Professionally Offensive

Joseph speaks with Chris Williams, Founder of Williams Knives about the early days of starting the company and the reason he left a successful career in investment banking to follow his calling. Chris shares that money isn't everything and that you know in your heart what you need to do... But many of us will never give our calling a true chance. He also talks about how tough it is to get something new off the ground and the hard work involved. He respects and cherishes the kindness of People along the way that gave him a chance and even with continued success, he says how important it is not to forget those folks.

On this series, Joseph takes a look at a historical piece “The Art of War”.  These writings have served generals to business entrepreneurs on their journey to find success and empower a winning culture.  Joseph is often asked by founders, business Leaders and executive coaches what they can read to enhance their ability to Lead their Teams, better formulate strategy and navigate the tough headwinds associated with business- Joseph’s recommendation “The Art of War”.  This is not just a book that helps battlefield commanders, but the simple lessons apply to business and life.

In Part 5 Joseph dives into Leader mindset and the use of Spies. No matter what the condition, terrain or circumstance we can choose to find opportunity... it's up to us to see it. We must become aware of ourselves and our environment before effectively employing fragile assets, such as spies. A double agent can be very valuable to an organization, but one must be committed and cautious before engaging in this practice.

On this series, Joseph takes a look at a historical piece “The Art of War”.  These writings have served generals to business entrepreneurs on their journey to find success and empower a winning culture.  Joseph is often asked by founders, business Leaders and executive coaches what they can read to enhance their ability to Lead their Teams, better formulate strategy and navigate the tough headwinds associated with business- Joseph’s recommendation “The Art of War”.  This is not just a book that helps battlefield commanders, but the simple lessons apply to business and life.

In Part 4 of this series, Joseph focusses on Character and Reading The Signs (especially the obvious). In chaotic situations, it is often the things that are right in front of us, that tell us the truth. A calm mind will be able to read the battlefield and inform the best decision. It is also our ability to build trust and pursue hard things with the right intentions, that will create sustainable execution.

Sometimes we're too stubborn or "Creative" to make short term sacrifices, to ensure longterm prosperity. In this episode, Joseph talks about the importance of resourcing yourself to make the next best decision. It is often our pride that holds us back from objectively moving ourselves to a place of strength. If we bleed out, how will we make a ANY decision tomorrow.

On this series, Joseph takes a look at a historical piece “The Art of War”.  These writings have served generals to business entrepreneurs on their journey to find success and empower a winning culture.  Joseph is often asked by founders, business Leaders and executive coaches what they can read to enhance their ability to Lead their Teams, better formulate strategy and navigate the tough headwinds associated with business- Joseph’s recommendation “The Art of War”.  This is not just a book that helps battlefield commanders, but the simple lessons apply to business and life.

In Part 3 of this series, Joseph focusses on “Forms and Dispositions", "Potential Energy" and "Empty and Full". Being able to find success and win, begins before we even send one round downrange. We must understand where we are going, clearly articulate it and then move toward it with maximum power.... and nothing wrong with running down hill.

On this series, Joseph takes a look at a historical piece “The Art of War”.  These writings have served generals to business entrepreneurs on their journey to find success and empower a winning culture.  Joseph is often asked by founders, business Leaders and executive coaches what they can read to enhance their ability to Lead their Teams, better formulate strategy and navigate the tough headwinds associated with business- Joseph’s recommendation “The Art of War”.  This is not just a book that helps battlefield commanders, but the simple lessons apply to business and life.

In Part 2 of this series, Joseph focusses on “Waging War" and "Strategic Offense". Execution only matters if you can sustain it. Prior planning and considering the logistics needed to win, is what counts. Warfare, new ventures, investments should mean that you take time to consider the plan of attack prior to committing to this heavy and consequential endeavor. Sometimes saying no, is the best decision. When you put a Leader in charge, let them run.

On this series, Joseph takes a look at a historical piece “The Art of War”.  These writings have served generals to business entrepreneurs on their journey to find success and empower a winning culture.  Joseph is often asked by founders, business Leaders and executive coaches what they can read to enhance their ability to Lead their Teams, better formulate strategy and navigate the tough headwinds associated with business- Joseph’s recommendation “The Art of War”.  This is not just a book that helps battlefield commanders, but the simple lessons apply to business and life.

