Podcasts about risk taking

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Daniel Baltazar, a former skydiving instructor turned real estate entrepreneur. Daniel shares his journey from the thrill of skydiving to the challenges and successes of real estate investing. He discusses his first property, the transition from a W-2 job to full-time entrepreneurship, and the importance of raising capital. Daniel emphasizes the courage required to take risks in business and his plans to launch a mastermind group to help others in their real estate journeys.   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   —--------------------

--{ "Puppets, Pearls, and Palaver -- If I Had a Rocket Launcher"}-- South African refugees arrive in the US - Two Israeli embassy staffers killed, shooter cries "Free Palestine" - Elias Rodriguez' 'Manifesto' - Alan Watt's blurb from Feb. 1, 2007 - Richard Perle's Speech to Students at the Oxford Union - June 2006, regarding Middle East Military Agenda, Pre-Emptive Strikes, North Korea - Iran - Syria, Project for a New American Century - Israel and Palestine, Pope Benedict XVI - Tony Blair - George Bush, Terrorism, Pakistan, Ahmadinejad, Religious Fundamentalism, Playing All Sides from the Top, Leaders - Mobs - Chaos - Solutions, British Israel Movement, Reinterpreting Revelations, Lebanon, Highland Clearances of Scotland, Esoteric Religion of the Elite, Exoteric Mass Followers, Albert Pike - "Morals and Dogma - " Xerxes, Education of a Pharaoh, Roman Looting, Chicken Wings of Democracy - Royal Institute of International Affairs - Great Builder's Business Plan, Elite Gangsterism, Conceptual Money - God and the Name of God, Use of Tribal Psychology in Warfare - Chemical Experimentation on Military Troops - Conformity vs Risk-Taking, Empathy for Others. (Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" by Bruce Cockburn)

About the Guest: Debra Bradley is a seasoned fractional CFO and innovation strategist who specializes in guiding companies through transformative growth. With a career steeped in finance, risk assessment, and technological adoption, Debra is known for her bold yet calculated approach to change. Whether it's advising on AI implementation or recalibrating how businesses assess risk, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, curiosity, and a fearless attitude toward growth and disruption.Episode Summary: In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor is joined by Debra Bradley to explore why the greatest risk in business—and life—is often staying exactly where you are. From open water swimming to pioneering financial transformations, Debra shares how embracing discomfort and recalibrating risk leads to resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Together, they unpack the myths of risk, the pitfalls of success, and the critical role of leadership in high-change environments. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty or simply someone looking to grow, this conversation will shift how you think about change and challenge.

Jxmie Blake is a genre-blending artist, producer, and educator whose work fuses jazz, soul, hip hop, pop, and electronic music into a bold and expressive signature sound. Known for his innovative approach to Ableton Push as a chromatic instrument, Jxmie is a multi-talented creator with a deep background in audio engineering, songwriting, and sound design. With degrees from Berklee College of Music and a client list including Ableton, Red Bull, and Ludacris, he's quickly becoming a leading voice in modern music education and performance. In this conversation, Jxmie and I dive into the creative mindset—how breaking the rules, following sparks of inspiration, and simplifying your workflow can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. We explore the power of limitations, the importance of finishing ideas (even imperfect ones), and how developing a strong relationship with your tools—like Push—can unlock musical freedom. It's an honest look at the balance between discipline and play, structure and spontaneity, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop overthinking and just make something. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Takeaways: Push as a Chromatic Instrument – Jxmie breaks down how Push can function like a guitar fretboard, opening up intuitive, expressive playing that bridges the gap between traditional instruments and digital music-making. Creative Freedom Through Limitations – Embracing limited gear or working with only stock tools can actually foster more creativity and deeper exploration. Breaking the Rules Is the Point – Jxmie encourages musicians to intentionally break conventions—whether it's stacking effects, pushing gear beyond intended use, or warping samples into unrecognizable textures. Music as Self-Expression – The ultimate goal isn't perfection, but expressing what's inside you—your mood, your perspective, your story. Reckless Experimentation Leads to Inspiration – Playing without a specific goal, just to see what happens, often leads to surprising and exciting results. Gear Doesn't Make the Artist – Even basic tools like GarageBand or stock Ableton devices can be powerful when fully understood and creatively applied. Teaching as Empowerment – Through his work at 1500 Sound Academy and his online courses, Jxmie focuses on empowering students to unlock their own creative voices, regardless of background or skill level. Creative Blocks Are Often Internal – As we gain technical skills, creative challenges become more mental and emotional—expectations, self-judgment, and overthinking can block our flow. Start with Play, Not Pressure – Some of the best creative moments happen when you approach music playfully, without the weight of needing to make something great. The Process Is the Product – Whether it's creating sounds, building devices, or finishing songs, the act of exploring, tweaking, and iterating is as valuable as the final result. Links: Jxmie's Website and Push Classes - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store Jxmie's Free Ableton Live Packs - https://jxmieblake.sellfy.store/packs-2/ Jxmie's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jxmieblake Jxmie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jxmieblake/ 1500 Sound Academy - https://1500soundacademy.com/ Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc  5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/ Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk  

In this very exciting episode—our first-ever Five Eyes (FVEY) feature—we're thrilled to welcome a true changemaker in the world of cybersecurity. Our guest is none other than Michelle Mosey, Founder of Valkyrie Cyber, whose impressive career spans military service, high-level intelligence liaison roles, and impactful leadership in the tech sector. She details her time in the Australian Navy and how she transitioned into the intelligence sector and ultimately worked alongside former USDI James Clapper. Additionally she details how she later helped veterans transition into cyber roles at With You With Me. Michelle brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation.But there's more to her than just her resume. Michelle is an adventurer at heart—whether she's camping under the stars, exploring new corners of the world, or creating magic in the kitchen. A true risk-taker with a powerful story, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and her bold vision for the future of cybersecurity.Don't miss this one—we're just getting started with FVEY, and this episode sets the bar high.

I've been a full-time online publisher and content creator since 2012. Along the way, I've had to take some sizeable risks to both survive financially and grow my business.  This video sets out 6 of those risks I took along the way that ultimately paid off.  FYI, not all risks I took paid off. I'll go through the failures in another video.Learn more about being a content creator by joining my email newsletter here.

Episode Overview: Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Power of Owning Your Career podcast! This week, host Simone Morris sits down with the dynamic Jackie Grice, speaker, bestselling co-author, and CEO who built a multimillion-dollar transportation company from the ground up. Jackie shares her remarkable journey, including transitioning from dreams of becoming a judge to thriving as an entrepreneur alongside her husband.   In this conversation, Jackie opens up about the pivotal role her engineering background plays in her business strategy and personal growth, and how a life-changing two-day silence retreat propelled her to launch a successful coaching business during the challenges of COVID-19. Tune in as Jackie reveals her formula for career ownership—purpose plus strategy—and the importance of intentionality, mentorship, and investing in yourself. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or navigating your next career move, Jackie's insights on risk, networking, and unleashing untapped potential will leave you feeling empowered to truly be in the driver's seat of your own journey.   Get ready to discover what it really means to launch deeper and live a limitless life driven by purpose!   Time Stamp Of This Episode: 00:00 "Inspiring Career Strategies with Jackie" 04:55 Discovering New Paths During Silence 07:25 The Power of Silence 11:32 Backward Planning Strategy 15:15 Invest in Yourself 18:28 "The Art of Effective Networking" 22:33 Mitigating Risk in Entrepreneurship 26:47 Parental Sacrifice and Success   Show Resources: Practice Silence: Jackie Grice recommends intentional silence, such as attending silent retreats or setting aside periods for personal reflection, to gain clarity on purpose and strategy. Invest in Coaching, Mentorship, and Sponsorship: Build a strong support network by engaging a coach for growth, a mentor for guidance, and a sponsor to advocate for you in new opportunities. Consider Therapy: Jackie highlights therapy as a resource for overcoming mental and emotional barriers, increasing self-awareness, and achieving career and personal goals. Read "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell: This book is suggested as a valuable tool for learning how to delegate tasks and buy back your time so you can focus on high-impact activities. Follow Launching Deeper with Jackie B. Grice (YouTube & Website): Stay connected with Jackie for ongoing resources on business strategy and personal growth via her website and YouTube series.   Connect with our guest, Jackie B. Grice, at https://jackiebgrice.com   Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris     To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest   Get More Support for Your Career:

What if everything you've built was just the beginning? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Mahlum – serial entrepreneur, founder of Solidcore and Back on My Feet, and a powerhouse of personal transformation. Anne shares her journey from a $100 million exit to a life of deep contentment and empowerment, emphasizing the power of simplicity, self-trust, and deliberate life design. We talk about the art of letting go, the strength found in creating boundaries, and the often-overlooked importance of defining your own metrics for success. If you've ever wondered how to keep moving forward without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. Opening Reflection: What would your life look like if you truly lived by your values, not just your goals? Anne's Journey: From negative net worth to a $100 million exit – the power of purpose-driven work Letting Go for Growth: Why your identity should never be tied to just one role or outcome Building a Game You Can Win: The importance of setting clear, simple goals in business Lessons in Risk and Reward: How Anne navigated her exits and built companies that outlast her Non-Negotiables for High Performance: The simple daily habits that fuel Anne's energy and clarity Empowering Others: Anne's current chapter of impact through public speaking and mentorship Closing Takeaway: Why simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in business and life   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Special props

Welcome back to Pizza Quest!One of the most beloved couples in all of pizzadom have just released their first book, Pizza From the Heart, and it's a beauty, loaded with wonderful recipes, anecdotes, banter, and the whole backstory on the creation of the legendary Paulie Gee's Pizza. Paul and Mary Ann Giannone, aka Paulie Gee and Mrs. Gee, are manifesting their dream and legacy on a daily basis. One of my most important takeaways from this enjoyable conversation the the Gee's is that it is never too late to go after that dream (after all, they were in their fifties when they decided to step aways from their conventional but unfulfilling lives go all in on the risky but heart-felt vision of turning a fun hobby into a path of serving others through their pizzas.  Obviously there's a whole lot more to this story, so join us to hear all about their amazing journey, here on this episode of Pizza Quest.

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Starling, a remarkable entrepreneur who built a seven-figure jewelry brand starting with just $300 on a credit card. Olivia shares her incredible journey from corporate employee to successful business owner, revealing how she mastered email marketing to create a business that ultimately led to features on Good Morning America and The View before being acquired. Now teaching others her proven methods, Olivia offers invaluable insights on building an email list that functions "like an ATM" and creating authentic connections with customers.Episode Topics:Olivia's journey from corporate marketing to launching her own jewelry businessHow she built a seven-figure brand starting with just $300The power of influencer marketing to jumpstart a businessBuilding and maintaining an engaged email list of 147,000 subscribersEmail marketing strategies that drive consistent salesThe importance of reinvesting profits for business growthFinding balance between business reinvestment and personal compensationTransitioning from product-based business to teaching othersInsights:Start with what you have: Olivia launched her business with just $300 on a credit card, showing that limited resources aren't a barrier to entryReinvest aggressively: In the early stages, Olivia reinvested nearly all profits back into inventory and growthCreate scarcity marketing: Limited inventory releases created excitement and urgency among customersLeverage email as your foundation: While social media following is valuable, email lists are assets you controlPersonalize every email: Using customer names increases open rates and engagementNever buy email lists: Build your list organically to ensure quality subscribers and better deliverabilityEngage in conversation: Ask questions that encourage replies to improve sender reputationBe authentically you: Share personal stories and your unique perspective to attract ideal customersBuild a personal brand alongside your business: One of Olivia's regrets was not building her personal email list while growing her businessHighlights:00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:13 Building a Successful Business from Scratch 02:53 Starting a Business Journey 05:44 Entrepreneurial Journey and Risk Taking 08:21 Personal Experience with Pregnancy and Business 10:03 Product Launch Strategy and Growth 13:31 Investment in Business and Personal Growth 15:50 Personal Compensation in Business Models 17:46 Email List Growth and Management 18:40 Email Marketing Strategies 20:08 Setting Up Email Marketing Systems 21:22 Building Relationships in Real Estate 24:06 Building Personal and Business Brands 27:17 Email Personalization and List Building 30:12 Email Deliverability and Engagement Strategies 32:52 Email Marketing and Personal Branding 35:26 Business Motivation and Course Accessibility 38:07 Mindset Shift in Entrepreneurship 39:26 Wim Hof Breathing Technique 40:48 Support and Resources for Learning 41:43 Podcast episode ended Resources:Flowdesk - Email marketing platform recommended for service-based businessesKlaviyo - Email marketing platform Olivia used for her product-based businessWim Hof breathing technique - Olivia's go-to practice for clarity and creativityReady to build your own email marketing strategy? Visit the show notes to learn more about Olivia's accessible courses designed to teach you the exact methods she...

