers—keeping you from going so aggressive you create doubles and triples. "Should" is a red-flag word: entitlement (par 5s, wedges, short par 4s) is where blow-ups are born. When emotions spike, win the next moment: get hyper-specific on the target and stack micro-wins (GIR, 10% rule, speed). Elite players invest in reflection and documentation—especially when playing well—so they can return to what works faster. Key Quotes: "One catastrophic decision or one downward spiral where you're kind of chasing a previously bad decision — as we used in poker the term tilt — that can lead to your demise. You blink, you make a triple bogey because you got a bit greedy or a bit thoughtless or reckless with the strategy." "Just because you lost your pot going all in with aces pre-flop does not mean in hindsight you now look back and say, I should have folded. Much the same way with golf… you pick a good target, you make a committed swing… maybe you get unlucky and you wind up in a divot." "If I gave you a full deck of cards and I asked you to draw a diamond out of it and you drew a spade, would you be ticked off? No, right. But then how many times have they stood over a 14 or 15 foot putt upset that they didn't make it?" "You can't control where your shot ends up within its shot pattern. You can't control the bounces you're going to get. But what you can control is making a committed swing at your target and dealing with the results." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Cost of Impulsivity in Poker and Golf 02:50: Long-Term Thinking in Competitive Environments 05:40: Defining and Developing Resiliency 08:39: The Role of Data in Decision Making 11:33: Balancing Numbers and Intuition 14:44: Patience and Preparation in Golf 17:27: Common Pitfalls and Mindset Traps 20:36: The Importance of Reflection and Process 23:12: Curiosity as a Catalyst for Growth 26:20: Building a Supportive Network 29:15: Mental Game Strategies for Golfers 32:12: Resetting After Mistakes 35:16: The Power of Objectivity 38:02: Investing in Mindset and Reflection 40:49: Final Thoughts on Process Over Results
Long-term thinking differentiates leaders. This episode explores patience, strategic investment, and prioritizing future value over instant results.You Got This, Ryan
What does it really mean to build wealth — not just earn money? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Doug Kinsey, founding member of the Sweater Cashmere Fund and partner at Artifex Financial Group, for a grounded conversation about wealth, investing, and long-term strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy, Doug works with individuals and organizations to align financial decisions with real life goals — not just short-term performance. Holding a master's degree in management and strategy from Harvard and a certification as an Investment Management Analyst, Doug brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to building and protecting wealth. In this conversation, we discuss: The difference between income, success, and true wealth Common mistakes high earners make with investing and retirement planning How to think about private assets and long-term strategy Why clarity and intention matter more than timing the market Building financial confidence as your career and responsibilities grow This episode is especially valuable for professionals who've focused on building their careers — and are now asking bigger questions about sustainability, freedom, and long-term security.
In this episode of Common Denominator, I break down one of the most extraordinary leadership stories of our time: Jensen Huang and NVIDIA.Over the last 36 months, NVIDIA has added roughly $100 billion in market cap per month, growing from a $300 billion company to nearly $4.5 trillion. But numbers like that don't happen by accident. They're the result of leadership.In this episode, I explore what kind of leadership it actually takes to build a company like NVIDIA — and what we can all learn from Jensen Huang's 32-year tenure as CEO.Here's what I dive into:- Why leadership compounds over time- The power of thinking in decades, not quarters- Why betting early on AI, GPUs, and CUDA looked irrational — but wasn't- How staying technically fluent at scale protects standards and speed- Why calm is one of the most underrated leadership traits- The difference between managing outcomes and managing direction- How great companies become infrastructure the world can't function withoutOn Common Denominator, I always ask: what's the real force behind extraordinary outcomes? More often than not, it's leadership. Not the title — the substance.Whether you're building a startup, leading a team, investing, or simply trying to lead yourself better, the lessons are the same:Think longer.Stay close to the work.Build for where the world is going.Don't let success dilute conviction.Jensen Huang didn't just build NVIDIA. He demonstrated what leadership looks like in an era of exponential change.And to me, that's the real common denominator.Like this episode? Leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
In this episode of the Fullerton Unfiltered Podcast, I sit down with financial advisor and wealth coach Nick Bartolo to talk private equity, long-term wealth strategy, and how business owners should think beyond just today's cash flow. We break down what private equity really is, who it's for, and how disciplined investing ties into building lasting wealth and freedom. Lawntrapreneur Academy (The #1 Resource for Starting, Growing and Scaling a Successful Lawn & Landscaping Company). - https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/ Granum Academy Bootcamp Tour (use BRIAN25 to save!): https://granum.com/academy-bootcamp/ GROW 2026 - February 10-12 Dallas, TX: https://hubs.li/Q03Ybxs10 LMN & Coffee - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89495679453?pwd=m0wKa6prJWrARKClJKolBaJjl00OYn.1 Coast Pay Fuel Card: www.CoastPay.com/Brian
GLP 1 medications are everywhere, and most conversations swing between hype and shame. This episode slows it all down. We cover what GLP 1 actually is (a natural satiety and blood sugar hormone), how GLP 1 medications work in the gut and brain, what the research shows so far, and what it still does not answer. We talk about why these meds can feel life changing for food noise and cravings, plus the tradeoffs that often get minimized, like nausea, constipation, fatigue, under eating, and muscle loss. This is not a pro or anti episode. It is a physiology first conversation to help you ask better questions and make thoughtful decisions, whether you are curious, considering it, or already using one. Hosted by Leanne Vogel. Coaching with Leanne: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/coaching Bioactive Peptides: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/make Quiz - your personalized peptide stack: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/quiz Enjoy today's show. Thanks for listening!