 On this episode, Joseph focusses on “Making of Plans” and the weight of a major decision.  Whether it’s attacking a foe or embarking on a new venture, bringing to awareness factors that surround a decision and the effects of those decisions are critical.

On this episode Joseph Cabrera and Joe Wolfel, CEO of Terradepth discuss the importance of making decisions... Just make one. We often are mired by the million "potential" outcomes, but the magic is where we start to gain inputs. Once we start the flywheel of inputs, we can make better and better decisions. It's counter-intuitive to think that it's tough to make decisions in high-risk environments, but it's actually easier than you think. The stress and high stakes take procrastination out of the picture and forces you to trust you gut.

Listen to the full conversation back on EP. 39

John Willenborg, Founder & CEO of Owl Vans, has built a company on Adventure & American Manufacturing.  John started Owl Vans out of necessity and soon found that other folks really enjoyed what he was building.  His uncle who was a Navy Seal and underwater welder taught him how to put metal together and the rest was history.  From specialty van racks, tire carriers to expedition boxes, Owl Vans is helping van lifers and adventurers push the limits of their exploration.  John shares his passion for blue collar work and being industrious.  This used to be a skill we honored in America and it’s finding its way back.  Working with our hands is as natural as our desire to explore unknown places and Owl has figured out how to harness both.  John talks about the future of the industry and how he believes it will only get stronger, especially since vans have transformed RV travel into something that is much more refined and rugged.  No longer are we traveling around the world in RVs that shake them self apart, but instead, the top manufacturers are investing in Adventure Vans that same way they do their top model SUVs.  The way of looking at success is what we get to do with the limited time we have on Earth (not the drop top Corvette or gold Rolex), and John and the Owl Team are on the forefront of making this an enduring reality.

Learn More About Out Owl Vans: www.owlvans.com

On this episode, Joseph dives into the Greatness that is ALASKA. Joseph share's why Alaska serves as a great canvas to build grit, Teams and confidence. The special rawness of the Alaskan Wilderness and its ability to galvanize the physical, spiritual and mental make the Last Frontier the premier place to forge People and Teams.

Flashback convo with, Alex Harstrick, Managing Partner at J2 Ventures. He shares that even through the world is complicated, it is inherently good... but we still have to do our part to keep it that way. Being present might be the most important thing we can do for our lives - A lesson he learned from his daughter, as she looked up on a windy day and starred in awe of some leaves. The future is always better, it's our job to keep pushing towards it.

JH Hugo, Co-Founder of TX Biltong, has brought a staple of South Africa to the Great State of Texas...and beyond. Biltong is more than just a cured meat snack, but it represents the toughness and grit of the South African People. JH shares his journey from aviation to starting a business and how embracing his new home, Texas, might be the foundation for future success. Growing up in South Africa showed JH the importance of self-reliance and enduring hardship. From restricted access to water and security concerns South Africans are used to the discomfort the world can bring. These hardships taught JH and his family to lean into action and rely on the strength of the community. Later in JHs journey, he was given the opportunity to go to Texas and after praying about it, they jumped on the opportunity, little did they know that this would also be the start of a new venture. JH talks about the critical relationship between Texas and Biltong- Not only are the People of both places similar in personality, but respect each others grit. The Texas swagger has provided a critical ingredient for Americans to embrace a South African staple and momentum is picking up. JH also dives into the importance of responsibility and being accountable for one's actions. In a world where it's easy to point fingers, he believes the key to a peaceful life is one where we take responsibilities for our success and failures.

Learn more about JH & TX Biltong at: www.txbiltong.com

Executive Presence or Leader Presence is that X Factor we often hear about. It's how a person makes you feel when they deliver a plan, give you bad news or chair a town hall meeting. A Leader's Presence is often underestimated in the world of business, but it is the very thing that can create successful or failed companies. We all have experienced the energy of an inspirational boss and the deflation of an arrogant or weak Leader. Even when plan is mechanically delivered well, it is "HOW" it is delivered that makes all the difference.