George Tsilis says investors should watch Supermicro (SMCI) carefully with "how quickly it's moving." The company's high-beta aspects make it a volatile trade for investors, seen in its rally higher today. George notes it can just as quickly sell off. He talks about how Supermicro signals a resurgence of A.I. risk-taking and how it's "moving in sympathy" with Nvidia (NVDA).======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Martin Leinweber believes there's room for crypto assets to run higher, signaled by Ethereum's rally today. The cryptocurrency's climb higher is what Martin calls a bullish indicator for the alt coin market. He believes Bitcoin's bullish trends are "already a little old" after its surging price action in recent years but still considers it the crypto trade's "anchor."======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode, we dig into the lies we tell ourselves, about being “cool,” about our progress, and ask: are they really lies, or deeper truths in disguise? We kick things off with a hilarious Gen Z slang fail, then dive into how perfectionism blocks momentum in business, creativity, and life. With stories from CEOs, screenwriters, and our own messy projects, we show why sharing unpolished work is essential. From parenting lessons to political rants (with a Star Wars twist), we explore finding peace in chaos, valuing moments over stuff, and staying adaptable. It's raw, real, and hopefully, really useful.--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------(0:00:02) - Common Lies We Tell Ourselves(0:10:02) - Navigating Strategy and Procrastination(0:23:24) - The Gift of Contentment(0:32:46) - Navigating Imperfection and Ruin(0:37:53) - Letting Go of Dependencies(0:41:29) - Discovering Humility Through Self-Reflection(0:50:02) - The Value of Self-AwarenessSend us a text

Tom answers questions from the community. [ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 6-6-18]. QUESTION TOPICS Tom gives his take on traveling the world as a way to cultivate intrinsic growth [0:12] Tom's process to get guests when he started Inside Quest [5:27] How you can pursue your passion and go against cultural pressure [8:08] Tom gives advice on how to ask for funding from investors [11:34] Should I focus on creating capital or creating value? [15:51] The process of finding a mentor and interning for them [18:11] Tom says who his favorite poet is [23:52] How to be a successful parent and follow your dreams at the same time [24:17] How you can get rid of fear of the unknown [28:21] Tom explains his belief in a higher power [31:53] Is it better to pay off debt first or pay family and friends first? [35:02] Is getting a master degree 'just cause' worth it? [36:30] Tom gives advice for someone looking to move to the U.S. [37:32] Tom explains why and when he gives out equity in his company [38:39] SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Get 5 free AG1 Travel Packs and a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D with your first purchase at https://impacttheory.co/AG1pod. Secure your digital life with proactive protection for your assets, identity, family, and tech – Go to https://impacttheory.co/aurapod to start your free two-week trial. ********************************************************************** What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: Join me inside ZERO TO FOUNDER here SCALING a business: Click here to see if you qualify Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY & MINDSET PLAYBOOK AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock the secrets to truly helping others with the latest episode of the DYL Podcast! Join host Adam Gragg in Episode 149 as he dives into seven powerful ways you can make a real difference in the lives of your friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers. From breaking old patterns and facing tough emotions to building meaningful connections and fueling self-care, Adam delivers actionable strategies you won't hear anywhere else. Hear an inspiring story of survival and lasting friendship—plus, discover why courage is the key to both your mental health and your legacy.Are you ready to stop just hoping for positive change and actually make it happen? Tune in now to get the motivation and tools you need to help others—and yourself—live courageously and create a lasting impact!Listen today and start deciding your legacy, one bold action at a time.Timestamps:00:00 Encouraging Loved Ones Effectively06:09 Avoid Impulsive Reactions09:22 Providing Emotional Safety10:07 Selfless Helping: Overcoming Discomfort14:20 Rejuvenation and Giving Back18:09 Invitations Foster Deeper Connections21:40 "Steps to Transform Mental Health"23:03 "Shape Your Legacy"Resources:Shatterproof Yourself CourseEpisode 148: The First Four Powerful Ways You Can Help Others7 Benefits of Being Courageous10 Ways to Encourage People: How to Break The Invalidation TendencyHow to Make Good Decisions: 14 Tools for Making Tough Life ChoicesSigns You Need A CoachLive Courageously: Four Ways to Create a Life That Energizes YouGet free content to start your legacy journeyDecide Your Legacy Corporate & Group WorkshopsThanks for listening, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!Be sure to follow me on Instagram @adamgragg Connect with Decide Your Legacy! Adam Gragg is a Legacy Coach, Blogger, Podcaster, Speaker, & Mental Health Professional for nearly 25 years. Adam's life purpose is helping people & organizations find transformational clarity that propels them forward to face their biggest fears to LIVE & leave their chosen legacy. He's ultra-practical in his approach, convinced that engaging in self-reflective ACTION & practical tools, practiced consistently, WILL transform your life. He specializes in life transitions, career issues, and helping clients overcome anxiety, depression & trauma. Contact Adam HERE. if you're interested in getting started on deciding YOUR legacy.This show contains content, including information provided by guests, that is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional medical, counseling, therapeutic, financial, legal or other advice.  Decide Your Legacy LLC as well as its affiliates and subsidiaries (including their respective employees, agents and representatives) make no representations or warranties concerning the content and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning the content including any treatment or action taken by any person following the information offered or provided within or through this show. Be sure to check out Escape Artists Travel and tell them Decide Your Legacy sent you!

"Know your value. Don't ask for permission to take up space. Just get out there and start doing things. We have one life, and we don't get to go bac,k and we have no do-overs. It doesn't matter if people are judging you. The people that are judging you are normally sitting on their couch not doing anything, but judging you. And so if you're out there doing the thing they're judging, you're already winning." —Tara PolleyOne word is all it takes— “Yes.” When you choose "yes," you're not just agreeing to an opportunity; you're declaring war on your comfort zone and challenging the status quo of your own limitations. Each "yes" is a stepping stone to a version of yourself you've only imagined in quiet moments of potential. It's the bridge between who you are and who you're meant to become.  Saying “yes” to American Dream TV, Tara Polley transformed a moment of personal terror into a national platform for storytelling, community connection, and personal reinvention. By embracing the discomfort of being on camera, she unlocked a journey that expanded her professional horizons, allowed her to showcase local businesses and community stories, and discover a powerful voice she never knew she possessed.Tune in as Heather and Tara dive deep into the importance of going out of our comfort zone, real estate insights, social media strategies, overcoming fear, community connection, storytelling as a marketing tool, embracing authenticity, taking professional risks, and navigating life's unexpected journeys through resilience and intentional "yes" moments.Connect with Heather: WebsiteFacebook InstagramLinkedInEpisode Highlights:02:41 Meet Tara: Challenges and Growth in Real Estate 05:17 Reality TV and Its Impact on Real Estate Career 12:55 Client Relationships and Community Envolvement 16:59 Content Creation for Different Social Media Platforms  32:04 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks to Grow36:31 The Power of Knowing Your Own ValueConnect with Tara: Tara Polley brings over 25 years of experience to the real estate industry, specializing in all facets of residential real estate, subdivision development, housing crisis counseling, and luxury properties, including wineries and bed & breakfast establishments. She is dually licensed as a Real Estate Broker in North Carolina as well as a Realtor Associate in California, and specializes in the Raleigh Triangle in addition to Sonoma Wine Country. Her expertise is further enhanced by her role as a host highlighting Sonoma County Wine Country on American Dream TV, an Emmy-nominated national lifestyle and real estate show that showcases properties, events, and local businesses. The show is widely syndicated on networks like HGTV and the Travel Channel and streams on platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Prime, and Fire Video.WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTubeSupport the show

Leadership isn't just about making decisions—it's about listening deeply, building trust, and having the courage to grow through challenges. In this episode, Carrie Hansen, President and COO of AssetMark, shares her remarkable journey from a field hockey scholarship at Berkeley to leading global operations, scaling teams, and shaping the culture of a $130B investment platform. Carrie opens up about what it really means to lead with heart. She reflects on her early days navigating financial services, the pivotal leadership lessons she learned managing teams in Japan at 28, and how humility, discipline, and a deep belief in people have shaped her career. You'll learn why failing fast is a strength, how to cultivate a high-performing team, and how authenticity builds lasting influence—no matter your title. Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [01:20] Carrie Hansen's Career Journey [02:41] Early Career Challenges and Lessons [06:04] Leadership and Team Building [06:52] Navigating Cultural Differences in Japan [13:33] Balancing Confidence and Humility [17:27] Decision Making and Risk Taking [22:36] Staying Ahead in the Financial Industry [24:14] Staying Informed and Learning Continuously [25:35] Balancing Work and Personal Life [28:45] Leading by Example [33:05] The Power of Community and Relationships [37:47] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Susie is pumped about a new documentary about a treasure hunt, and we realize we've been on the air so long that we've covered this hunt's beginning, its controversies, the treasure's discovery (???), and now the doc. We learn why it tells us a lot about human psychology, passion, addiction, celebrity, risk-taking, and more. We discuss scholarship on luck, and why sociologists tend to ignore it. We debate whether there even is "luck," why Sarah thinks she's lucky, and how a lot of it is perspective. Susie's hatred of whistling is vindicated by an advice columnist, and we learn why whistling is particularly annoying and frustrating for people in earshot (especially when they live together). Susie reveals why porn addiction is quack science, it's not actually a thing, and what actually determines whether someone thinks they might be one. Plus, we hear some fascinating things about people who are deaf and blind, and why some quirks of the hearing/seeing world show up for people even if they don't have those senses.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get $10 off any order and enjoy free shipping when you subscribe. Go to https://nutrafol.com/ and enter the promo code BRAINCANDYGIFTThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month.For 50% off your order, head to https://www.dailylook.com and use code BRAINCANDYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, I'm joined by author, journalist, and endurance expert Alex Hutchinson to discuss his latest book, The Explorer's Gene. This conversation dives into the why behind human exploration — what drives us to seek the unknown, how our genetics shape our urge to push boundaries, and what this means for athletes, adventurers, and everyday decision-makers alike. We explore the intersection of science, adventure, and personal growth, looking at everything from the dopamine receptor gene and novelty-seeking, to the hero's journey and the paradox of effort. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or someone curious about what makes humans tick, there's something here for you.  

Project Associate at UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and co-founder of Diaspora Creatives, Audrey Kodjo tells us about her mom Lucy, who, in spite of having the status of a queen in Benin, had to master many obstacles both in her childhood and adulthood – from being a foster child to facing marital challenges. We learn about Benin, and what it means to be a queen there, but we also learn many life-lessons about teaching your children values and strong roots; why women are the backbone of a family; the eternal split between family and your dreams; the power of spirituality; and why it's important to take risks. To learn more about Diaspora Creatives, visit their website.  Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.  To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here. For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder

In this conversation, Jim Oliver and Nick Kosko explore the hidden costs of comfort and the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. They discuss how complacency can lead to stagnation and how high performers leverage tension to achieve their goals. The guys share personal anecdotes and challenge listeners to confront their comfort zones, emphasizing that true growth often comes from uncomfortable experiences. 3 Key Takeaways: Income vs. Wealth: A high salary does not guarantee financial freedom. Wealth is built through discipline, strategy, and behavior—not income alone. Behavioral Finance: Emotional conditioning and early money experiences often drive financial decisions; identifying these patterns is key to breaking destructive cycles. Breaking the Cycle: Practical steps for shifting mindset, challenging traditional advice, and creating systems that prioritize long-term wealth over short-term gains. This episode challenges listeners to reevaluate what financial success really looks like and consider the trade-offs of prioritizing stability over control. For more episodes on building wealth outside the conventional system, subscribe to Breakaway Wealth or visit www.CreateTailwind.com.