Bitcoin isn't just for public companies. Roland Talalas explains why his privately held business treats Bitcoin as its long-term treasury asset and how that decision impacts banking, credit, and growth. Hosted by Pierre Rochard, this conversation explores inflation, AI productivity, and why Bitcoin outperforms cash on corporate balance sheets.
What does it really mean to give without keeping score? Brad Feld has built a career by answering that question differently than almost anyone in venture capital.In this episode of Remarkable People, Guy Kawasaki sits down with Brad to unpack the philosophy behind his new book Give First, a mindset that has shaped startup communities, mentorship culture, and long-term trust across the tech world. Brad explains why generosity isn't naïve, why mentorship works best when it becomes a peer relationship, and how founders can build enduring success without transactional thinking.This conversation challenges many of Silicon Valley's most sacred assumptions—and replaces them with something more human.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopologyListen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!Thank you for your support; it helps the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jon Callaghan of True Ventures joins Nick to discuss Spotting the Next Big Thing, Why This Cycle Is Different, Acceptable vs Unacceptable Risk, and Why Duration Is a Feature Not a Bug. In this episode we cover: Spotting the Next Big Market and Reverse Engineering Success The Role of Curiosity and Risk in Venture Capital Duration as a Feature in Early-Stage Ventures The Importance of Repeat Founders and Founder Referrals The Creative Process and Learning from Other Creative Endeavors Maximizing Risk and Long-Term Thinking in Venture Capital The Role of People and Teamwork in Venture Capital Guest Links: Jon's LinkedIn Jon's X True Ventures' LinkedIn True Ventures' Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.
In this episode of Bealls Legacy, Matt Beall sits down with Michael Maddaloni, a 30-year veteran of Bealls, to discuss what it really takes to build a business that lasts.From financial discipline and debt-free growth to long-term leadership, family ownership, and planning beyond the next quarter, this conversation explores how Bealls has strengthened its foundation across generations — and why long-term thinking matters more than ever in today's business environment.Episode Timeline00:00:00 - Introductions00:02:49 - Early Days of Bealls00:07:46 - Tax Overview00:11:36 - Managing Volatility00:27:04 - Technology Implications00:30:01 - What's Next for Michael?00:33:10 - Passions?00:35:00 - Crypto?00:46:01 - Bealls Family Impact00:50:07 - Closing#BeallsLegacy #Leadership #LongTermThinking #BusinessLegacy #FamilyBusiness #FinancialDiscipline #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessStrategy #Stewardship #RetailLeadership #CompanyCulture #GenerationalWealth #DebtFreeGrowth #CorporateLeadership
Rich Gaspari needs no introduction in the bodybuilding and supplement industry. From childhood dreams inspired by Arnold in muscle magazines to setting new standards for conditioning on the Mr. Olympia stage, Rich’s journey represents decades of dedication to the sport and science of bodybuilding. After a career-ending injury forced him to transition from competing to entrepreneurship, he founded Gaspari Nutrition nearly three decades ago with a singular focus: creating effective supplements backed by proper dosing and real science. In Episode #202 of the PricePlow Podcast, Rich shares the complete arc of his entrepreneurial journey, from gym ownership and personal training to building one of the industry’s most respected brands. He discusses his science-forward nutritional philosophy that was well ahead of the curve, the devastating impact of the amino spiking scandal, going through bankruptcy, and his difficult-yet-principled decision to rebuild. We also get into why Proven Egg became the cornerstone of his comeback, where he was once again ahead of the curve. Throughout the conversation, Rich emphasizes the importance of ethics, innovation, and adapting to changing markets while staying true to quality ingredients and efficacious dosing. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rich-gaspari-202 Video: Rich Gaspari Discusses Three Decades of Supplement Innovation and Ethical Business Practices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkeJCtr7MI Detailed Show Notes: Rich Gaspari on Building, Losing, and Rebuilding Gaspari Nutrition (0:00) – Introduction: A Legend Returns to PricePlow (2:30) – The Childhood Dream: From Muscle Magazines to Basement Training (6:15) – Teenage Competition and Nutritional Education (10:45) – Early Supplement Experiences and Egg Protein Discovery (14:00) – The Professor: Training with Lee Haney (18:30) – Following Barry Sears and the 40-40-20 Diet (22:45) – Career-Ending Injury and Entrepreneurial Pivot (26:15) – Founding Gaspari Nutrition: Education and Efficacy (31:00) – SuperPump 250 and the Pre-Workout Revolution (37:15) – The Dark Times: Bankruptcy (43:30) – Rebuilding from Zero: The Proven Egg Strategy (49:45) – Why Egg White Protein Matters (55:00) – Current Product Portfolio and Future Innovation (1:01:15) – Adapting to Influencer Marketing and Direct-to-Consumer (1:06:30) – Ethics, Morals, and Long-Term Thinking (1:11:45) – Business Lessons: Knowing What You Don’t Know (1:14:00) – Mike’s Endorsement and Future Plans (1:17:00) – Final Advice: Step by Step and Stay Loyal Where to Follow and Learn More Connect with Rich Gaspari and Gaspari Nutrition Rich Gaspari on LinkedIn Rich Gaspari on Instagram Gaspari Nutrition on Instagram Gaspari Nutrition Official Website Gaspari Nutrition on PricePlow – Sign up for news alerts and price comparisons Key Products Discussed … Read more on the PricePlow Blog
In this episode of Uncommon Sense, I'm calling out a problem no one wants to confront: the normalization of partying, drinking, and casual sex especially among so-called “conservative influencers.”You cannot claim to defend Western Civilization while publicly celebrating the very behaviors that destroyed past civilizations. Conservatism without morality is just aesthetic rebellion.We don't need more clout, cocktails, or compromised values. We need a return to godliness, self-discipline, and moral responsibility because the future generations watching us will inherit whatever standard we tolerate today.If we want to save the West, we have to get serious about being truly Christian again.--https://www.bible.com/