Dan French, CEO of ResProp, Managing Director of ATX Acquisitions and longtime partner at Rex continues to believe in the power of communities.  He grew up with a strong sense of Service that he learned from his father and that sitting on the sidelines never helped anyone.  You’ve got to lean into action and use the successes & failures to help you make the next decision.  After a good run as an elected official, Dan moved his family to Texas where he joined forces with Pete Rex to run their ecosystems of real estate, investment and tech companies.  Dan shares that their Team’s contrarian thinking is what sets them apart and allows them to gain outsized returns.  This thinking doesn’t only exist in their investment thesis, but also how they look for the right Teammates.  Dan believes it’s not just one’s extensive experience in real estate that matters, but it’s one character (especially during tough times) that determines if someone is going to be a fit.  Tough times are as normal as the changing weather and building a Team around strong character and loyalty is the foundation to a strong company.  Dan strives to live a life that is “Ever Upward” and as he continues to honor God, his family and Team, he is hopeful that they will stay at the tip of the spear and help the momentum of growth here in Austin.

Check out what Dan and the Team are working on: www.https://www.atxacquisitions.com/ and www.rex.com

It’s typical in January to kick off with budget planning, investor meetings and strategy sessions, but have you considered starting with a clear mind? Getting outdoors not only helps you work toward clarity, but ensures we don't have the distractions that often clouds our vision and decision making. It may seem like you don't have time, but if you get outside, you'll find that the answers you were looking for, were with you all along, you just needed the clarity to see them. Joseph also shares an update on a rebrand and new endeavor called Wyld Whisper.  This next chapter is aimed to help the explorer and adventurer in all of us thrive and ground us when we spend too much time behind the computer screen. Adventure awaits all of us and the Wyld Whisper Team is ready to serve as your guide on this journey.

Lamarque Polvado, Founder, CEO of CareStarter and Feedback says that flying and being an entrepreneur have a lot in common. From afar it looks exciting and fun, but when it's your turn to jump in the cockpit solo, things become serious. Lamarque started CareStater out of a need to help his daughter find the special care she needed... but no info or compassion were to be found. He could not believe that parents were left to themselves to figure out how to navigate the intricate healthcare programs to help a child and that there was nowhere to go to find that info. CareStarter was no easy endeavor and Lamarque shares that the sign of any great entrepreneur is finding meaningful problems and doing it for the right reasons. Through the ups and downs of building CareStarter, Lamarque found a great Team (Feedback) doing work that every Leader should care about which is understanding People dynamics and truly understanding what's going on in our organizations. Surveys and 360 evals are ineffective- It's the unprovoked conversations, identifying signals and caring for People that helps you arrive at the real data. Feedback made such an impression, that he decided to acquire them and bring them into the larger family. Lamarque and the Team continue to help families find the care they need in the time they need it, while also shining a light on the importance of understanding human behavior and getting ahead of potentially catastrophic situations (i.e. nurse strikes). Healthcare and understanding humans are still a long way from being perfect, but it's not going to just take care of itself- It requires Good People to step up, endure the pain and find solutions for a better world.

Learn more about CareStarter and Feedback:

carestarter.co and discoverfeedback.com

Team, That's A Wrap. 2023 is on its way out and we are ready to bring in the next year. In this episode, Joseph covers some nuggets of wisdom from guest this past year. These are simple reminders to keep pushing, stay humble and recognize you're not alone.

Happy New Year, Here's To Momentum in 2024.

It's easy to want to live in comfort, heck, it's even human nature. However, it is the times that we endure something really hard that sets the cadence for our future. We often believe it's our planning, setting objectives and reflecting on failure that gives us the tools to be successful the next year, but we underestimate the power of a "Sucky" Reference Point. What allows us to find creative solutions, drive through the pain and show up calm in a storm is our ability to ground ourselves in moments that have callused us. The toughening of our mind, body and spirit is the special sauce to peace and success, not metrics we organize.

Before you can build a great Team, you have to start with yourself. Building an environment where your Team has permission to hold you accountable, may seem uncomfortable, but this is the only way to forge a culture that can stand the test of business. Nathan Baumeister, co-founder and CEO of ZSuite Tech, shares that once you find the right folks, they'll create an atmosphere that self-polices- That way when you bring on new Teammates, there will be no guessing on what's right or wrong. Culture is #1 and without it, you've got nothing.

Check out the full convo on Episode 21 w/ Nathan Baumeister, CEO & Co-Founder of ZSuite Tech.

Jason McCann, CEO of Vari, had a rally call during COVID that galvanized the Team and help them pivot- "Keep Rowing". Despite their initial plans to take the market by storm and transform the workplace, COVID required them to think very differently about their offering. Jason shares something a friend of his said to him once as they were going through the H1N1 situation, "We just have to keep rowing until the wind catches our sails". This simple statement rang true and served as a way to rally around the situation and push through it. Jason also shares that figuring out how to survive a pandemic is only good, if you share it. Where most would keep competitive learnings to themselves, Jason believes that true Service is also helping your competitors be able to play another game.