John 19:38-42 | Luke Peterson

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: How a Midsummer Tradition Transformed Our Office Vibe Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2025-04-13-22-34-01-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Vårsolen sken in genom fönstren på kontoret, och Johan kände sig full av energi.En: The spring sun shone through the windows of the office, and Johan felt full of energy.Sv: Han älskade våren, när allting började blomma och livet kändes fyllt av nya möjligheter.En: He loved spring, when everything started to bloom and life felt filled with new opportunities.Sv: Johan sneglade över sin dator och såg Sigrid, som satt några skrivbord bort.En: Johan glanced over his computer and saw Sigrid, who sat a few desks away.Sv: Hon såg uttråkad ut medan hon klickade på sin mus och stirrade på skärmen.En: She looked bored as she clicked her mouse and stared at the screen.Sv: Johan fick en idé.En: Johan got an idea.Sv: Han gick fram till Sigrid.En: He approached Sigrid.Sv: "Hej, jag har en galen idé", viskade han och böjde sig ner mot henne.En: "Hey, I have a crazy idea," he whispered, bending down towards her.Sv: "Vad sägs om att smyga in en midsommarstång här på kontoret och fira lite vårstämning?"En: "How about sneaking a "midsommarstång" in here at the office and celebrating a bit of spring mood?"Sv: Sigrid fnissade till.En: Sigrid giggled.Sv: "Är du allvarlig?"En: "Are you serious?"Sv: frågade hon, men hon såg redan nyfiken ut.En: she asked, but she already looked curious.Sv: "Det kunde vara kul."En: "It could be fun."Sv: Johan nickade ivrigt.En: Johan nodded eagerly.Sv: "Vi gör det efter lunch, när chefen är på sin möte."En: "Let's do it after lunch, when the boss is in his meeting."Sv: Så, medan de flesta på kontoret var borta, smög Johan och Sigrid in en liten midsommarstång.En: So, while most of the office was away, Johan and Sigrid snuck in a small "midsommarstång".Sv: De dekorerade den med färgglada band och blommor.En: They decorated it with colorful ribbons and flowers.Sv: De kände sig busiga och kunde inte låta bli att skratta.En: They felt mischievous and couldn't help but laugh.Sv: Men deras glädje byttes snabbt till oro när de hörde röster utanför.En: But their joy quickly turned to worry when they heard voices outside.Sv: Chefen och ett gäng internationella klienter kom in genom dörren.En: The boss and a bunch of international clients came through the door.Sv: Johan kände paniken stiga.En: Johan felt panic rising.Sv: Stången stod mitt i kontoret, omöjlig att missa.En: The pole stood in the middle of the office, impossible to miss.Sv: Johan visste att han snabbt behövde fatta ett beslut.En: Johan knew he had to make a quick decision.Sv: Skulle han riva ner stången och undvika pinsamheten, eller skulle han försöka förvandla denna röriga situation till något positivt?En: Should he tear down the pole and avoid the embarrassment, or should he try to turn this messy situation into something positive?Sv: Sigrid såg på Johan och verkade läsa hans tankar.En: Sigrid looked at Johan and seemed to read his thoughts.Sv: Hon ställde sig framför klienterna och började entusiastiskt förklara.En: She stood in front of the clients and began to enthusiastically explain.Sv: "Det här är en svensk tradition, en midsommarstång!En: "This is a Swedish tradition, a "midsommarstång"!Sv: Vi firar våren och kommande midsommar."En: We celebrate spring and the upcoming midsummer."Sv: Klienterna såg nyfikna ut och några började ställa frågor.En: The clients looked curious, and some began asking questions.Sv: Snart hade samtalet förvandlats till en livlig diskussion om svenska traditioner och kulturer.En: Soon the conversation had turned into a lively discussion about Swedish traditions and cultures.Sv: Chefen, först förvånad, såg nu nöjd ut över den plötsliga vänliga stämningen.En: The boss, initially surprised, now looked pleased with the sudden friendly atmosphere.Sv: När mötet var över och klienterna hade lämnat, vände sig Johan till Sigrid med ett stort leende.En: When the meeting was over and the clients had left, Johan turned to Sigrid with a big smile.Sv: "Det gick ju bra!"En: "That went well!"Sv: sa han lättat.En: he said, relieved.Sv: "Vi kanske till och med imponerade på dem."En: "We might even have impressed them."Sv: Sigrid skrattade.En: Sigrid laughed.Sv: "Ja, ibland är det bra att våga lite."En: "Yes, sometimes it's good to dare a little."Sv: Johan insåg nu att det ibland var värt att ta risker och dela med sig av sin kultur.En: Johan now realized that sometimes it was worth taking risks and sharing his culture.Sv: Det kunde leda till oväntade och positiva upplevelser.En: It could lead to unexpected and positive experiences.Sv: Från den dagen kändes kontoret lite mer som hemma, fyllt av både arbete och glädje.En: From that day on, the office felt a little more like home, filled with both work and joy. Vocabulary Words:bloom: blommacurious: nyfikensneak: smygamischievous: busigaenthusiastically: entusiastisktribbons: bandmidsummer: midsommarlively: livligrisks: riskerunexpected: oväntadeopportunities: möjligheterembarrassment: pinsamhetenbored: uttråkaddecision: beslutclients: klienteratmosphere: stämningfilled: fylldglanced: snegladewindow: fönstrenboss: chefengiggle: fnissaworry: oropanic: panikentear: rivamessy: rörigasituation: situationinternational: internationellaconversation: samtalflowers: blommorhome: hemma

It's frustrating to feel invisible while others seem to get ahead with ease, as if they have some secret advantage. But more often than not, the real difference isn't talent—it's confidence, the willingness to put yourself out there, to take risks even when success isn't guaranteed. Fear has a way of keeping people stuck, convincing them to play it safe instead of stepping into what makes them unique. The ones who rise aren't always the most skilled, but they are the ones who refuse to let doubt keep them on the sidelines. Mitch Slater, Executive Director of Digital Communications at UBS, blends financial advising with media and storytelling. Formerly a traditional advisor, he now hosts podcasts like Financially Speaking, Leadership Lounge and the upcoming Men, Women and Money. With a background in acting and experience working with legends like Larry King, he brings a unique approach to communication and marketing. Today, he emphasizes the value of taking risks, building confidence, and crafting authentic marketing strategies in the financial services industry. Stay tuned! Resources Follow Mitch Slater on Facebook Connect with Mitch Slater on LinkedIn Financially Speaking on Spotify Podcasts Leadership Lounge on Apple Podcasts

In this episode Nick and Tyler interview Kyle Harnish, exploring his transformative journey from a struggling tradesman to a successful construction entrepreneur and workwear innovator, diving deep into topics of mental health, business risk, personal growth, and his mission to revolutionize professional attire for tradespeople. The conversation weaves through Kyle's personal struggles with anxiety and depression, his partnership with his therapist wife, and his passionate development of Harnish Workwear, which aims to elevate the image and functionality of trade professional clothing. Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/tx5Q9s2FaQQ Show Notes Kyle Harnish's Journey and Business Philosophy (0:00) The Importance of Optics in the Industry (2:29) Kyle's Marriage to a Therapist (4:48) The Launch of Harnish Workwear (9:29) Feedback and Adaptation in Product Development (9:43)  The Impact of Professionalism on the Trades (10:01) The Future of Harnish Workwear and Industry Trends (10:15)  Final Thoughts and Reflections (10:29) Challenges in Workwear for Tradespeople (10:44) Personal Investment and Branding (10:59) Expanding Market Opportunities (11:10) Challenges and Failure in Business (1:21:17) Mental Health and Personal Growth (1:21:29) Community Support and Future Plans (1:24:37) Balancing Work and Personal Life (1:27:16)  Final Thoughts and Future Goals (1:35:10) The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Welcome to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast This week, host Simone E. Morris shares her journey to help you take control of your career. She explores the transformative power of being in the "driver's seat" and shows how taking ownership—rather than remaining passive—can dramatically change your professional trajectory.   Based on Season 14's experiences, Simone candidly discusses her early struggles, pivotal career moments, and lessons learned. She tackles common challenges like impostor syndrome and career setbacks while sharing the strategic decisions that shaped her entrepreneurial path. Simone also directly addresses listener questions, offering personalized advice to help you navigate your own career hurdles.   Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, battling self-doubt, or seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode delivers practical insights and motivation. Please tune in to discover what it truly means to own your career and how to unlock your inner power to create the professional path you desire.   Join Simone as she champions your journey toward career success.   Episode Timestamp: 00:00 "Taking Charge of Your Career" 05:19 Embrace Continuous Learning Independently 09:43 "AI Interviews Host for Q&A" 10:57 Leaving Corporate America: A Tough Choice 16:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Reflection 19:19 Reframing Failure in Leadership 23:18 "Navigating Inclusion and Career Advice" 25:03 Rethinking a Wasted Degree 28:03 "Join the Career Talk" Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/.   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit  bit.ly/pooycshowguest    ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

Are you wondering how bold leadership decisions—like Trump's recent tariff policies—shape global economies and your own approach to risk? In this Episode, Jason Rigby dives into Trump's tariff strategy, announced on April 2, 2025, through the lens of The Art of the Deal. This episode unpacks how principles like thinking big, leveraging negotiations, and embracing risk-taking offer actionable leadership insights—whether you're navigating a boardroom or your personal growth journey. Discover how self-awareness can help you cut through polarizing debates and apply these strategies to your life. Episode Overview Jason Rigby takes a neutral, leadership-focused stance to explore Trump's tariff policies—a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and up to 54% reciprocal tariffs on nations like China with large U.S. trade deficits. Rather than debating politics, he connects these moves to Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal (co-authored with Tony Schwartz), revealing how its core principles—thinking big, using leverage, negotiation tactics, risk-taking, and branding—drive this high-stakes economic play. As markets react (with the Dow dropping over 3,000 points) and global retaliation looms, Jason invites self-aware leaders to consider: How do these strategies mirror your own decision-making? This episode isn't just analysis—it's a masterclass in applying bold leadership frameworks. Jason breaks down each principle with quotes from the book, showing how Trump's tariff approach aims to reshape global trade while risking short-term volatility for potential long-term gains. Leaders and entrepreneurs will find practical takeaways: how to wield leverage effectively, stay flexible in negotiations, and turn controversy into opportunity. Whether you admire or critique Trump, this discussion offers a unique blend of psychological insight and strategic wisdom to elevate your leadership game. Why Listen? Solve Real Problems: Learn to navigate uncertainty and high-stakes decisions with confidence. Transformative Takeaway: Embrace risk and leverage as tools for growth, not just survival. Unique Angle: Jason's neutral, self-aware perspective cuts through bias, blending leadership, psychology, and real-world application. Timestamped Key Moments [00:01:23] - Thinking Big in Leadership: Jason introduces Trump's tariff strategy and links it to the Art of the Deal philosophy: “If you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.” [00:05:47] - Leverage as a Power Tool: Discover how reciprocal tariffs pressure trade-deficit nations, reflecting Trump's mantra: “Don't make deals without it.” [00:08:12] - Mastering Negotiation Tactics: Jason explains how Trump keeps “a lot of balls in the air,” using tariffs as flexible bargaining chips across multiple countries. [00:11:34] - Risk-Taking for Long-Term Wins: Unpack Trump's risk tolerance—planning for the worst while aiming for economic gains—amid market drops and retaliation threats. [00:14:09] - Branding Bold Moves: See how Trump frames tariffs as “protecting American workers,” turning controversy into press coverage and influence. Impactful Quotes “I keep a lot of balls in the air because most deals fall out, no matter how promising they seem at first.” - Donald Trump “If you plan for the worst, if you can live with the worst, the good will always take care of itself.” - Donald Trump “We don't want to be in an echo chamber. Listening to all sides helps us become self-aware.” - Jason Rigby Curated Resources Book: The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz - Dive into the strategies shaping Trump's tariff policies. Article: “Understanding Tariffs and Trade” - Investopedia - A primer on tariffs' economic impact. Podcast Website: Self Aware Leader - Explore more leadership insights. FAQ: Quick Answers for Curious Leaders How does Trump's tariff strategy reflect leadership principles? Jason ties the 10% baseline tariff and higher reciprocal rates to The Art of the Deal—thinking big, leveraging trade deficits, and negotiating flexibly to reshape global dynamics. What can leaders learn from risk-taking in Trump's approach? Trump anticipates market volatility (like the Dow's 3,000-point drop) but bets on long-term gains, a mindset Jason frames as planning for the worst while chasing the best. Why is self-awareness key to understanding controversial decisions? Jason emphasizes listening beyond biases—avoiding echo chambers—to grasp the full scope of bold moves like tariffs, enhancing your own leadership clarity. Call-to-Action Inspired by Trump's bold tariff strategy and want to apply these leadership lessons? Subscribe to Self Aware Leader at www.selfawarepodcast.com for weekly insights that blend psychology, spirituality, and strategy. Share this episode with a fellow leader who thrives on thinking big—tag @SelfAwareLeader and let's spark a conversation! Visit Us: www.selfawarepodcast.com

In this episode, England Hall shares his remarkable journey in real estate, detailing how he took a significant risk with just $500 and transformed his life through determination and strategic thinking. He discusses the importance of understanding title issues, innovative marketing strategies, and the misconceptions surrounding wholesaling. England emphasizes the need for transparency in business and his vision to impact the real estate industry positively. He also provides actionable advice for aspiring investors and reflects on the lessons learned from both successful and failed deals.   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   —--------------------

In today's episode of SHIFT HAPPENS on "How To Balance Freedom And Entrepreneurship with Katie Anderson", Claudia and her guest speak about how it is to be within a pivotal moment.  Katie Anderson, is a multiple entrepreneur driving impact with a vision. Her first company, Save Water Co., has received much recognition, i.e. as one of Forbes 30 under 30 Game Changers in Energy, as the winning laureate of North America by the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards. Katie talks about her transition from traditional employer - employee relationships to explore new ways of collaboration based on trust and individual empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of balancing business outcomes with healthy internal dynamics, personal growth and personal freedom.Katie speaks about growing up in a small town of 165 people, and how being surrounded by nature fostered an unbridled creativity in her. Her heart was always close to nature, so her first company Save Water Co. focusses on water conservation in multi-family housing. She has been awarded and recognized. To organically grow and transform as a business is a big aim for KAtie. She has created a new collaborate model based on trust, ease, freedom and flexibility. ###EXCITING NEWS ON MY FRONT: Season 4 is supported by the iconic Danish shirt brand BRITT SISSECK  Please use my code SHIFTHAPPENS at checkout for 20% off of your first purchase.*Valid on full price items only.###To learn more about my guest Ida Beerhalter, please visit her social media pages:LinkeIn: Ida's ProfileTo learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees

Jake DeRuyter, a 2015 Air Force Academy graduate, shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation. ----more---- SUMMARY Initially aspiring to be a pilot, Jake faced a critical moment when back surgery disqualified him from his dream career, forcing him to quickly choose a new Air Force Specialty Code within just one hour. Despite the uncertainty, he remained calm and strategic, ultimately transitioning to intelligence and then to an ROTC instructor role. His leadership philosophy emerged from these experiences: staying flexible, maintaining a strong network, and focusing on developing others rather than just personal advancement.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK   JAKE'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Always be willing to adapt and stay resilient when unexpected challenges arise, like Jake did when he couldn't become a pilot and had to quickly choose a new career path.  - Build and maintain a strong network of connections, as these relationships can help you navigate career transitions and provide support.  - Focus on developing the people around you, not just your own career advancement. A great leader lifts up their team and helps others grow.  - Stay proactive in reaching out to people, checking in, and genuinely listening to their stories and experiences.  - Be willing to take risks on talented individuals, especially those from similar backgrounds or networks, like how Jake was given an opportunity by fellow graduates.  - Maintain a competitive spirit and drive, but channel it into continuous self-improvement and supporting others.  - Give back to your community, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or leading local chapters and organizations.  - Be prepared to put in consistent daily effort, understanding that success comes from habits and persistent hard work.  - Stay open to unexpected opportunities and be willing to pivot when your initial career path doesn't work out.  - Prioritize relationships and connections over individual achievements, recognizing that your success is often measured by the people you've helped develop.   JAKE'S TOP 5 LEADERSHIP LESSONS Here are the 5 best leadership lessons from Jake DeRuyter's interview:   Build Others Up, Not Just Yourself Jake emphasized that true leadership is about developing the people around you. As he said, "Don't just worry about your own career and life" - great leaders are judged by the success of those they mentor and support.   Stay Adaptable and Resilient When Jake's pilot career was unexpectedly derailed, he demonstrated the critical leadership skill of staying calm under pressure and quickly pivoting. He chose to focus on what he could control rather than getting stuck on what he couldn't change.   Maintain Genuine Connections Jake consistently stressed the importance of reaching out, checking in with people, and truly listening. He makes time to connect with classmates, colleagues, and fellow graduates, understanding that relationships are the foundation of effective leadership.   Take Calculated Risks and Support Others Jake's career trajectory shows the importance of being willing to take risks - both for yourself and for others. He was given a chance by fellow graduates and now pays it forward by helping other transitioning military members.   Give Back Consistently Leadership isn't just about personal achievement, but about contributing to your community. Jake exemplifies this through his role as chapter president, mentoring cadets, and always being available to help fellow Air Force Academy graduates.   EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction to Leadership Journeys 05:31  Navigating Life's Crossroads 12:01  The Role of Mentorship and Family 17:31  Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 20:48  Motivation and Personal Drive 22:02  The Daily Grind: A Shift in Focus 24:31  Building Community: Chapter Leadership 27:29 Challenges of Leadership and Engagement 29:00 Giving Back: The Importance of Community 31:12  Leadership Lessons: Daily Practices 32:53  Advice for Aspiring Leaders 34:25  Reflections on Involvement and Connection 36:40  Final Thoughts and Gratitude   ABOUT JAKE BIO As a 2015 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Jake spent six years on active duty serving as an Intel Officer and ROTC Instructor. Having left the service, he now am an Account Executive on the Air Force team at IMPRES Technology Solutions providing active duty units with the tech they need to accomplish the mission. - Copy courtesy of Jake DeRuyter and LinkedIn   CONNECT WITH JAKE LINKEDIN  |  ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES - CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS GUEST, JAKE DERUYTER '15  |  HOST, LT. COL. (RET.) NAVIERE WALKEWICZ '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. My guest today is Jake DeRuyter, Class of '15, currently an account executive with Impress Technology and the president of the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Graduates, quite possibly our youngest graduate to do so. He is second-generation Air Force following his father, a graduate from the Class of '85, and uncle, Class of '87 from our Air Force Academy, the only school that he applied to after high school. We'll talk about those things, Jake's leadership journey and a particular crossroad he arrived at when he had one hour to decide his entire life. Jake, welcome to Long Blue Leadership, and I'd like to dive right in: One hour to decide your entire life. What's that about?   Jake DeRuyter  01:22 Yeah, so my second semester, first year, I was dealing with some pretty significant back issues, and didn't realize how just how severe it was. So I'm in the flight dock. It was either the Monday the week before or the week of graduation, and the doctor's like, “Hey, you're gonna need back surgery to remove the bulging disc in your back.” I'm like, “OK, great. I can barely walk, so sign me up. Whatever you can do make me feel better.” And they're like, “Well, you're not gonna be able to keep your pilot slot if you proceed with the surgery.” And I'm not gonna lie and say it was my end all dream to be a pilot, but you go through all four years thinking you're gonna fly, you're pretty fired up for it, we're a week away from graduation, and then it's like, hey, the rug is just pulled. But I had to make a decision right there where it's like, “Hey, I'd rather be able to walk and be pain free than fly.” And so that was a pretty easy decision at that point. And then the next part is, what you alluded to, is where things got a little tricky. So being just a couple days before walking across the stage and saluting the secretary of the Air Force, I'm like, “So what's my job going to be?” I don't even know what else is available in the Air Force. I didn't have to focus on this.” And they're like, “Well, I'm just the flight doc. Go talk to the personnel office over in Vandy, and they'll get you taken care of.” So, I walk — or hobble — on over there, And I'm like, “Hey, Jake DeRuyter, I told the flight doc to give y'all a call, you know, to get me a new job. What's my life look like? What are we doing next?” And she just goes, “Well, there was a big missileer crisis, and we're really desperate for missileers. So, you're gonna be missiles now.” And I'm just, like — my jaw dropped.   Naviere Walkewicz Not what you expected to hear.   Jake DeRuyter  Not what I wanted and like, not to downplay missiles, just not what I wanted to join the Air Force to do, right? That's... I'm just like, standing there in shock. And she's like, “Are you OK?” And I'm like, “I kind of want to jump off my room on top of Vandy, but you know, it's gonna be fine. Do I get some preferences? Do I have any say in this?” Just assigning that to kind of seems aggressive. She goes, “Well, I guess I can take your preferences down.” And I'm just like, “Why didn't you lead with that? That would have been great.” And so she's like, “Well, I need to submit these right now. So, what do you want to do?” I'm like, “Well, what are my options? I don't even know what other AFSC's there are.” So, that becomes a very frantic hour of me calling all my teachers. I was a management major — I highly recommend that. One of the best decisions of my life was going through the management department. And I call my teachers and they're like, “Hey, stick with something business related, like contracting, acquisitions, finance. If you put one of those three down, you're guaranteed to do it.” I'm like, “OK, sweet. Sounds like it sure bets on me. Like, that, sounds easy enough.” but they made you put down five. And, you know, you always hear the horror stories where if you don't put down something, it defaults to the needs of the Air Force, right? So I think I put down like PA, just because I was like, “There's no way they'll pick me for that. There's barely any PA officers.” And I, for the life of me, couldn't tell you what I put in the fifth spot. And so, I walk out of there kind of dejected. I'm like, “Man, my whole life just changed in the span of an hour. No idea what the next— I don't know where I'm gonna be living. I don't know what my job's gonna be like. What in the world's going on?” So, the next day we're all sitting in one of those final briefings, you know, “Hey, here's how you PCS. Here's how you do XYZ.” Right? As the meeting's about to kick off, that same tech sergeant — God, I'd give her a big hug now — she walks up to me with some paperwork and says, “Congratulations, sir.” And I'm looking at her like the person just told me my life was over the day before, so I'm not exactly happy to see this person. And then I look at the paper, and it just says, “Goodfellow Air Force Base.” I had no idea where in the world that was, what job that was or anything. I just knew it wasn't Vandenberg for missileer training. So I just look at her and go, “I'm not missiles?” She's like, “You're not missiles.” I stand up, give her a big old hug. You know, they're trying to start a briefing. They're like, “Sir, please sit down for...” “Sorry, I'm too happy right now.” So yeah, that started me off on my journey to San Angelo, Texas, which I didn't really know what I was getting into there, but, yeah, going intel kind of led me to where I am now in life. And looking back on it now, all the crazy things that happened, it put me where I am now, and so, I'm very thankful for the things and how they all ended up and put me in a position where I can give back to the community now and really serve the Air Force and fellow grads in a much better capacity than I ever could have while on active duty.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:30 Well, it's so interesting because, you know, you think about the Air Force Academy as a place where they teach you to be able to make decisions on the fly, or to make the best calculated decision you can at the time.What leadership lessons do you think you called upon in that frantic moment of well, not only can you not be a pilot now because we're going to have this surgery, but now you have to pick an AFSC. What do you think you drew upon to guide you through that in a kind of a leadership manner?   Jake DeRuyter  06:02 Yeah, the biggest thing was just staying calm and realizing,  OK, whatever happens, happens, I can't change the past. I can only deal with the information given, and push forward. I could sit there and get upset with myself or upset at the world, but that doesn't do anything. It's like, “All right, how do we take action?? How we take that next step to get over this?” Because you want to be in control of your life as much as possible, going forward, right? And choosing your AFSC, arguably, is probably one of the biggest things you could possibly choose in life, next to your spouse and things like that. And that determines, however, what your entire Air Force career is going to be. So yeah, doing that in the hour was definitely very frantic. But, one of the biggest things I really pride myself on, and really want to encourage others is the connections you make throughout your Academy experience, through active duty, in your life — those are the people that are going to help you in those dark times, those tough times. And lean on those people. And the only way you can lean on them is if you prove to them that they can lean on you when they need help, right? As that's one of the things I make a pillar in my life is, when those friends are in a dark time, I want to be the one that, “Hey, I'll be there for you.” That's always one thing I'm passionate about, and what I centered my leadership philosophy around.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:15 I love that. I think you just kind of hit on it, right? You have this network, and I imagine your family is part of that — your dad being a graduate. What role did he play in this moment in your life, and how did you navigate that with him?   Jake DeRuyter  07:30 Yeah, he was awesome, and he was a big reason why I went to the Academy. He always did a really good job of putting that as an option but not forcing it or not shoving it down my throat. And I was really thankful to him for the life me and my sister had growing up, and all the crazy places we moved to and everything. And I didn't really know what I wanted to do, as you hinted in the preview. I didn't apply anywhere else because I didn't really know what I wanted to do when I grew up. And he was like, “Hey, the Academy was always a great place, and worst case, they tell you what to do.” And he's like, “Hey, if you want a similar life to where you grew up, I attribute everything to that, and that's kind of what led me there.” So yeah, you better believe after calling my teachers to figure out what AFSC I should do, he was my next call to be like, “Hey, I knew you always wanted me to fly, but that's not working anymore. So what do you think?” So, he's been a tremendous help my entire life. I mean, I talk to him at least every week. So, yeah, huge help there.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:27 That's amazing. So you went on to be an intel officer, and what was that like? And then how did you decide that it was going to be time to move on to transitioning out of the military.   Jake DeRuyter  08:42 Yeah, so intel wasn't exactly a great fit for me, and what I was like trying to do. You know, when you're told your intel, I imagine— I knew nothing. So I'm like, “Oh, I'll be a spy. I'll be James Bond. I'll be the CIA. None of those were remotely true. So, I got stationed in San Antonio, Texas, for my first job, which was great. I love San Antonio. I worked with some amazing people. Our mission was a little funky. We were doing defensive cyber ops as it was kind of standing up. So, doing intel support for a mission that doesn't really know what they're doing is a little difficult at the time. Now, knock on wood, hopefully things have gotten a lot better since I was there, but building the plane as you're flying was our moniker that we would use. And so it was definitely challenging. And then a lot of it just felt like doing homework and giving briefings over and over again. So, you have a lot of hours in the SCIF doing researching on different cyber threats and then going and briefing the commanders. It was a cool job; I learned a ton. But it wasn't very fulfilling for me. I wanted to get out, be more helpful to other people and have more of a direct impact. And so that led me to teaching ROTC at Texas State, which was a great three years, and really kind of re-blued me. I loved that job. Can't recommend it enough for people that are looking to take a break from their career field. But then when they said, “Hey, you got to go back to intel,” that was my big decision, or my the point where I was like, “All right, I don't think an active-duty career is left in the cards for me. I'm gonna take my next step, moving on.”   Naviere Walkewicz  10:09 So, you even talked about before you decided to transition out of the Air Force, you had pivoted within your career field and took a temporary job outside of your career field as an ROTC instructor, and you said it re-blued. You talk about that and how did it grow you as a leader? I mean, what did you learn about yourself in that?   Jake DeRuyter  10:29 I learned that I really cared about the people more than the operational mission, and so, building up the people, building out the future lieutenants. Like, “Hey, that's how I can better serve the Air Force.” And the whole reason I got the job was because they had to give a waiver for me, because I was technically still a lieutenant, which was not allowed. But I was really upfront with my leadership and my intel job, and they knew I didn't love the career field and I wasn't really a good fit for that world. But they're like, “Hey, Jake's out, great at recruiting. He's good at getting people to go out and do things and help others. He'd be a natural fit there.” So they called all the ROTC leadership to vouch for me to get that job. And then one of the biggest things I took away is that when you go to the Academy, if you're in the Academy, you're in. You have a spot in the Air Force, assuming you pass all your classes, you don't get kicked out for X, Y, Z reasons, and then you'll have a job. ROTC is completely different. You could have 4.0, max your PT scores, be the perfect cadet. And then the Air Force decides, “Hey, we're only taking 40% this year,” which happened my second year in the job and we just had to lose half of our class. So, learning to deal with that rejection when there's nothing that you personally could have done was really challenging. And we had a ton of mentorship sessions with the cadets. “Hey, what are second, tertiary options?” Things like that. Kind of like what I did where it's like, “You're going to be— the doors will get slammed in your face over and over again in life. How do you respond to that, that resiliency and then that flexibility to adapt and overcome?” I mean, those are stuff I'll take with me for the rest of my life.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:01 Wow. And so you got to be a mentor in a way for those Air Force ROTC cadets, if they didn't get a slot, and kind of navigating. And then you found yourself in that seat when you decided to transition yourself, right?   Jake DeRuyter  12:14 Yeah. So, they were gonna send me to another intel role, and I had just met my wife at the time. We were gonna get married soon. I'm like, “Man, the time to deploy and kind of live the Air Force life isn't my main goal anymore, and so I tried to push out my separation date as long as possible, so I had time to do the job search and really see what else is out there. And I didn't really know what I wanted to be once again. But I was like, “Hey, I love living here in Austin, Texas. I figure I can get something tech related or sales related,” I'm kind of naturally inclined to both of those things. And one of my classmates, Keith Link,  he reached out to me because I host a big March Madness pool every year for a ton of grads. And he's like, “Hey, man, just started this role here. I think you'd be a great fit for the company. We're trying to build out our Air Force team. Our boss is a Navy grad. Would you be interested in interviewing us?” And then I was like, “Yeah, man, that sounds great.” You know, I'd still be working with the Air Force in a tech- slash sales-type role. I'm like, “Yeah, this is everything that I wanted. Sounds awesome…” having, once again, no idea I was getting into. But I go through the interview process and I'm trying to sell myself on SkillBridge, trying to get that free internship saying,  “Hey, I could be a free worker for y'all for a couple of months here.” I'm trying to sell myself. And at the end of the interview process, John Podolak, '88 Navy grad, I believe. He's like, “Jake, you've had a bunch of people vouch for you. I really believe in the grad network; it doesn't matter which Academy you went to.” He said, “Hey, if you're gonna come and do SkillBridge with us, I want you to know you have a job offer at the end of it.” And he handed me my job offer right there. I think we were four months out, so I was in shock. To this day I can't believe it. He took the risk on me that coming fresh in a completely separate career field, no background besides being able to speak Air Force. And it all goes back to our Long Blue Line. I don't know what Navy calls it, but it's a “Hey, we all have similar backgrounds.”   Naviere Walkewicz  14:17 Long Blue Navy Line, maybe? I'm not sure.   Jake DeRuyter  14:21 Yeah. He's like, “Hey, I know I could put trust in you because of your background, what you're all about.” and that's something that I really internalized and leading to my role now. It's like, “Hey, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt if you're a fellow grad,” right? Doesn't matter which Academy, you know? In particular, we're gonna favor the Air Force. But yeah, that's like, one thing I just really want to make a pillar of my life. Like I said earlier, it's like, hey, I want to help out fellow grads. Because if it wasn't for Keith and John taking a risk on me out of the blue, I wouldn't be where I am today.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:53 It seems like that's been a thread in your life. You know, finding a network and supporting and taking care of people, and then seeing that reciprocated to help continue to fuel what is important to you. Talk a little bit about what that transition was like, though, because it almost sounds too easy. I mean, has it been just rainbows since you kind of took that leap.   Jake DeRuyter  15:17 Oh, God, no. Year 1, any career field, especially, you know, a sales driven one, it's a challenge. You don't know what you're doing. You're fish out of water. I was going to a million different Air Force bases, walking on base, trying to meet people, not even knowing what I was doing, let alone convincing other people what we do. And so that was a challenge. I think I went to 19 different bases my first year; I was on a plane every chance I could get, just trying to make a name for myself and say, “Hey, I'm Jake DeRuyter, we can do anything help you. What do you need?” And people were always like, “Well, we don't need anything. Like, we want one specific thing. Can you do this?” And so you really kind of have to find yourself, because the Air Force, especially as an officer, you're leading a team, right? Or you're part of some overarching team. But in this role, when I started, it was me, myself and I. So that was just a huge lifestyle change. It was a little refreshing. That's like, “Hey, I don't have to worry about my cadets or my airmen outside of the job.” And this was a nice refresh. But like everything else, it's like, “Hey, I am the only one providing for my family, to pay the bills,” everything like that. Like, how hard am I going to work? And how am I going to put in the effort to grind day in and day out. Just getting good at any job, you can't just have one great day, just like working out. You can't just have one great day and expect to bench 500 pounds, right? It's the things that you do day in and day out and building up the right habits and having the right communication with people, and then just being relatable. One of the other biggest things: Say you're gonna do something and follow up and do it. We always joke that it's a weird that it's a skill to follow up with people and respond to them in a meaningful time. It shouldn't be, but that's just one of those things where people need help. We want to be the ones that are there. And it's just doing that over and over again. Because, man, that Year 1 was like, “Why did I pick this job? Why did I pick this career choice? I should have gone into consulting. I should have gotten started in literally anything else.” Thank God I stuck with it. It's, again, been one of the greatest decisions I've made, and we have an awesome team, but we've brought in a few other Academy grads with us as well, and it's been a lot of fun since.   