In Fishing Without Bait 499, we continue our conversation with Victor Benjamin, also known as Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman. Part 2 dives deeper into the discipline and mindset that shaped Shane's life. He reflects on learning to “play the film all the way through,” weighing consequences instead of chasing short-term gratification. Shane discusses burnout, stepping away from mixed martial arts, and the emotional toll of working in a system that no longer aligned with his values. The conversation explores the difference between a risk and a gamble, why doing nothing can be the biggest risk of all, and how betting on yourself—when done with clarity and integrity—can lead to meaningful change. Shane also shares powerful insights on separating people from behaviors, personal responsibility, and choosing purpose over financial comfort. This episode is a grounded, honest look at growth, regret, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that's no longer serving you. Call to Action: Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support ad-free episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up our book Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4
In Fishing Without Bait 499, we continue our conversation with Victor Benjamin, also known as Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman. Part 2 dives deeper into the discipline and mindset that shaped Shane's life. He reflects on learning to “play the film all the way through,” weighing consequences instead of chasing short-term gratification. Shane discusses burnout, stepping away from mixed martial arts, and the emotional toll of working in a system that no longer aligned with his values. The conversation explores the difference between a risk and a gamble, why doing nothing can be the biggest risk of all, and how betting on yourself—when done with clarity and integrity—can lead to meaningful change. Shane also shares powerful insights on separating people from behaviors, personal responsibility, and choosing purpose over financial comfort. This episode is a grounded, honest look at growth, regret, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that's no longer serving you. Call to Action: Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support ad-free episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up our book Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4
The Moneywise Radio Show and Podcast Wednesday, January 14th BE MONEYWISE. Moneywise Wealth Management I "The Moneywise Radio Show & Podcast" call: 661-847-1000 text in anytime: 661-396-1000 website: www.MoneywiseGuys.com facebook: Moneywise_Wealth_Management LinkedIn: Moneywise_Wealth_Management Guest: Allyn Medeiros, Agape Mortgage website: https://allynmedeiros.com/ The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision. Allyn Medeiros and their company are not affiliated with nor endorsed by LPL Financial or Moneywise Wealth Management].
With developments in generative AI progressing at such a furious pace, how can investors cut through the noise to identify the companies that will really matter? Baillie Gifford's Kyle McEnery shares his approach to meeting the entrepreneurs building the future – including his encounters with AppLovin, Anthropic, NVIDIA, Roblox and Reddit. Background:Kyle McEnery is an investment manager in our Long Term Global Growth Team (LTGG) and previously led Baillie Gifford's Artificial Intelligence Research Project. In this conversation, he tells host Leo Kelion why AI's ever-increasing capabilities make this one of the most exciting times to be a growth investor, and how leadership and culture act as signals in the noise to help identify companies with the greatest long-term growth potential. In addition to discussing which of the firms enabling and using today's language-based ‘frontier' AI models are leading the pack, he explains how efforts to understand and simulate real-world physics could unlock further progress. Portfolio companies discussed include:Anthropic – developer of the Claude AI models, which excel at coding, among other tasks.NVIDIA – the semiconductors firm whose accelerator chips are powering many of the advances in generative AI.Roblox – the video games platform whose Cube 3D technology allows creators to build objects and environments out of text-based descriptions.AppLovin – the ad-tech company whose AI-first strategy keeps the business lean and nimble.Reddit – the online discussion forum, whose authentic human conversations are gaining in value as a counterpoint to AI-generated output. Resources:AI and the future of everything: a long-term perspectiveAnthropic: why we are backing the AI frontrunnerLong Term Global Growth Strategy (institutional investors only)LTGG philosophy and process (institutional investors only)Private companies: from Anthropic to ZetwerkShort Briefings on Long Term Thinking hub Companies mentioned include:Alphabet/GoogleAmazonAnthropicAppLovinHorizon RoboticsNVIDIARedditRobloxTesla Timecodes:00:00 Introduction – Dartmouth College's artificial intelligence workshop01:50 From quantum to AI via asset management02:50 Creating and then culling a machine-learning initiative08:05 ChatGPT's wake-up call10:35 Exceptional companies at the dawn of generative AI12:10 Anthropic's appeal to business customers14:55 A winner-takes-all opportunity?17:05 Dario Amodei and the scaling laws19:10 NVIDIA's foundational role in neural networks22:55 Making video game items in Roblox with AI25:00 AppLovin – a company built for the next era26:55 Reddit's valuable conversational communities29:35 World models, spatial AI and the physical world32:35 Staying open-minded and humble33:35 Book choice Glossary of terms (in order of mention): Generative AI: AI systems that create new content such as text, images or code rather than just analysing data.Machine learning: AI techniques where systems learn patterns from data rather than being explicitly programmed.End-to-end, systematic (investment strategy): Fully automated, with decisions made by predefined rules rather than human judgement.Agentic AI: AI systems that can plan and carry out tasks autonomously rather than just responding to prompts.R&D: Research and development.GPT: OpenAI's models, which power its ChatGPT chatbot.Natural language processing: AI that enables computers to understand and generate human language.Token: A chunk of text, such as a word or part of a word, used by language models.Foundation models: Large AI models that can handle a wide variety of tasks.Know your customer (KYC): Financial checks used by banks to verify customers' identities and risks.Scaling laws: The idea that AI performance improves predictably as models, data and computing power increase.Compute: The processing power required to train and run AI models.Jevons' paradox: The counterintuitive idea that efficiency gains can increase, rather than reduce, overall usage.CUDA: NVIDIA's software platform for programming its chips for high-performance computing.Jensen: Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's co-founder and chief executive.Metaverse: Shared virtual worlds where people interact, create and play online.Large language models (LLMs): AI systems trained on vast amounts of text to understand and generate language.Multimodal models: AI systems that can process multiple types of data, such as text, images and video.World models: AI systems that learn how the physical world works in order to predict and simulate it.Embodied AI: AI that learns through physical interaction with the real world, such as robots or vehicles.Imitation learning: Training AI by having it copy actions demonstrated by humans.