A flashback from EP. 61, with Graham Weston, CEO/Chairman of Rackspace (NYST: RXT), Texas Billionaire and multi-time entrepreneur. Graham shares the importance of developing tactics and not strategies. The "Big Thinker" gets a lot of credit for the ideas, but it is the executions that makes something come to life. Finding something simple that works is what allows you to deeply seed into the market- After that, you can start refining the big picture. Graham also shares that we often get in our own way of success, by trying to do everything at once. You have to sacrifice and focus on what the business needs first, then you can develop the full vision. Many businesses never leave the ground, because they're too heavy for lift off.

We're headed into the holiday season and it's a time we get to spend with the folks who are in our corner. The folks, that regardless of the outcome, will always be there to pick you up or celebrate. As professionals we spend a lot of time thinking about the folks that impact our career, but do we remember that it's the folks that support our life, with no expectation, that should get our best self?

As you head out on the road, hope this brings you some grounding.

Ian Villa, Co-Founder, COO and CPO of Whisper Aero is changing the way we fly.  As we think about the sky above us, as a more viable option to travel, we have to think about the impacts. Noise and efficiency are one of the things that can stop the democratization of the everyday human utilizing flight.  Ian and the Whisper Aero Team are on a mission to make propulsion quieter, faster and more efficient.  Ian has always been fascinated with flight and this double degreed Stanford aero guy is living the dream, getting to build the future of propulsion.  He pulls from his experience at companies like Northrop Grumman and Uber Elevate to help inform how to build a foundation for Whisper Aero that can go the distance.  Some of the boring things are the important things for a scrappy startup. Documentation, writing product requirements and creating systems early are traits that larger companies have and he is able to infuse that mentality early at Whisper Aero.  On the other end, Ian shares that what makes Whisper Aero able to compete with the larger companies is SPEED.  His Team’s ability to react and adapt to the tech and customer needs gives them a key advantage that a larger ship (aka established company) will not be able to harness.  There are over 5,000 local/regional airports in America that are under-utilized and with the tech Ian and his Team are working on, we’ll be able to cut travel time down significantly and enjoy the open skies while we do it... not to mention, this tech even makes everyday items better, like leaf blowers.  Tech is important, but the how and why you build something is even more.  Ian shares that he learned from his time at Uber Elevate that starting with Values, Mission and Vision are paramount.  If your People don’t know where they’re going and how important integrity is to mission success, you may not reach the destination. 

Hope MacGregor, Country Music Artist has been on a long road back to where it all started... behind a guitar and microphone sharing what’s on her heart. This former Army Aviator and classically trained attorney has already lived several chapters of life and thanks to a conversation with her Dad, is back to her calling. Serving in the military and enduring personal hardship helped inspire her music.  Pain is not an easy thing to make sense of, but when we recognize that we are all enduring something, the right tune over the radio can make you feel a little less lonely.  Hope’s life has embodied all the ingredients of a great country song…. serving during wartime, personal let downs and loss. Her journey to the deepest lows have showed her that there's always good up ahead and singing about her journey is one way to help connect people the most honest way she knows how. Hope also shares the logistics and dynamics of running a band and putting an album together. Much of what she learned in the Army has proved valuable on stage and her instincts is that running a well oiled machine will give them opportunities as they continue to find their way to bigger and bigger stages. Her music is important, but so is taking the folks she loves with her.

Hope is doing more than singing country music, but she's using what's on her heart to help others make sense of their hardships, celebrate their wins all while leaving a catchy tune in your head.

Tune Into Hope's New Album "The Matriarch" Available Now On Apple, Spotify and Everywhere You Listen To Music. This Album Is UNREAL.

www.HopeMacGregorMusic.com

Also Check Out A Special Acoustic Unplugged Session, on YouTube. www.youtube.com/@JosephCabreraExplore

Lots of things that we could be troubled with, especially with the recent world events. War, market turmoil, interest rates.... you name it. Maybe we haven't achieved what we wanted in our businesses or reached our potential as a professional. Fortunately for us, this turbulence is not a new human condition, but something our history is full of. So if that's consistent, then how do we find something to be grateful for? What you'll find is that those that can find the smallest acts of kindness to be grateful for, they've already won and everything else is just the extra cherry on top. Once you harness that gratefulness, you can then be bold and tackle the highest peaks.