Naviere Walkewicz  17:31 May I ask why you stuck with it when it and everything against in your core was, “Why did I do this? I could have picked anything else?” Why did you stay?   Jake DeRuyter  17:41 I really wanted to prove it to myself and really prove it to Keith and John. You know, they took the risk on me, so I didn't want to let them down. And I think that was the biggest thing, where it's like, “Hey, you guys took the risk on me out of the blue.” And I'm like— you know, Keith and I were classmates, you know, we were never close, right? Like, you know, we barely kept in touch over the years. And it's just like, “Hey, you stuck your name out.” Like, this is the real world, right? In the Air Force, if you want to do the full 20 years you can do 20 years, right? In the real world, it's “Hey, if you're not have a nice day.” You gotta find new employment. And so I was like, “I'm not gonna let you guys down. I'm gonna fight for this.” Being a small company, we're not a big name brand, right? No one knows who we are. So, it's a little bit that underdog mentality, and just like, “Hey, how am I gonna outhustle the next guy? How am I gonna outhustle XYZ company that's a competitor?” And it's just that competitive drive that I've just always had. I'm not playing sports every day anymore, but how do you still stay competitive and still stay active and still have that drive to be the best you can be, and go on and go forth?   Naviere Walkewicz  18:52 Well, it sounds like this competitive drive is something you said, it was something you've always had. Can you share a story from when you recall, when, gosh, even something, you know, back in early-Jake days that this is a moment I realized, “I'm a competitive person. I'm driven by this desire to prove myself.” Is there something that pops to mind? Because I can only just imagine if it was already part of your core when you kind of knew this about yourself?   Jake DeRuyter  19:18 Oh, yeah, I've got a good one. So, my dad was coaching with the Academy going into my junior year of high school, and his goal was always to get me all three years at one school, which we had at the time, we had never lived anywhere longer than three years in a row. So, that was a tough task. And I just finished up my junior year of playing football, and things were going good, and then he gets a job offer down in Texas, and he comes to me. He's like, “Hey, what do you think? I don't want to move you going into your senior year, but I want to talk to you first before, yeah, I make any decisions.” And I'm like, “Wait, I get the chance to play Texas high school football. Are you kidding me? Let's do this. I get one year for it. That's awesome.” So, yeah, that's the No. 1 story that comes to my mind where it's like, “Hey, I want to take the risk on myself and be competitive and go play the best of the best.”   Naviere Walkewicz  20:18 Play with the best of the best. And that does seem to be a theme, right? Air Force Academy, putting yourself out there, jumping in full feet into this new role. You know, what have you learned about yourself? You talked about motivating. It's different when you have people that you have to take care of, and I guess maybe your translation is your family you have to take care of. But how do you motivate yourself when it's a you, yourself and you — you said “me, myself, and I” and I couldn't think of the other way to say it. But when it's just you, what keeps you motivated?   Jake DeRuyter  20:52 Yeah, I'm definitely very externally motivated. So it's my team. When you want to talk about the Monday-through-Friday grind, and then my wife and, the overarching family, growing up, family has always been really close and a huge motivator for me. And, you know, I've just always wanted to be able to provide for others and provide for myself, and you never want to have to worry about that next meal, or the job, employment — things like that. And just saying, “Hey, you know, these opportunities you get there — don't take it for granted.” And it's like you've got to fight and earn everything. You're not just going to be handed out anything. And that's just something always back in my mind, where it's like, if I'm not doing it like somebody else is going to, I'm going to lose that opportunity, or someone's going to step in, right? And so it's just one thing where it's just being like the Academy grad, like you don't, we'll move up to the name brand. That's another huge thing I always have in my head. It's like, I want to represent the brand. Well, I'm like, “How do you do that?” Is because, like, we've all met those people. It's like, hey man, like, you know, like, shoot. Like, “I really like you, but like, I don't think you represent us. Well, I never want to be that type of person, right? And so that's one of those things I just really like the kitchen, going day in and day out.   Naviere Walkewicz  22:01 So the daily grind… You said, in the first year you think you visited like 19 bases just to try and figure it out. What does the daily grind look like now?   Jake DeRuyter  22:10 Completely changed, thankfully, I really only focus on three, which still has me plenty busy, but at least I'm not in all these crazy places, which is nice. Now it's weird because I set my own schedule. No one's ever asking, “Hey, you got to be here at 7:30 and clock out at 4:30.” It's a complete polar oppositie of the Air Force. Like, if I want to go golf every Friday at noon, no one's stopping me from doing that, except for, that'd probably be a detriment to my team and our success, right? And so it's this complete mindset change where it's like, “Hey, I'm going to still put in a full day's work and get everything I can out of the day.” But I'm not sitting down at my desk. So when I'm home, I'm following up with teams making sure everything is good internally at the company, and then a lot of the time I'm on the road. So, I go to Eglin Air Force Base a lot, Hill Air Force Base and Edwards. Those are my three where I'm constantly rotating through. So, if anyone's at those bases, please let me know. Love to reach out to you guys, grab a beer, dinner or anything. You know, it's a lot of lonely nights in the hotel. So, every chance I get to meet up with fellow grads, see what else is going on — I love taking advantage of that opportunity. I've done that numerous times, and that's one of my favorite things and one of my favorite parts of the job. So, I don't know what a standard day looks like for me. That's one thing I love about this job. And kind of why I stuck with it, so I'm never bored. No day is the same. You're always finding a new opportunity, someone new to talk to, some new base, a new program, that there's infinite possibilities. It's such a big Air Force and it gives me a chance to stay involved with our community, give back, and just, hey, if there's another grad out there that's looking to separate and needs a job, any grad — I've offered this plenty of times and stepped through it — any grad that's trying to separate, you have an instant interview at a minimum, with us right away. Please reach out anytime.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:03 That's amazing. I think you know you talk about there is no standard, but maybe you actually... the standard is that you hold yourself to a standard so that you're seeking opportunities when they're there, you're prepared, and you're trying to connect with other grads and make ways for them as well, or at least a potential opportunity. Let's talk about that, because I find— you know, you're a 2015 graduate, you're in your career trajectory, and you've made time to become the chapter president for the Central Texas chapter. And, you know, chapter services, that's when you bring grads together. I don't know how you manage that, as well as build a business. Let's talk about that. How did that even happen?   Jake DeRuyter  24:43 Yeah, so Mike Lambert started our chapter. He's a '70 grad, one of the coolest, most informative, just unique individuals. He is the greatest guy. Now, I wish I could live half the life that he has when I get to be his age. I reached out to him a couple years ago now saying, “Hey, the baseball team's in town playing UT, we have plans to all go to it, like, what's going on? Because I, this is bad on me... I didn't know that the chapter existed at the time. And he's like, “Oh shoot. I didn't know about it. Yeah, that sounds great. I'll send out a message, let's start rallying people to go as a big group.” I think we got maybe 20 to 30 people. It's a decent showing. And then after he's like, “Hey, I'm looking to pass this on to somebody. Would you be interested in it?” And I'm like, “Yeah, of course. I don't really know what it entails.” And then without me kind of having a say in it, everyone there is like, “Oh, hey, let's all have a vote right now. Raise your hand if you want Jake s the next president,” and Neil Wendt, Harry Keyes, a bunch of other grads were there all raising hands, like, “Hey, here's our new president.” So, yeah, I mean, I definitely wanted it, not like I didn't have a say in it, but yeah, it was nice having that little motivational push from everybody else. And then Neil Wendt, he's been my VP, and almost had a year going just now, so we still got a lot of work to do. We're still building a lot of things, but we're pretty proud of the steps that we've taken to kind of build this community. But yeah, it's definitely tough. You got work and then home life, and then family, and then you're just like, “Oh shoot, I still got to do this.” So, I mean, we all got a million things on a plate, so just like the Academy teaches you, how do you put 25 hours into a 24-hour day?   Naviere Walkewicz  26:18 Right? So I found that curious, what you'd mentioned. You said, “I didn't even know we had a chapter,” but you reached out to Mike Lambert. So did you already have a mentor-mentee relationship with him, or how did you know him?   Jake DeRuyter  26:29 No, I heard about it a little bit before that, because I kind of, in the back of my head, knew it existed. I just didn't know what all entailed. And it didn't say Austin. It just said to Central Texas. So, I didn't really know what all it meant. And then meeting with him and getting involved with him, and all in the whole group that he's started and been a part of for a long time. Yeah, it's really cool hearing their stories. And we do a monthly lunch every Friday or every first Friday of the month, and we get to hear all the cool war stories and everything. It's honestly one of the things I look forward to most every month is listening in to those guys. There's just so many funny connections all over the place. And, yeah, it's awesome. If anyone's listening in Austin, we'll be doing it again next week, or the first Friday this upcoming month of April.   Naviere Walkewicz  27:13 That's wonderful. So talk a little bit about what it's been like being the chapter president. You know, I think when we think about times at the Academy, you're leading a group of your peers, and obviously these peers are various years. But what has that been like, and what have you seen to be challenging so far?   Jake DeRuyter  27:29 Yeah, so it's completely different than on active duty, because you have positional power, right? And your airmen, the younger officers, they've got to listen to you, right? The chapter president sounds cool. Like, what authority do I have? Right? Absolutely nothing. It's just more of I'm the one coordinating and leading the charge, right? So you got to be the one to say what you're going to do and actually follow through and do it. And that's tough when you've got a million other competing priorities, and you're always trying to schedule your time and so I've been thankful I've had a great team. There's been times I can't make that monthly lunch and your others fill in. So we've had a pretty good core group there. But trying to find ways to motivate people to participate is extremely difficult unless they have like a direct buy in or impact or return on their investment. I think I saw in our last AOG election, we had like a 22% voting rate. And so we see that at the local chapters too, where it's tough finding people, so I'll go on LinkedIn, just trolling, just looking for anyone that says Air Force Academy grad, outside of any major city in Texas besides Austin. So, trying to get that direct touch. But it definitely takes time and effort and you've got to be willing to show that you're willing to go forth and put it in. Otherwise everyone's gonna be like, “Hey, I'm just getting another spam email. Why would I listen to this?”   Naviere Walkewicz  28:43 Right? And I just find it even more just impressive. What compelled you to reach out in the first place and say, “Hey, I'd like to get more involved?” Because you were already doing all these things through your job. So why the additional responsibility?   Jake DeRuyter  29:00 I think that's a great question. I think it's just because… You said: I was already doing it, and so I was like, “Hey, this is a natural fit for what I enjoy doing and what I could truly care about.” And as we've mentioned, all those grads in the past have helped me out and made me who I am today. You know from my dad and  my teachers, the officers that are ahead of me. It's like, “Hey, how do I give back?” Because I know I wouldn't be standing where I am without our fellow grads and then the whole overarching community. So it's like, “What little can I do to make one person's life that 1% better?” I'll take that chance any day of the week.   Naviere Walkewicz  29:33 Well, we talked about some of the challenges you've experienced and your deep desire to give back. So, share a success that you've had since being chapter president, and what's really kind of filled your bucket in this giving back piece.   Jake DeRuyter  29:44 Oh, so we did a watch party for the Air Force/Army game; that's pretty standard chapter president stuff like, “Oh, hey, you threw a watch party.” That's not the big thing. But the really cool part was the people that showed up. And I feel horrible. I forget his name right now, but the oldest living graduate, he had his daughter drive him because, “Hey, I'm not going to miss this.” And so I was like, whoa. Like, that was like...   Naviere Walkewicz  30:13 I'm going to look that up myself. That's amazing.   Jake DeRuyter  30:16 Having that moment like, “Wow, that's really cool.” Where it's like, “Hey, that wouldn't have happened without the work of my team  putting this together. And, yeah, putting together watch parties is nothing crazy. But it's still— hearing those stories and meeting those people that were there when this first started. Like, we were joking earlier: They don't even know what Founders Day is because they were there for it. That wasn't really a thing for them. Now it's like our annual celebration, but to them it's just like, “Oh yeah. We just started it.” Like, that's just how...   Naviere Walkewicz  30:48 ...on the shoulders of giants, right?   Jake DeRuyter  Yes.   Naviere Walkewicz  Jake, it just sounds like you had such an incredible ride so far. And I know you're you know your journey is in the midst of it, and I can't wait to hear how you'll continue to do so as a graduate, as we support you. But right now, I'd like to ask you some specific leadership lessons, the first one really pertaining to you: What do you do every day to be a better leader?   Jake DeRuyter  31:12 That reach out. Like, always that checking in. I don't necesarilly schedule it, but if I ever have 20 or 30, minutes, nothing's on my calendar for work, or things are slow, it's like, “Hey, who haven't I talked to in a while?” Whether it's one of my classmates, one of my freshmen, one of the people that served with me… And then I spend a lot of time on the road, so, I'm driving. I always try to reach out and call and reconnect with people that you haven't talked to in X amount of months. Because I always know that I really appreciate when I always hear from people like that. And so that's like one thing I always want to do is like, “Hey, what's going on in life? Where are you at now?” That's what's so cool about the Air Force community as a whole: People are moving, doing cool new jobs all over the place. So, I love getting to hear those stories and truly listening in. The leadership question: Actually listen. Take interest and don't just be waiting to say what you want to say next. Like, actually, like, “Oh, hey, there's some pretty cool stories out there. And people are doing some amazing, unique things.” Shoot, look at Wyatt Hendrickson this weekend. One of the greatest college sports upsets of all time.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:19 Of all time — 100%. I think that's a really great way— just even like rallying together and talking about that. I mean, what a great way to… “Hey, I haven't talked to you in a while. Did you see Wyatt? What he did? You know, it's just amazing.   Jake DeRuyter  32:32 Yep, exactly. Wyatt, if you're ever in Austin, drinks are on me, man, congrats.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:38 That's outstanding. All right, so tell me, then, Jake, what would you share as something that an aspiring leader can do every day? So, that's something you do personally. What might you share with an aspiring leader that they can do today that will reap benefits down the road?   Jake DeRuyter  32:53 Yeah, don't just worry about your own career and your own life, because whether you look at officers, coaches— a lot of people can be judged based on the people that they've built up rather than their own career. We see that all the time in coaching, and it's like, if you're truly worried about the development of the guys around you, you're going to build up yourself and your whole team and everybody and so make that the primary goal. Not just, “Hey, how do I get that next job? How do I get that next rank?” Because people are going to spot that as being phony really quick. So, be genuine, and pump up the other ones around you. Because a rising tide lifts all ships.   Naviere Walkewicz  33:27 Gosh. And like I said, you're kind of in this rise in your career and in your life. You know, if you were to look back and talk to your younger self, Jake, whether your cadet self or even your child self, is there any advice you would give yourself, knowing what you know today?   Jake DeRuyter  33:44 Yeah, the biggest thing is be more involved. I think especially as a cadet and in early officer life, I was just like, “How do I get through the day? What do I do to get through class, or to get through the SCIF life?” Or something like that. “How do I get to the part of life where I'm spending time with my friends, or having fun?” I definitely wish I was much more involved at the Academy and as a young lieutenant, like, I definitely took things for granted back then, and that's probably the biggest thing I changed, is like, “Hey, I definitely had the extra time.” I could have given back more at that time, and maybe I'm trying to make up for a little bit for that now.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:19 Well, I think it's never too late to start. And what are you doing now that fills your bucket in that way?   Jake DeRuyter  34:25 Oh, yeah, the biggest things, the AOG chapter presidency and helping other grads transition. I can't tell you how many fellow grads I've talked to as they're looking for SkillBridge, trying to figure out what that next step looks like. It doesn't stop. Everyone's hitting their five years coming up. It happens every year, right? So there's always that influx, especially those that aren't flying. It's tough making that jump. You know, it's a scary world out there. And I said, it's just you, yourself and I. Whatever the opposite of that is. It's like, “Hey, I know I didn't feel like I had the resources when I was initially getting out through traditional means of the Air Force.” So I want to be that person that's like, “Hey, I'll offer that olive branch anytime.” So yeah, love to help out wherever I can.   Naviere Walkewicz  35:13 Well, those connections are so important, and I think one of the things I really appreciate about you, Jake, is really recognizing that connection. I think you even shared with me a story, and maybe you can share it here, about how you still are in touch with your sponsor family?   Jake DeRuyter  35:26 Yeah. I went to high school in the Springs for a little bit, and the best man in my wedding, his family was the one that sponsored me. So, they had sponsored cadets for years, sponsoring the basketball team through the 2000s. Then in high school, he made me a bet. He's like, “Hey, you idiot, if there's any way that you get in, I'll sponsor.” He's like, “I'm done sponsoring cadets, but if you make it in, you'll be my last one.”   Naviere Walkewicz  And so you were the exception for him.   Jake DeRuyter  Yeah, I was the exception to the rule. So yeah, we still get together every year to go to the opening round of March Madness. So we just did Lexington, Kentucky, for those games, and then next year we'll be doing Tampa. So yeah, college sports and that competition that you talked about that's a huge center piece of my life, and I center all my travel and my fun around it. So yeah, they've been awesome, and a huge part of why I am or where I am today as well.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:11 I love that. Well, we're going to ask for Jake's final thoughts next, but before we do, I'd like to take a moment and thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. The podcast publishes Tuesdays in both video and audio and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Be sure to stay in touch. Watch, subscribe and listen to all episodes of Long Blue Leadership at longblueleadership.org. All right, Jake, we're ready to hear your final thoughts. It's been incredible spending time with you today.   Jake DeRuyter  36:39 I appreciate it Naviere. Very humbled to be here. You just had Secretary Wilson. I'm sure you've had some astronauts and generals on here, so the fact that you picked me: I was just like, “Man, that really means a lot.” So I just want to say thank you. Yeah, I don't want to repeat myself too much, but yeah, any fellow grads, if you're ever in the Austin area, love to meet up, grab a beer, whatever we can do to help each other out. Just whatever we can do to give back to the Long Blue Line.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:03 Well, thank you for never being too busy for our graduates. I think that was one of the things that really stood out to me throughout everything you've shared, is you know, you care about people, and it's really translated to how you care about our fellow graduates, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll continue to do. So thanks for being a leader in our Long Blue Line.   Jake DeRuyter  37:22 Yeah, I appreciate that, Naviere. Thank you so much.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:25 Well, Jake, one more time, thank you again, and I'm Naviere Walkewicz, thank you for joining us on Long Blue Leadership until next time.   KEWORDS Resilience, Adaptability, Mentorship, Network, Long Blue Line, Leadership, Development, Career Transition, Service, Community Support, Grit, Connections, Risk-Taking, Personal Growth, Military to Civilian Transition, Air Force Academy, Leadership Philosophy, Professional Networking, Continuous Learning, Relationship Building, Giving Back   The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation    