In this Best Of episode of the Be Wealthy Podcast, Brett Tanner brings together the most impactful lessons, insights, and mindset shifts from recent episodes — all focused on what actually creates real wealth.This compilation covers defining wealth beyond money, long-term investing principles, pricing risk, creating freedom through intentional decisions, and building a life centered around experiences, ownership, and clarity. Brett shares powerful frameworks around investing, income growth, leverage, time, and personal responsibility — without hype or shortcuts.If you're serious about building wealth the right way, this episode delivers the core ideas that matter most — fast, practical, and timeless.
2025 Lessons That Changed Our Health | The Forever Fit Podcast by Mavy Wellness Ep. #421Interested in working with our world class team, Book your application call here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcastJoin our Free Fit Vegan weekly newsletter: https://fitvegancoaching.com/newsletterTry out the Superfood Adaptogenic Protein Blend from Nutrigazm. Use the code FitVegan15 to save 15% off any one time order and use code FitVegan20 to save 20% off all subscription orders over at www.nutrigazm.comIn this episode of the Forever Fit Podcast by Mavy Wellness, Ivy and I sit down to reflect on the lessons that shaped our 2025—and the principles guiding us into 2026. We talk openly about embracing change, choosing discipline over motivation, setting stronger boundaries, and taking imperfect action even when things feel uncertain. We also share personal reflections on injuries, leadership, relationships, and the power of community and team. This is an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and building a life—and mission—that's aligned for the long term.[00:00–01:06] Welcome to the Forever Fit Podcast, Team Gratitude, Setting the Tone[01:07–04:05] Lessons from 2025, Embracing Change and Adaptability[04:06–06:03] Digital Detoxes and Creating Mental Space[06:04–12:12] Boundaries, Saying No, and Avoiding Comparison[12:13–22:56] Personal Goals, Community, Discipline Over Motivation[22:57–31:20] Building a Strong Team, Leadership and Support Systems[31:21–36:19] Vulnerability, Injuries, and Staying Resilient[36:20–45:20] Relationships, Sacrifice, and Long-Term Thinking[45:21–52:06] Imperfect Action, Consistency Over Perfection[52:07–01:13:00] Looking Ahead to 2026, Final Reflections and GratitudeKey Quotes“Discipline beats motivation every day.” -Ivy.“The only reason I can do a lot is because I have such an incredible team,”-Maxime.My name is Maxime Sigouin. I am the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching and Empire Builders Agency. I have a passion for serving and helping people live to their fullest potential.Book Your FREE Consultation Call Here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcast- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximesigouinofficial/- Join our FREE Fit Vegan Community: www.freefitvegancommunity.com- Youtube Channel : https://linktw.in/AyNrSW
⭐ Join Rental Property Mastery, my community of rental investors on their way to financial freedom: https://www.coachcarson.com/rpm
It all comes back to the DNA.The firms that know who they are will know who to be.You can learn a lot about an investment firm by listening to what they say.Alt Goes Mainstream's AGM Originals Series - The DNA: Capturing Culture - is dedicated to capturing the DNA of a firm by listening to what they say.The first season of The DNA stars EQT. In Stockholm, at EQT's AIM this past summer, I sat down for conversations with nine EQT executives.Each executive came from different parts of the firm — and different parts of the world.Each had fascinating backgrounds and stories about how they ended up in private markets and worked to build EQT.But there was a single throughline threaded throughout all of the discussions: the consistency and frequency that each executive talked about the firm's mission, vision, culture, and values.That's why it all comes back to the DNA.Episode 1 features EQT Founder and Chairperson Conni Jonsson. Conni founded EQT Partners AB in 1994. He has been Managing Partner since the company's foundation and as from March 1, 2014, Conni is full time working Chairperson.Prior to founding EQT Partners AB, Conni was employed by the Wallenberg Family Holding Company for seven years as Executive Vice President.Conni Jonsson graduated from the University of Linkoping in 1984, Bachelor of Science with majors in Economic Analysis and Accounting & Finance, and he has participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School.Please enjoy this conversation with one of the industry's leaders in Conni Jonsson.You can stream all the episodes on AGM's YouTube channel at AltGoesMainstreamAGM.Show Notes 00:00 The DNA: Capturing Culture Episode 100:21 EQT's Origins and Global Reach01:38 Conni Jonsson's Background and Journey02:00 Founding EQT: Embracing Uniqueness04:03 Balancing Responsibility and Financial Outcomes05:09 The Wallenberg Family's Influence06:36 Long-Term Thinking in Investing07:20 Operationalizing Long-Term Values08:13 EQT's Distinct Investment Approach10:12 The Importance of Culture in Business11:28 EQT's Focus on Core Competencies12:53 Global Investment Strategies13:20 Engaging with Institutional and Wealth Investors14:15 Educating the Wealth Channel17:10 Diversification and Global Exposure18:19 Investing in Asia: Structural Alpha20:40 Mitigating Political Risks20:47 Future Skills in Private Markets22:51 Aligning Good Business with Good Returns24:38 Conclusion: The Winner Takes It All