Evan Seale, Co-Founder of VRB Labs, is on a mission to help folks find deeper rest and get better sleep. How well we sleep, is one of the things we have control over and if we stay disciplined about it, we can fully access our potential. Stigmas and a hustle culture can cast the importance of sleep away, but Evan believes that if we prioritize good sleep, we can extract more out of the hours we're awake. When this former Army Ranger, West Pointer and Private Equity guy started VRB Labs he was starting from scratch and leaned on his experience of being thrown into situations that he knew little about and having to seek creative solutions, that helped VRB achieve momentum. The military and combat especially can be a great teacher of simplifying the complex, learning the unknown and being comfortable with the chaos. Evan shares lessons learned from the early days of VRB and how your customers have the ultimate vote on your brand- Meaning, you shouldn't get stubborn about "How" you achieve success. Entrepreneurs can be romantic about how their business operates and can sometimes miss the thing that is working. VRB found that sleep gummies and high-quality supplements is what folks gravitated to. Sleep is also about setting the conditions for success the night prior and Evan shares that the way we eat, exercise and get sunlight also play a major factor in performance. Evan and VRB Labs are committed to not only sharing world-class products, but educating others on the holistic approach to living better.

Learn more about VRB Labs: www.vrblabs.com

Throwback to a conversation with Megan Thornton, Chief People Officer extraordinaire. On this episode we talk about the bad reputation HR can get and how they often deserve it. A true "People Partner" in business is focused on understanding the needs of People and the Business first, then figuring out how a path can be created that also adheres to policy. Often HR personnel can get caught up in being the policy police and forget that creating value for customers and creating a positive work environment is priority #1. Megan also shares that being extremely aligned with the CEO is paramount, without it you're dead on arrival. If the person at the helm is not truly invested in the well-being of their employees, there is no point in moving forward. The Peace Corps taught Megan a lot about what it means to listen and honor a place first before you try to "enhance" it. You can't help something if you don't understand it.

For the full episode check out EP 25 on the Professionally Offensive Podcast.

Throwback to an episode with John Merris, CEO of Solo Brands (Solo Stove, Chubbies, Oru Kayak and Isle), talking talent, skills and culture. When you are looking for the right folks to bring onto a Team, don't get mired by the skills that are or are not on their resume- They can learn those later. Focus on their natural talent and what their upbringing put into them- You can't teach that. Running a company of companies can be challenging, but the goal is not to force a culture, but let it grow organically and through example. If you want your folks to be driven, on time and committed, it must start with you. Once you reach a point where you think you deserve to lean back and coast- It's time to leave.

For the full episode check out EP 46 on the Professionally Offensive Podcast.

Alex Harstrick, Founder and Managing Partner at J2 Ventures, leans into his experience from the Iraq/Afghanistan war to inform and fuel the next generation of technology and capabilities. Although he graduated from Columbia and Harvard, he shares that his time as an NYC EMT taught him a lot of how to be a Leader and ultimately run a VC. Spending time in the back of an ambulance teaches you extreme accountability and that one must take responsibility for their actions. Being an EMT also allowed him to meet his co-founder, Jonathan Bronson and build an enduring relationship. Alex dives into the significant impact the middle layer of any organization can make and it is the Sr. NCOs, LTs and CPTs on the battlefield that use high-levels of creativity to solve our biggest problems. The closeness to the problem makes you invaluable, but it is also the thing that can prevent others (especially the public) from seeing the value one is truly able to create. Through his time as a management consultant and intelligence officer, Alex was able to involve himself with entities like the National Security Defense Capital and KKR, that would ultimately allow him to better understand how dual-use applications can be a way for him to continue to Serve and create meaningful returns for investors. Alex believes that life is not just about measuring risk, but instead aligning your purpose with Teammates who you want to do the fun and hard things with. In the world of VC it is easy to be mired with the returns and numbers, but the "doing right" part for a world that is inherently good, is not lost on Alex and the J2 Team. Exposure to war and what's going on in our world can leave you wondering if we're going to be okay. Alex strongly believes that the world is good, but it requires Good People to get to work and keep it that way.