What does it look like to have the assurance and conviction needed for radical risk-taking in the kingdom of God? John Privett opens up Hebrews 11:1-3 to find out.

Tina Battock - Shattering Glass Ceilings in Western Sports Tina Battock holds many titles—General Manager of the Nashville Stampede, President of Morris Media Group, WSF Board Member, mom, and wife, just to name a few. In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, Tina joins us to share how her career has led her forefront of media and into the heart of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, where she serves as the first-ever female general manager. Her story shows how passion and drive can be shaped by strategic decisions and serendipitous moments. Tina reveals how her unexpected foray into the male-dominated world of professional bull riding led her to develop her skills and earn the honor of being named 2023 PBR Teams General Manager of the Year. We dive into Tina's achievements, showcasing how her leadership and business acumen have shattered glass ceilings and inpsired young women everywhere. Tina's career is a testament to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and embracing new challenges with confidence and determination.  The episode also delves into Western Sports Foundation's crucial role in supporting athletes beyond their competitive years. We explore how PBR teams like the Nashville Stampede foster environments that respect and nurture athletes as they transition to life after sports. The stories of figures such as Silvano Alves and Ryan Dirteater reflect the deep emotional ties within this community, demonstrating how mentorship can drive success. As we celebrate the inspiring stories of women and their allies in the Western sports industry, Tina underscores the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and building a supportive network that inspires future generations.