In this episode of The Second Act Executive, Antoinette Wolf speaks directly to executives and investors navigating the transition from corporate leadership into ownership, private practice, or entrepreneurial expansion.Grounded in the core ideas of Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters, this conversation explores why long-term value is created through original thinking, first principles, and infrastructure, not competition or imitation.Antoinette explains why Wolf Vibrations, LLC is highlighting one of its newest completed projects this month, the B Wellness Center Studio, and how it reflects a broader strategic direction toward integrated business centers that support physical performance, financial planning, and professional longevity. With licensed financial brokers, a registered dietitian, physical therapy, sports medicine, and performance professionals now connected, the episode examines why health, judgment, and wealth are inseparable for executives over 50.The episode also introduces a Market Minute segment, explaining why stocks are now part of the discussion and how understanding asset-backed, income-oriented businesses can support entrepreneurs and private practice owners beyond traditional 401(k) structures.The conversation closes with a deep seasonal perspective, including an in-depth look at Sagittarius season and a forward-focused Capricorn outlook, tying personal alignment to disciplined decision-making and long-term planning.This episode is for professionals who are no longer interested in trends or noise, and are focused instead on building durable value, strong infrastructure, and a second act designed with intention.New episodes every Wednesday at 9 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Most businesses get trapped competing on price because they never learn how to create value. In this episode of The Next Level Podcast, Jeremy Miner sits down with Jacob Reese, Vice President of Standard Plumbing Supply, one of the largest family-owned wholesale distributors in the Western United States. Built over three generations. Jeremy and Jacob talk about why communication, not pricing, determines who wins, how contractors get stuck in price-based thinking, and what shifts when you move to results-based selling. They explore how influence applies to sales, leadership, operations, and decision-making, why the best ideas often lose to the best-communicated ones, and how systems like Vendor Managed Inventory help customers buy back time and increase profit. Whether you sell, lead, or run a business, this conversation shows how creating value, not competing harder, is what actually drives growth. Chapters:(00:00) Introduction (03:03) Why Everyone Needs to Learn Sales and Persuasion(05:45) Stewardship, Legacy, and Long-Term Thinking(08:30) The Customer Is the Boss Philosophy(11:45) Vendor Managed Inventory and Buying Back Time(17:10) Creation vs Competition in Business(22:15) Price vs Results Based Thinking(29:05) Communication, Influence, and Objection PreventionConnect with Jacob Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jacobnreese Website:https://www.standardplumbing.comGot a question about sales, persuasion, or objection handling? Text me directly: +1-480-481-6755Join the 7th Level University: https://whop.com/discover/7thlevel/Join the waitlist for the Ask Jeremy 7q.AI : https://7q.ai/waitlistJoin the 7th Level Sales Team: https://hardlyselling.hirebus-careers.com/closer-7th-levelThe exact NEPQ script I used to earn $2.4M/year as a W-2 sales rep: https://nepqtraining.com/smv-yt-splt-opt-orgPrefer to understand the psychology behind NEPQ first? Grab The New Model of Selling: Selling to an Unsellable Generation on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636980112Book a call with my team: https://7thlevelhq.com/book-demo/Connect with Jeremy MinerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeremeyminerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyleeminer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyleeminer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.miner.52
Most businesses get trapped competing on price because they never learn how to create value. In this episode of The Next Level Podcast, Jeremy Miner sits down with Jacob Reese, Vice President of Standard Plumbing Supply, one of the largest family-owned wholesale distributors in the Western United States. Built over three generations. Jeremy and Jacob talk about why communication, not pricing, determines who wins, how contractors get stuck in price-based thinking, and what shifts when you move to results-based selling. They explore how influence applies to sales, leadership, operations, and decision-making, why the best ideas often lose to the best-communicated ones, and how systems like Vendor Managed Inventory help customers buy back time and increase profit. Whether you sell, lead, or run a business, this conversation shows how creating value, not competing harder, is what actually drives growth. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (03:03) Why Everyone Needs to Learn Sales and Persuasion (05:45) Stewardship, Legacy, and Long-Term Thinking (08:30) The Customer Is the Boss Philosophy (11:45) Vendor Managed Inventory and Buying Back Time (17:10) Creation vs Competition in Business (22:15) Price vs Results Based Thinking (29:05) Communication, Influence, and Objection Prevention Connect with Jacob Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jacobnreese Website:https://www.standardplumbing.com Got a question about sales, persuasion, or objection handling? Text me directly: +1-480-481-6755 Join the 7th Level University: https://whop.com/discover/7thlevel/ Join the waitlist for the Ask Jeremy 7q.AI : https://7q.ai/waitlist Join the 7th Level Sales Team: https://hardlyselling.hirebus-careers.com/closer-7th-level The exact NEPQ script I used to earn $2.4M/year as a W-2 sales rep: https://nepqtraining.com/smv-yt-splt-opt-org Prefer to understand the psychology behind NEPQ first? Grab The New Model of Selling: Selling to an Unsellable Generation on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636980112 Book a call with my team: https://7thlevelhq.com/book-demo/ Connect with Jeremy Miner YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeremeyminer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyleeminer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyleeminer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.miner.52
From Pony.ai launching a robo-taxi service during a Shanghai storm to E Ink revolutionising the way supermarkets label their shelves – emerging market companies are in many cases leapfrogging western counterparts. In this episode, investment manager Alice Stretch reveals to host Leo Kelion some of the most disruptive companies innovating at speed in Asia and Latin America. Background:Alice Stretch is an investment manager in Baillie Gifford's Emerging Markets Equity Team. In this conversation, recorded as part of our annual Disruption Week briefings, she explores some of the growth companies in her portfolios turning constraints to their advantage and reducing friction in their customers' lives. Companies discussed include: PolicyBazaar – the Indian insurance platform making it easier for people to protect themselves against life's financial shocks.Nubank – the Brazilian digital lender extending access to banking and credit.Meituan – the food delivery and local services app extending its reach beyond China.MercadoLibre – the Latin American ecommerce and fintech giant expanding into advertising.Mobile World – the Vietnamese conglomerate that has expanded from mobile phones to competitively priced groceries.Sea Ltd – the Singaporean gaming, shopping and fintech group eyeing the possibilities of agentic AI.TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) – the world's leading chip manufacturer.E Ink – the Taiwanese e-paper pioneer building on its ebook success to provide supermarkets with updateable price tags and marketers with low-power digital billboards.Pony.ai – the first driverless car company to offer a robo-taxi service in four of China's most populous cities. Resources:Disruption Week Emerging markets: how we do what we doEmerging markets: from imitators to innovatorsEmerging markets: the next engines of growth (podcast)Emerging markets in 2050: growth in a changing worldImecShort Briefings on Long Term Thinking hub Companies mentioned include:AmazonByteDanceChromaE InkMercadoLibreMobile WorldMeituanNubankNVIDIAPolicyBazaarPony.aiSea LtdStellantisTSMC Timecodes:00:00 Introduction – Pony.ai takes to Shanghai's roads02:00 The imitators become the innovators05:10 How PolicyBazaar benefits from not being locked into a legacy system 07:10 Nubank: reducing friction while expanding access to banking and credit09:25 MercadoLibre's multi-act expansion leads it to advertising technology10:25 Mobile World's move from selling handsets to groceries11:50 Ways Sea Ltd developed capabilities while operating under constraints13:45 Sea CEO Forrest Li's ability to adapt and pivot15:25 Taking the long-term view and a generalist approach17:30 Studying the semiconductor industry with the help of Imec and TSMC19:45 Investing in Chroma and E Ink in Taiwan21:10 Walmart and other supermarkets adopt E Ink's updateable price labels22:45 The case for investing in Pony.ai as a long-term growth investor24:10 Pony.ai's cost advantage and international partnerships25:55 Taking macroeconomic and geopolitical risk into account27:15 Putting deep knowledge and research to our clients' advantage
There is no doubt in my mind that we, as a nation (and, across the world) are facing a moral confusion if not a complete moral crisis. And, unless righteous, bold men step up to the plate, we'll continue to see the moral decay of everything we love from our favorite institutions, to our families, and our neighborhoods, and even the threat of losing this great nation. That isn't hyperbole. Today, I am joined by John Lovell, founder of Warrior Poet Society and former Army Ranger to discuss what we as men can do about it. We talk about mercy and justice (and, how to satisfy both), why we should hate injustice, the dangers of communism and socialism, why we must unite behind Truth (with a capital T), why "happiness" is inferior to "joy," and why we should pursue peace if possible but truth at all costs. 00:00 - Introduction & Catching Up 01:20 - Why John Wrote "The Lions of Mercer" 03:49 - Justice, Fiction, and Catharsis 07:15 - The Cry for Justice 08:07 - Modern Culture and Victimhood 08:51 - Loving the Good vs. Hating the Evil 11:44 - Redemption, Failure, and Public Dogpiling 13:01 - Loyalty, Forgiveness, and Standing by Brothers 16:14 - What Is "The Good"? 18:27 - Justice, Mercy, and the Role of Christ 20:15 - Judgement, Hypocrisy, and Accountability 23:07 - Integrity and Personal Alignment 24:39 - Happiness vs. Joy 26:39 - Teaching Discipline and Long-Term Thinking 27:03 - You Can Only Replicate Who You Are 28:22 - Wrestling With Faith and Christianity 29:02 - The Dangers of Atheism & Moral Relativism 31:05 - America's Moral Foundation 32:42 - Who Decides Morality? 34:12 - Rise of Socialism & Cultural Rejection 35:38 - New York, Ideology, and Consequences 36:36 - Unity vs. Compromise 38:41 - What Makes Someone American? 39:58 - Parenting, Boyhood, and Raising Men 40:45 - Why Boyhood Resurrected Was Written 42:38 - Risk, Adventure, and Rite of Passage 46:14 - Finding Balance in Parenting 47:09 - Trust, Risk, and Leadership in Marriage 51:27 - Why Should Your Wife Trust You? 52:21 - Leadership, Submission, and Marriage Dynamics 55:49 - Biblical Structure for Marriage 59:04 - Loving Leadership and Wise Authority 01:00:54 - Closing Thoughts & Transition to IC Segment 01:01:15 - Where to Find John Lovell 01:02:13 - Q&A Teaser Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
AI lab Anthropic, digital bank Revolut, Chinese social network Xiaohongshu and supply chain specialist Zetwerk count among Baillie Gifford's most recent private growth company investments. These bold pioneers are part of an expanding asset class, representing some of the world's fastest growing and most disruptive businesses. Investment manager Robert Natzler tells host Leo Kelion how and why we backed them on behalf of our clients. Background: Robert Natzler is an investment manager on our Private Companies Team and deputy manager of The Schiehallion Fund. In this conversation, recorded as part of our annual Disruption Week briefings, he brings you up to date on his team's recent activity, bringing our tally of private company investments to more than 160, with a total value of over $10bn. Companies discussed include: Mottu – the motorcycle rental and service provider, serving gig workers and others in Latin America. Revolut – the digital bank that has surpassed HSBC and other traditional lenders in terms of its customer count. Anthropic – the frontier AI lab behind the chatbot and coding champion Claude. Xiaohongshu – the Chinese social network, also known as RedNote, with a strong and growing following, especially among young women. Zetwerk – the outsourcing specialist giving western brands and manufacturers the ability to broaden their supply chains beyond China. Resources:About Robert Natzler Disruption Week From code to culture: private companies shaping the world Private Companies Team Private growth: looking over the overlooked Short Briefings on Long Term Thinking hub Why we are backing Anthropic Companies mentioned include: Anthropic ByteDance Mottu Revolut Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Zetwerk Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction – Mottu CEO Rubens Zanelatto's masterstroke 02:20 Investing in ‘real' companies with ambitious leaders 05:20 Helping growth-stage companies prepare to go public 08:35 Exceptional companies in California and beyond 09:55 Mottu: providing motorcycles and maintenance to an underserved segment 13:10 Revolut: pursuing a different playbook to traditional banks 16:35 Gaining conviction in AI lab Anthropic 23:40 Dario Amodei's appeal to other AI talent 24:30 Xiaohongshu (RedNote)'s popularity among women in China's wealthiest cities 26:25 Zetwerk: expanding access to factories around the world 28:37 How Baillie Gifford clients can access private companies 29:35 Taking a global perspective on private companies