Learn more about Alex and J2 Ventures: www.j2vp.com

Transparency... A buzz word that has found itself in every boardroom meeting and corporate call across America. The spirit of transparency is meaningful, but it's how we apply it that matters. Transparency is authentically communicating to you Team what's going on, but if you don't have an effective Leadership structure, this will be for nothing.

Transparency comes down to communicating 3 things:

- What we know

- What we don't

- What we're working toward

If you are able to deliver on these items, then you're achieving transparently. A culture of effective communication starts from the top and only with this culture are you truly able to claim transparency in your organization.

Dr. Ernestine Fu, Stanford PhD and Venture Capitalist (Alsop Louie & Brave Capital) joins forces with Dr. Tom Ehrlich, Fmr. Stanford Law School Dean, Provost of UPenn and lifetime public Servant- To talk about the importance of civic duty. Whether you are advising the President on public policy, nurturing new ventures that will support front-line troops or working at your local community kitchen, it starts with you. Democracy is not a spectator sport and requires Good People to get involved with making our today and future better. Tom shares that one of his keys to success has been working with folks that don't look, think or act like him. The best ideas are when we have diversity of thought and allow the best solutions to rise to the top. Ernestine also shares that curiosity, intent and effort are the hallmarks of folks that ultimately make a difference. In her experience, the best entrepreneurs are the ones that have a passion for changing the world. Both Dr. Fu and Dr. Ehrlich value the education and say that it is not just the academics that prove to be valuable, but the diversity of thought and the creativity of others that one get's exposed to. Civic contributions are not easy and while making the world a better place, it's critical that we don't lose our way. A strong moral compass to keep you on track is paramount, especially when dealing with the complexities of politics and business. The act of one person matters and the collections of these works add up to preserving and enhancing a world, for the next generation.

Learn more about Dr. Ernestine Fu and Dr. Tom Ehrlich through their co-authored book: Civic Works, Civic Lessons.

Have you ever been halted in your decision making or finding it difficult to gain clarity and move forward? Risk of an endeavor too overwhelming? It may be that your decision making ability that has been distorted and you need to look at risk differently. How we understand and weigh subjective vs objective risk is paramount. Subjective risk prevents many companies and Teams from finding forward momentum, because of what is perceived to be risky. Subjective risk can often be mitigated through mindset. Objective risks are the clear waves we'll hit, the facts. Shared understanding and practice allows one to understand the objective risks, work through the subjective, build a plan and execute.

Joe Wolfel, CEO and Co-Founder of Terradepth, has made his living being a student of the seas and is on a mission to uncover all we don't know about the largest portion of our planet - The Ocean. Joe talks about his time on the SEAL Teams and how that gave him a strong foundation, especially when running new and complex ventures. Being good and Leading small Teams through the "Suck", is a particularly useful skill when it comes to navigating the uncharted waters of an ocean exploration company. One of the keys lessons he learned from combat was making decisions and being comfortable with the associated risks. Practice and intuition serves as a valuable asset on the battlefield and in the boardroom. Many of the decisions we spend a lot of time on, provide no better outcomes than the ones we trust our gut on. Joe dives into the importance of data, especially when it comes to having a well informed discussion. Much of what we debate (in all subjects) is a circular reference, because we don't have good data to ground our conversations and decisions. The Terradepth Team aims to collect data about one of the most important resources- The Ocean. Over 90% of Earth's inhabitable area is covered by water, but we know little about it. From expansive sub-ocean mountain ranges to wildlife patterns, we don't have a robust data set to make good decisions. Joe and Team believe that democratizing what we know about the ocean will not only help us better understand the planet we live on, but impacts commerce and endeavors that may ultimately take us to Mars...and beyond.

Learn More About Terradepth : www.terradepth.com

On this episode, Joseph is joined by guest Host, Kelsie Cabrera as they take a look back on a few years and a 100 episodes of the Professionally Offensive Podcast. Joseph talks about the origins of the show, its continued purpose, lessons learned and the incredible People that have shared their journey to help others. Although there are themes and patterns to achieving success, each person has their own style of getting there. The one thing that has been consistent is their level of commitment and humility. Joseph shares what the next 100+ episodes have in store and how the show will be evolving for the future.

Thank you all for tuning in each week- We could not do it without you and our incredible guests. Here's to 100+ more.