In this conversation, Ashley Henderson and Nate explore the complexities of grounding, healing, and emotional processing. They discuss how societal conditioning affects our ability to be present and process trauma, emphasizing the importance of readiness and neutrality in healing. The dialogue highlights the significance of somatic experiences and the need to embrace unwanted emotions as part of the healing journey. They also touch on the role of mindfulness and the necessity of reconnecting with our bodies and intuition to facilitate emotional release and transformation. In this conversation, Nate and Ashley explore the importance of listening to one's inner self and the evolving needs of the body and soul. They discuss the challenges of navigating fear and cultural conditioning, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and intuition. The dialogue delves into breaking free from self-imposed limitations and the significance of taking risks with a playful and curious mindset. They highlight the importance of embracing nuance and grace in personal growth, ultimately leading to a journey of self-acceptance and freedom.

Send us a textCatch up with their wild antics on Instagram @skatewives or Ryan's personal insta @ryan.herronYOU can grab this illustration on all sort or merch on Tee-Public https://www.teepublic.com/mug/73279594-earth-air-waterYou want more illustrations? Head over to www.drawntoyourstory.com to see more illustrationsWhen you picture someone who skydives, cliff jumps, and skateboards, you might imagine a wild thrill-seeker living on the edge. Ryan Herron shatters this stereotype with his refreshingly calculated approach to adventure. "Adrenaline is what you get when you mess up," he explains, revealing how methodical preparation underpins his seemingly risky pursuits.Ryan takes us behind the scenes of Skatewives, the popular social media account he created with his wife Emily during their van life adventures across America. What began as Emily reluctantly filming Ryan's skateboarding tricks blossomed into content that humorously bridges the gap between skateboarding insiders and outsiders. Through Emily's fresh perspective, viewers gain insight into skateboarding culture's peculiar rituals that seasoned skaters take for granted.The conversation explores how skateboarding's unique mindset shapes character and decision-making. "I don't know that there's any other facet of my life where I have attempted something hundreds of times and failed," Ryan reflects, explaining how this perseverance transferred to his career building a cannabis data analytics company and navigating major life transitions. His story demonstrates how the determination to get back up after falling becomes a powerful life philosophy.Ryan's approach to risk—whether in business, relationships, or extreme sports—centers around process mastery rather than reckless abandon. A harrowing story about parachute line twists inside a cloud illustrates his thoughtful relationship with danger, where respect for risk leads to better preparation rather than fear-based avoidance. For anyone looking to push their boundaries while staying grounded, Ryan's journey offers a masterclass in calculated adventuring.Ready to explore the unexpected wisdom that comes from falling a thousand times, only to get up and try again? This episode will change how you think about risk-taking, perseverance, and finding flow in life's most challenging moments.Dang, if you read this far leave a comment below of you favorite animal and your favorite thing to do. And we will see what happens with my pen.Thanks Matty

Embark on an inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey with Parveen Dhupar, Founder and CEO of BTI Brand Innovations, in this captivating episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show. Host Don Williams delves into Parveen's remarkable 25-year career, extracting invaluable Startup Success Lessons and insights on Building a Creative Agency.This episode is a masterclass in overcoming entrepreneurial burnout and achieving sustainable success. Parveen shares his experiences with Risk-Taking in Business, navigating the challenges of Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs, and the power of Goal-Setting for Success. Discover how he transformed BTI Brand Innovations from a $3 million to a $10 million agency, showcasing effective Business Growth Strategies.Gain unique perspectives on Branding and Marketing, Creative Agency Success, and Insights on Branding and Marketing Strategies. Parveen emphasizes the importance of Leadership and Storytelling in Business, demonstrating how Storytelling in Business and Experiential Marketing can drive growth.This isn't just a business story; it's a deeply personal narrative. Parveen opens up about Family-Driven Entrepreneurship, balancing personal and professional life, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Learn about Overcoming Burnout in Business, Lessons from Failure, and the significance of Purpose-Driven Leadership.For aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge, including:Entrepreneurship Mindset: Cultivating the right approach to business challengesCanadian Entrepreneurs: Success stories from the Canadian business landscape.Immigrant Success Stories: The drive and determination behind immigrant entrepreneurship.Mentorship and Goal-Setting: Practical tips for achieving your ambitions.Featured:Guest: Parveen Dhupar, Founder/CEO, BTI Brand InnovationsHost: Don Williams, The Proven Entrepreneur ShowEntity: BTI Brand Innovations: A fully integrated creative agency.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur who has truly seen it all. Tune in for actionable strategies and heartfelt wisdom.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Madeleine Raiford-Holland as she shares her remarkable journey from a corporate career to becoming a thriving entrepreneur in the short-term rental industry. Initially on a path toward medical school, Madeleine's career took an unexpected turn into government contracting, where she honed her management skills. Her entrepreneurial spirit soon emerged as she launched a successful lifestyle website, partnering with well-known brands like Delta and Target. However, the demands of travel and family life prompted Madeleine to seek a more sustainable path, leading her to the potential of Airbnb properties. Discover how she leveraged her brand partnerships and real estate experience to build a flourishing short-term rental business, allowing her and her husband to achieve financial and time freedom. Listen in as we explore the exhilarating yet challenging steps involved in starting and scaling a short-term rental business. Madeleine shares her journey from purchasing her first property to making bold entrepreneurial moves, like buying a house without consulting her spouse. For those looking to enter this field with limited capital, we discuss rental arbitrage as a viable entry point. Key advice includes overcoming analysis paralysis, understanding credit, and seeking community support. Madeleine emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from experience, highlighting that action brings clarity.   Connect with Madeleine:Website: www.madeleineraifordholland.com Facebook: Madeleine Raiford-Holland Instagram: @madeleineraifordholland LinkedIn: Madeleine Raiford-Holland Let's keep the conversation going!Website: martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest  Watch my TEDx talk: http://bit.ly/martatedx Ever thought about investing in the Stock Market but don't know where to start? Introducing Market Minds by Market Start—the all-new platform designed to make stock market investing simple, fast, and profitable! So why wait? Start your journey to financial success today! Visit themarketstart.com and take control of your future. Great leadership isn't accidental — it's intentional. In CARE to Lead, Alex Draper reveals the key to building high-performing, people-first environments at work and at home through the powerful CARE Equation — Clarity, Autonomy, Relationships, and Equity®. Ready to lead and influence with impact? Grab your copy now at alex-draper.com and start your journey to better leadership today!  

Welcome to this week's exciting episode of The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! I'm thrilled to bring you a dynamic and insightful conversation with Kira Deneen, a seasoned genetics counselor and the brilliant mind behind the popular DNA Today podcast. And here's a special treat – this was a live recording! Head over to our YouTube Channel to watch the full episode. We're diving deep into Kira's fascinating career journey, exploring how her early passion for podcasting, sparked back in 2012, has seamlessly intertwined with her work in genetics. Listen as she shares her experiences on the profound impact of networking, overcoming career jitters, and the crucial role of consistent hard work. Kira also unpacks the unique insights she's gained from bridging her podcasting and scientific worlds, offering invaluable takeaways for anyone eager to accelerate their career. Whether you're curious about genetics counseling or simply seeking inspiration to own your career journey, this conversation is sure to leave you motivated and ready to take the reins of your professional life. Join us for an exhilarating and informative episode!   Connect with our guest, Kira Dineen, at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiradineen/   Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/.   To apply to be a guest on the show, visit  bit.ly/pooycshowguest.   ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

AI is changing so much about how we create content. So we thought we'd bring in the founders of a brand new tool for making rich, interactive 3D content using AI.We're talking with Co-Founders Charles Migos and Bharat Vasan.And together, we talk about how to make the most out of AI tools, including mocking up ideas, iterating quickly and taking risks.About our guests, Charles Migos and Bharat VasanCharles Migos is Co-Founder & CEO at Intangible. He has over 30 years of experience in the tech industry, specializing in UX and product design. He has previously worked for Microsoft and Apple. Prior to Intangible, Charles served as VP of Product Design at Unity Technologies, where he established a core design practice, principles and philosophy. He also founded a centralized design organization and drove double-digit NPS, CSAT, engagement KPIs and revenue improvement across their portfolio with product design efforts.Bharat Vasan is an experienced investor, executive and board member with 15+ years of leadership in technology. He has a strong track record as a founder and operator in multiple sectors:• Connected Sensors & Devices• Consumer Software and Media• Healthcare, Fitness & Wellness• IoT Sensors / Smart HomeBharat is currently a founder of Intangible.ai, which uses AI to build the world's simplest 3D storytelling tool for creators in games, film, web and XR.Prior to Intangible, Bharat was an investment partner at The Production Board, a $450M venture capital fund, where he built on his experience as an angel investor with a deep network of founders. He helped invest in and create value at businesses ranging from foundry/seed, all the way to growth/IPO. As COO for fund, he also helped the firm fundraise and navigate market cycles in 3 of the most volatile years in venture capital.Bharat also has a strong track record as a P&L operator for growth and early-stage companies, having led his businesses through multiple rounds of financing and acquisitions. Bharat has raised over $500m for his companies, with multiple exits (founded BASIS Science, acq. by Intel; President August Home, acq. by Assa Abloy; CEO of PAX Labs, achieved unicorn status).Bharat is an active public speaker and Board member for venture-backed startups, and nonprofits.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Intangible.ai:Mock up ideas. You can make effective prototypes of a content idea with AI. It lets you get your idea across without having to invest a lot of time or money in a first draft. Charles says, “A storyboard is probably the most important artifact in the process after the script itself. Why? Because it is very low fidelity, but there is very high bandwidth in what it communicates. So like, I as the cinematographer, the director, the set designer, the costume designer, the visual effects supervisor, whomever, looks at A 2D sketch and understands exactly what it means for them creatively. So that idea that you can work from very low or coarse levels of detail, but get to very high levels of detail over time in the way that the process requires is super important. And is as enabling for those film creators or game creators as it will be for these other use cases we hope to activate around live event and architecture, urban design, live event productions and theater and all of that good stuff.”Iterate quickly. Something not quite right with the first version? Iterate quickly using AI. It can even give you multiple drafts or versions of the same idea. Bharat says, ” If you're trying to do a Pixar movie or a documentary, or you're trying to make an interactive game, that's the stuff that feels harder. And it feels like AI can simplify some of that. I can give you a first draft, I can give you a second draft, and I can do it in real time.” Take risks. Because you're not having to spend too much time or money mocking up your ideas with AI, it allows you to take some risks. Get really wild and see how far your ideas can take you. Bharat says, ”One thing that's happened to businesses because budgets have gotten so big, everyone's super risk averse, so you get more lookalike content. And one reason you don't see great content on channels like we used to, or the box offices, because, you know, when your budget is that large, you can't afford to take a lot of creative risks.  So one reason we started the company where we are is if we can make that beginning process easy, if it's easier for Netflix to review more pitches, if it's easier for them to get a better scent, maybe they start taking more diverse bets.”Quotes*” When we found ourselves in this moment around generative AI, I knew that the time had come. Like we could apply generative AI in a way that was designed for creatives to do their best work ever. And I'm an ardent believer that creativity is a team sport.” - Charles Migos*” There's a lot of anxiety about, is AI gonna take over jobs? What is it gonna do to the creative industry? I see it slightly differently. I see it as a way to revert back to the original joy.” - Bharat Vasan*” Those people who feel somewhat threatened by the technological advance, we want to re-weaponize them so that they have more tools and skills that they can employ in different ways to ensure that bright, creative minds are in charge of the content that we enjoy as lovers of the space and consumers of that content.” - Charles Migos*” If you're trying to do a Pixar movie or a documentary, or you're trying to make an interactive game, that's the stuff that feels harder. And it feels like AI can simplify some of that. I can give you a first draft, I can give you a second draft, and I can do it in real time. But the agency that people feel when they're able to do that in real time is really, really powerful. And they share that with other people, other people give them feedback. At least when I build stuff, that gives me energy. I made something as a kid, you know, with my little Lego bricks. I shared it with my friends. They go, ‘That's really cool.' They want to build it with me. That's the fun part about being in this business.” - Bharat Vasan*”Now that AI has come along, we feel like that's the last unconquered thing. You can set up a 3D set, you can figure out how to film it before you spend a dollar on production. And then people know what it looks like, feels like, when you're pitching that to a client, to a movie studio, they get a sense of what that's like as well. And so everyone gets more confidence on the creative project before going into production. And one of the things that's broken about the business is everyone has to place that bet in millions and millions of dollars without knowing what's going to come out of it at the end of the day. And often it might not even be a storyboard, it might just be a script or a blurb. And then you're just hoping and praying that someone's going to do something good with it.” - Bharat Vasan*”A storyboard is probably the most important artifact in the process after the script itself. Why? Because it is very low fidelity, but there is very high bandwidth in what it communicates. So like, I as the cinematographer, the director, the set designer, the costume designer, the visual effects supervisor, whomever, looks at A 2D sketch and understands exactly what it means for them creatively. So that idea that you can work from very low or coarse levels of detail, but get to very high levels of detail over time in the way that the process requires is super important. And is as enabling for those film creators or game creators as it will be for these other use cases we hope to activate around live event and architecture, urban design, live event productions and theater and all of that good stuff.” - Charles Migos*”One thing that's happened to businesses because budgets have gotten so big, everyone's super risk averse, so you get more lookalike content. And one reason you don't see great content on channels like we used to, or the box offices, because, you know, when your budget is that large, you can't afford to take a lot of creative risks.  So one reason we started the company where we are is if we can make that beginning process easy, if it's easier for Netflix to review more pitches, if it's easier for them to get a better scent, maybe they start taking more diverse bets.” - Bharat VasanTime Stamps[00:55] Meet Intangible.ai Co-founders Charles Migos and Bharat Vasan[01:34] Charles' Early Inspirations[03:26] Bharat's Journey and Inspirations[04:26] Founding Intangible AI[04:30] The Vision Behind Intangible AI[05:59] Challenges in the Creative Industry[09:38] The Role of AI in Creativity[20:42] User Experience and Design Thinking[26:01] The Complexity and Fear of AI in Creativity[27:53] Supporting Creative Intent with AI[29:06] Generative AI and the Future of Content Creation[30:33] Revolutionizing B2B Marketing with AI[36:07] The Role of Taste in Creative AI Tools[42:14] Simplifying the Creative Process[46:44] Empowering Original Ideas and Risk-Taking[51:19] Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksLinksConnect with Bharat and Charles on LinkedInLearn more about Intangible.aiAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Senior Producer). Remarkable was produced this week by Meredith Gooderham, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