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Q Edmonds interviews Finith Jernigan, who shares his journey from a chemistry background to becoming a real estate investor. Finith discusses the importance of technology in real estate, his strategies for success, and the lessons learned from challenges faced in the industry. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and operational improvements for long-term success in real estate investment. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Tom Curran and Phil Perry react to a very lively NFL trade deadline day… for everyone outside of Foxborough. The guys debate whether or not the Patriots made the right decision by standing pat at the deadline and discuss what it means for the team going forward. 1:00- Patriots quiet at the trade deadline… what's the reasoning? Was it the right decision?5:50- Should the Patriots have matched the offers for Jakobi Meyers or Rashid Shaheed?14:35- How high is your concern-level about the team's defensive edge rush going forward?18:30- Where does New England stand at running back now?20:10- What does the team do with their $50M in cap space? WATCH every episode of the Patriots Talk podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Raising the Standard, I share exactly how I lost 65 pounds in 8 months at age 50, reached 3% body fat naturally (no TRT, no gear), and won the Masters Classic Physique division at an NPC show—while leading my family, hitting work goals, and helping clients stack wins. This isn't just a fitness story; it's a God-driven transformation that began in the spirit and reshaped my identity, habits, and future.You'll learn the core pillars from my Discipline Codex—a framework that blends neuroscience with Kingdom truths—to create lasting change in any area of life:- God-Driven Vision (GDV): define a powerful why and think in decades, not quick fixes- Long-Term Thinking: journey over outcome, no shortcuts or cheap dopamine- Identity Upgrade: stop victim thinking and make decisions from who you're becoming- Commitment: cut off other options and stop negotiating with yourself- Environment & Coaching: choose a high-performance atmosphere and real accountability- Embrace Uncomfortable: stretch beyond your comfort zone to unlock growth- Embrace Boring: master the mundane—simple meals, repeatable training, consistent habits- Accountability Lever: why a bodybuilding show became the ultimate forcing functionMy results in the Masters over 50:- 1st place: Classic Physique- 3rd place: BodybuildingIf you're ready to align your faith, identity, and discipline to transform your body, mindset, and life in 2025, this episode is your blueprint. Share this with a friend who's ready to raise the standard.Checkout THE DISCIPLINE CODEX Here: https://www.standard59.com/disciplinecodexOrder Bodyhealth Products here to save on the same supplements I use https://www.bodyhealthaffiliates.com/34R5F16/3QQG7/Use code CHAT20 to save 20% off your order
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he's reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced.David's track record is extraordinary:He recommended Amazon in 1997 (up 86,000% since)Tesla in 2012 (up 80,000%)Netflix in 2004 (up 937,000%)And NVIDIA in 2005 (up a staggering 1.2 million percent)But what's even more compelling is how he did it—and how those principles translate far beyond investing. David shares a deeply thoughtful approach to decision-making, pattern recognition, and long-term conviction that applies to business leaders, not just individual investors.The conversation ranges from why “indexing is the new active,” to how embracing joy, optimism, and curiosity has made him a better investor, entrepreneur, and human being. For CEOs and leaders navigating uncertainty, David's blend of rigor, irreverence, and wisdom offers valuable takeaways on strategy, innovation, and leadership mindset.Whether you're responsible for growing an organization or stewarding your own portfolio, this is a rare chance to learn from someone who's played the long game—successfully, repeatedly, and with purpose.Actionable Takeaways Hear why most people invest backward—and how a “Rule Breaker” mindset flips the script.Learn the six traits David looks for in exponential companies—and how those same traits show up in standout leaders and teams.See why long-term thinking is the ultimate competitive moat—for investors and CEOs alike.Explore how optimism, when grounded in conviction, becomes a leadership advantage—not a liability.Understand how joy and playfulness build trust, culture, and long-term performance.Hear how David picked Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, and NVIDIA early—and why the key wasn't spreadsheets, but belief in innovation and people.Discover why bold action beats cautious consensus—and how to reframe fear of failure into fuel for success.Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Motley Fool disrupted financial services—and what it taught David about culture, mission, and momentum.Why the best investors and leaders ignore the crowd—and how to strengthen your internal compass.Connect with David GardnerDavid Garnder LinkedIn David Gardner X Rule Breaker Investing: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World Rule Breaker Investing Podcast Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
We live in a world that rewards instant gratification, but the people who achieve extraordinary results think differently. In this episode, we're breaking down the difference between short-term and long-term thinking — and why mastering the balance between the two is the secret to consistency, bold action, and creating the life you've always wanted. You'll learn exactly how to spot when you're sabotaging your future for comfort now, plus the mindset shifts and tools that will help you start making decisions your future self will thank you for. ✅ FREE CLASS! LEARN HOW TO STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK Don't forget to sign up for our free “How to Stop Caring What People Think” webinar masterclass at https://www.trishblackwell.com/stopcaring ✅ GET ACCELERATED RESULTS: Our next-level coaching happens at: http://www.collegeofconfidence.com ✅ STAY CONNECTED.
Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire 1 person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world have the hustle and grit to deliver. www.InsightGlobal.com/LearningLeader My guest: Sam Lessin is a Partner at Slow Ventures, with prior experience as Vice President of Product Management at Facebook and CEO of Drop.io. His career highlights include serving as a key executive at Facebook, leading product management efforts, and successfully co-founding Fin. His current role at Slow Ventures involves investing in innovative startups across various sectors, showcasing his expertise in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Notes: Key Learnings The 4:30 AM Advantage – Sam's father would be at his desk by 4:30 AM every day, saying, "It's easy to look smart if you have a several-hour head start on everyone else." Early work creates compounding advantages over time. Either Be Early or Be Late, Don't Be On Time – Father's wisdom about timing and seasons. Start your career super early to get ahead, or strategically wait and come in later. Timing matters more than perfect preparation. Joy as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage – "I just don't think that in the long run, angry people win." Look for joyful people in hiring and partnerships because joy is sustainable while anger burns out. Type Two Fun Builds Resilience – Type 1 fun is enjoyable while doing it (rollercoaster). Type 2 fun "completely sucks while you're doing it, but there's joy on the other side" (climbing mountains, marathons). Entrepreneurs need Type 2 fun experiences. Practice Voluntary Hardship – Sam ran a sub-3-hour marathon and got a pilot's license not for love of activities, but for "practice moments" of perseverance. Creates evidence that you can handle business adversity. Right Person, Right Opportunity, Right Time – Don't ask "is this a great person?" Ask, "Is it the right person at the right moment?" Success requires all three elements to align, not just talent. Write Publicly for Intellectual Receipts – "If you can't write the check, write me the thesis and timestamp it." Writing creates accountability, proves thinking ability, and builds reputation over time. Nobody Knows What They're Doing – Working at Bain taught Sam that even prestigious companies "have no idea what you're doing." This is liberating—you can figure it out too. Big Things Take Time (Slow Ventures Philosophy) – Most success isn't quick wins. Venmo took "so many turns of the crank." Be patient finding the right wind, then sail fast when you catch it. Embrace Being Wrong Most of the Time – Seed investing means "you're mostly wrong, you mostly lose money." Success comes from being very right occasionally, not being right consistently. The Solana 2000x Return Story – Put in $400K, returned 2000x to LPs. Success came from the intersection of thesis (looking for "Ethereum killer") and relationships (following Raj Gokal through multiple startups). Use Humor and Authenticity as Filters – Slow Ventures website looks like a law firm in tuxedos "on purpose." If you don't think it's funny, "you're not who we want to invest in." Writing Pushes Away Wrong People – "I really like to be not liked by the people I don't want to work with." Authentic writing attracts the right people and repels the wrong ones. Manufacturing Hardship for Privileged Kids – "Tiger Dad" sports culture might be a misguided attempt to create necessary adversity for wealthy children who lack natural hardships. I loved the throughline of this whole conversation being about his dad, working exceptionally hard, and having joy and excitement for the journey. Maybe it was the near-death experiences that his dad had that led to that mindset. Regardless, it's something we can all learn from. We want to be around optimistic people who have joy and love for what they're doing… Nobody knows what they're doing. We're all figuring it out as we go. You'll never learn unless you go out and do the thing. Figure it out as you go. Just get started. And iterate. Learn. Try again. And keep going. Advice from Sam – Write publicly. You don't know what you think until you get your thoughts out of your head onto the page. And if you publish them, you have a record of the journey. Also, you might attract someone to work with. That is how Jack Raines (guest on episode #539) caught Sam's attention, and now they work together. Useful Quotes: "It's easy to look smart if you have a several-hour head start on everyone else." "I just don't think that in the long run, angry people win." "Either be early or be late, don't be on time." "The right question is, is it the right person at the right moment?" "Writing is thinking. If you can't write, you can't think." "I feel like a tenured professor of capitalism—responsible to make a lot of money over the long term by being very right every once in a while with permission to be wrong all the time." "One of the most insulting things you can call someone is a market participant." "The beauty of the internet is so big. The right people find you." "Big things take time." "Life's short. Is this really what you're spending your time on?" Apply to be part of my next Learning Leader Circle. Time Stamps: 00:11 Sam's Dad's Unique Career Path 00:39 Life Lessons from My Dad 04:35 The Trade-offs of Hard Work 06:57 Betting on the Right People 07:23 The Importance of Joy in Success 10:39 Overcoming Hardships and Building Resilience 20:40 My Journey: From Harvard to Bain 26:06 Joining Facebook and Learning from Mark Zuckerberg 29:36 Balancing Joy and Competitive Spirit 30:15 The Story of Rippling and Parker 31:48 The Solana Investment Journey 34:33 The Importance of Writing and Public Thought 41:07 The Philosophy Behind Slow Ventures 52:54 Advice for Aspiring Venture Capitalists 55:46 Future Plans
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