Abhay shares a chat with Nima Sherpa, the youngest human in the world to have climbed all 14 peaks over 8000m. Nima shares his journey through the world of climbing, the lessons learned, and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the unique perspective that youth brings to risk-taking and humility, the significance of Sherpa culture in mountaineering, and the evolving landscape of climbing as a profession. Nima emphasizes the need for environmental responsibility and the balance between tourism and conservation, while also reflecting on his personal growth and the aspirations for future generations of Nepali climbers.(0:00 - 2:40) Introduction(2:40) Part 1 - learning from an unsuccessful climb, taking risks(15:15) Part 2 - growing as a leader, focus while climbing, Nepali mountaineering(30:37) Part 3 - climate impact, favorites and injuries, staying peaceful and strong(43:37) Conclusion

Every child faces challenges when it comes to stepping outside their comfort zone—whether it's trying a new food, petting an unfamiliar dog, or speaking up in class.But what if we could gently guide them to embrace these moments of bravery? Imagine the confidence they could build and the doors that could open when they learn to navigate the unknown.In this week's replay, we explore how to strengthen your child's courage muscle, especially for those who are naturally hesitant. You'll learn practical strategies to help them take small, meaningful risks that lead to greater confidence, joy, and resilience.Jennifer's Takeaways:Building a Child's Courage Muscle (00:00)Starting the Conversation and Setting Small Goals (03:08)The Role of Imagination and Visualization (04:34)Acting It Out and Maintaining a Playful Approach (06:29)Parental Support and Neutrality (07:26)Creating an Accomplishment Book (09:13)The Long-Term Nature of Parenting (10:07)The Importance of Risk-Taking and Growth (10:57)Resources and Support (11:39)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in th US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today's Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari's powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children's emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer's wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation's leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You're Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).

In this episode, we're going to talk about how to use fear as a catalyst for growth in five key areas to open up new opportunities this year. Fear can be a major roadblock, but what if we started viewing it as a guide instead? This year, I decided to challenge myself by facing fears head-on, and today, I'm sharing five powerful areas where stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to personal and professional growth. Whether it's putting yourself out there in new ways, making bold business moves, or tackling financial and health challenges, embracing fear can open up new doors. Let's dive in and get uncomfortable—in the best way possible! Action Plan: 1 - Personal Growth: Challenge limiting beliefs and take on new experiences that push you forward. 2 - Professional Growth: Show up boldly in your business, even when it feels scary or imperfect. 3 - Community: Connect with others, build relationships, and embrace the vulnerability that comes with it. 4 - Courageous Action: Take bold steps in life and business that may feel intimidating but lead to huge rewards. 5 - Health & Finances: Tackle fears around well-being and money to create a stronger foundation for success. Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the concept of "high agency" - exploring what makes certain individuals stand out in business, how to identify and nurture high agency behavior, and why it matters for organizational success. The conversation ranges from personal anecdotes about challenging workplace norms to a strategic discussion about building innovative teams.Highlights:"The only unacceptable thing is, 'That's just the way it's always been done.'" "If you're butting heads with them because the status quo seems wrong to them, that's an opportunity, not a threat." "I want everybody to know the reason that we do something, the why behind it." "Most tests probably won't work better - that's the whole point of having a control." Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:41 Defining "High Agency" Concept09:03 Elon Musk as a High Agency Example13:01 The Importance of Good Judgment18:17 Personal Work Histories and Agency22:23 Creating Environments That Foster Agency28:50 Can High Agency Be Taught?32:48 Balancing Testing and Control in Organizations35:45 ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

In today's episode of Theories of Everything, Tyler Cowen proposes that tariffs erode economic efficiency, ultimately passing much of the burden onto smaller countries such as Canada. Moreover, he suggests that the rise of AI and evolving institutional structures demand both intellectual humility and stronger mentorship for a more resilient academic landscape. As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/SpotifyTOE Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join Links Mentioned: - Tyler's website: https://tylercowen.com/ - Tyler's blog: https://marginalrevolution.com/ - Tyler's podcast: https://conversationswithtyler.com/ - Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World (book): https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Identify-Energizers-Creatives-Winners/dp/1250275814 ---------------------- Timestamps: 00:00 - Tariffs and Trade Policies 01:21 Economic Consequences of Tariffs 03:07 Canada as a 51st State? 04:00 Canada's Defense Spending Debate 05:41 Positive Aspects of Hostility 06:35 Transitioning to Theoretical Economics 08:07 The Role of Tenure 11:43 The Academy's Strengths 13:04 Problems in Academia 14:08 Understanding the Grant System 15:10 The Need for Grants 16:33 Is the Academic System Broken? 17:18 Improving the Academic System 17:47 The Role of AI in Academia 22:39 Exploring Deep Research 29:32 Writing as Thinking 31:53 Truth in Worldviews 33:22 Patchwork Theory of Reality 34:11 Economics and Theories of Everything 35:07 Disagreements Among Intelligent People 37:48 The Concept of Metarationality 45:10 Cultivating Metarationality 46:55 Distinction Between Stamina and Grit 49:03 Risk-Taking in Academia 51:28 Interviewing Style 56:28 The Value of Preparation 1:13:33 Critiquing Nassim Taleb 1:18:23 Public Debates vs. Private Discussions 1:20:46 Focus on Money 1:22:45 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ambition 1:23:49 Complexity in Theories of Everything 1:24:39 The Importance of Mentoring 1:26:08 Current Projects and Interests 1:31:15 Advice for Students 1:32:39 The Future of Networking 1:32:53 Closing Thoughts and Reflections -------------------- Support TOE on Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs #economy #science #technology #news #tariffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Hodgin is a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the world of medical cannabis research. George is the founder and CEO of BRC - Biopharmaceutical Research Company, one of the only federally legal cannabis research organizations in the United States. His company is leading the charge in developing safe, regulated, and scientifically-backed cannabis-based therapeutics—offering alternatives to opioids and other pharmaceutical treatments. This is George's second time on the podcast—our first conversation was almost exactly five years ago, back when his company was in its early stages, the pandemic was just beginning, and he was navigating the uncharted waters of federal cannabis regulations. Since we last spoke, BRC has made huge strides—partnering with leading medical institutions, earning FDA orphan drug designation, and paving the way for legal, cannabis-based medications. If you haven't already, I highly recommend going back and listening to that first episode, where George shares the full story of his fascinating career trajectory—his time as a Navy SEAL, his MBA at Stanford, and his undergraduate experience as a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina. That conversation is a great companion to this one and provides even more insight into his unique journey. In this episode, George and I dive into the evolution of BRC, the shifting cultural and political landscape around cannabis, and what it's like balancing an entrepreneurial mindset with the slow, methodical world of federal drug approval. We also talk leadership, risk assessment in business and combat, humility vs arrogance, and what it's been like to watch his wife, bestselling author and culinary powerhouse Caroline Chambers, build an incredible career of her own. Be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed, plus links to resources, books, and more. George is one of the most insightful, driven, and humble people I know, and I always learn a ton from our conversations. Whether you're interested in business, science, leadership, or just a great story of perseverance and innovation, this episode has something for you. Hope you enjoy! --- George Hodgin Biopharmaceutical Research Company George's first M&P episode Caroline Chambers Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/george-hodgin-2/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:36 – Reconnecting with George 3:51 – George's BRC elevator pitch 6:51 – City of Hope collaboration 10:36 – Choosing partnerships and plans 13:36 – What makes a successful idea 16:06 – Company mechanics 18:21 – Energy balance 22:06 – Cannabis in the name 23:51 – Cannabis sentiments culturally shifting 26:36 – But not legally 28:06 – Regulations and competition 32:21 – Different schedules of drugs 36:36 – Betting on the idea versus the team 41:21 – Risk framework 46:51 – When do you stop planning? 51:06 – Favorite failure 55:36 – Not seeing the forest for the trees 59:06 – Does cockiness play a role? 1:02:06 – George's wife's cooking journey 1:07:06 – General Mattis' influence 1:08:51 – Book recs 1:11:06 – Parting words, asking Ed a question --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Jeanell English is the co-founder of Elizabeth and Minnie, a new publishing company that is lifting voices and lifting stories. A community first independent publisher giving power and IP  to underrepresented communities and creators. In this episode we chat books, art, risk taking and how book clubs are a great place to find someone if you are single. Enjoy!

In this special coaching session on Make Your Break with Jai Long, we sit down with Riley Baxter to talk about the creative journey, finding inspiration, and knowing your worth. We dive into the bold choices that often make no financial sense—yet somehow, they end up defining our careers in the most unexpected ways. Jai and Riley explore how to trust your instincts, take risks, and turn passion-driven projects into sustainable success. If you've ever questioned whether you're making the right moves in your creative business, this episode will give you the perspective and motivation to keep pushing forward.----Apply for the Six-Figure Business Map: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sixfigurebusinessmap.com/apply-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Metamorphosis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jointhemetamorphosis.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Ads Course:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hello.jailong.co/sails-waitlist-page-3431⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Say hi To Jai Long on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Jailong.co ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on the Apple podcast app with the link below:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/creative-business-make-your-break-podcast/id1479145264⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5nLrLzaJWItTgoNhe-y1sw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Tyler reflects on his transition from a conservative, risk-averse approach to embracing more opportunities that align with his personal growth and industry impact. He shares insights on finding the right balance between business success, personal fulfillment, and mental health. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

It's Brad Lea, back again with another explosive episode! This time, I'm coming to you from a very special spot – the Greatness Factory in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Michael Burt, the man behind this multi-million-dollar entrepreneurial hub, is back on the podcast for his third appearance. If you haven't met him yet, buckle up, because he's about to drop some serious knowledge bombs. As always, Bomb Squad, I'm here to remind you—this is your year to get great. Whether you're in Nashville or anywhere else in the world, it's time to stop playing small and start manufacturing your greatness. Coach Burt built a $7.5M entrepreneurial hub in Nashville, combining high-end meeting spaces, coaching programs, and networking events. It's a one-stop shop for business leaders looking to elevate their game. It's not just a workspace—this place manufactures greatness. Coach Burt and I went deep on confidence, boldness, success, and what it takes to hit Quantum Leaps in your business and life. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone looking to dominate 2025. Whether you're looking to blow up your business, level up your confidence, or take bold steps toward greatness, this is your year. Until next time, keep it real. What You'll Learn: How to build unshakable confidence, take bold action, and create Quantum Leaps in their business and personal lives by leveraging the success cycle, strategic partnerships, and consistent wins.   Highlights: The Greatness Factory How to Build Confidence The Success Cycle vs. The Sewer Cycle From Basketball Coach to Business Leader Advice for 2025   Resources Mentioned:  https://www.thegreatnessfactory.com/  https://www.coachburt.com/ You can follow today's guest at: https://www.instagram.com/michealburt/?hl=en  https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMichealBurt    Watch the full video episode on Brad's Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-2544182 Watch the full video episode on Brad's Youtube here: https://bradlea.tv  

Good day folk! I'm Brad Lea back with your favorite podcast. Today's' Dropping Bombs' episode is packed with gold. I sat down with guest Matt Ebert, the mastermind behind Crash Champions, a collision repair company that's gone from a handful of locations to over 650 nationwide, raking in billions. Matt breaks down his incredible journey from fixing cars as a teenager to leading one of the largest collision repair empires in the U.S. We get into the nitty-gritty of scaling a business, the importance of transparent leadership, and how a relentless drive for excellence sets you apart. Whether you're looking to grow your business, develop your team, or just need a kick of inspiration, this one's a must-listen. What You'll Learn: Learn the secrets behind scaling to 650 locations, building a winning team, the power of transparent leadership, and why embracing risk is key to achieving success.   Highlights: A Visionary's Journey Scaling Secrets Embracing Risk Employee Experience Drives Customer Experience The Impact on Collision Repair Resources Mentioned:  https://crashchampions.com/ You can follow today's guest at:   https://www.instagram.com/mattebertcc/      Watch the full video episode on Brad's Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-2544182 Watch the full video episode on Brad's Youtube here: https://bradlea.tv