Many of us show up to work and don't really understand why? Sure there's bills to pay, project to tackle and promotions to get, but is that really what you would be doing if money wasn't a factor. Speaking with Travis McAshan, Founder & CEO of Glide, he talks about the importance of reflection and spending time contemplating who you want to be. Values are a critical piece for running your company and knowing yourself. If want to be known as someone who helped others, are you doing that today? Why not? In life you become what you think about and actions will allow you to bring that to life. Joseph and Travis huddle on the importance of values and how companies need to "Uncover" them, not "Create" them. A common misconception is that lasting values are created, but in actuality, they already exist. Actions speak louder than words on a lobby wall and great values should not only drive work productivity, but also just make you a better person.

Sandeep Chennakeshu, COO of Uhnder and former CTO of Ericsson and President of Blackberry Technology Solutions, has lived a charmed life. His "Series 1" mindset has led him to always say yes and take on some of our world's greatest technical challenges. From bluetooth to 2g technology, Sandeep has been on the cutting edge of universal technology. He says that you only really solidify your leanings when you test them in real life and "Battle-Testing" your learnings ultimately leads to wisdom. Enduring pain and life's challenges requires commitment- Unfortunately, many folks are not prepared to stay the course. Sandeep learned some early lessons that he thought may have been career ending, but realized that his mistakes or "Expensive Education" were building blocks to a prosperous career. Talent, Technique and Temperament are core tenets every successful professional has, but Temperament being the most crucial. One's ability to maintain calm during the chaos, lean into adversity and demonstrate an attitude of commitment is what will ultimately win the day. No amount of technical expertise will help you out-perform your mindset and the example you set for others. Sandeep also shares his philosophies and principles in his book "Your Company Is Your Castle". One core principle is a Leader's greatest responsibility - To unburden your Team, so that they can be their best. When we learn its not about how much you know, but how much you empower others, you can accomplish the impossible.

Sandeep's Book "Your Company Is Your Castle" can be found on Amazon and other places books are sold.

It's human nature to want to be right, but does that ultimately allow you to win in the long run? Whether it's an argument, pushing for a promotion, finally getting the resources you've been asking for or something at home- Winning should be front of mind.

Winning means that both sides understand the situation, what there is to gain & lose and ultimately recognize the pain that may exist. Being right may give you what you want in the short term, but typically comes at the cost of the other side and won't likely sustain you for the road ahead. It takes patience and humility to focus on winning, but the long-term effects of this atmosphere will benefit and sustain, you and those you serve.

Do we have what it takes to take an idea, company and Team the distance? Many founder's enter the game of business without realizing what their objective is and if their intentions will sustain them through a tough journey. It's a hard reality, but many founders are not able to scale a business and the lack of self-awareness can prevent them from being fulfilled, achieving "their" unique success and ultimately being happy. Owning, running and growing a business can be like owning a pet tiger and even though everyone around you might think its cool, there are still a good amount of occupational hazards that come with the endeavor. We can all benefit to listening to our inner voice, accepting who we are and being content with what we are meant to do- Not what others expect.

If you enjoyed this segment- Tune into the full episode (EP 33) where Joseph & Pascal Finette dive deep into all things, innovation, People and finding happiness.

Learn More About The beradical group : www.beradical.group

Luke Fischer, CEO and Co-Founder of SkyFi, is changing the way we understand our world by opening our eyes wider to it.  Luke grew up flying helicopters for the Army and has used his experience working in VC and at tech titans like Uber to harness the power of satellite imagery and make it easier for the world to access.  The SkyFi Team is helping uncover issues that are not obvious.  For example, in the middle of Chile lies several tons of fashion clothing that was discarded- These kinds of global issues are usually unknown to most of us, because we are not able to easily see what’s going on.  Luke strongly believes that if we can continue to “Eas-ify” satellite imagery, this will enable folks on a mission to execute and do something about the greatest obstacles our world faces.  This is not an easy process as satellite imagery has been historically bureaucratic and optimized for government agencies, but SkyFi is on a mission to make this consumer friendly (fast, easy and economical).  Luke uses lessons learned from his time in Army Special Operations to guide his Leadership style and way he grows a business.  A 70% solution is better than a perfect plan and iterating on failure is key to success.  He also shares that his time at Uber taught him to take your time finding the right folks and even if you don’t bring them onto the Team, treat everyone like a customer.  In the military we are used to accepting great personal risk- Up to death, but when we transition to the private sector many Warriors can be stunted by the financial risk needed to grow and create value in business.  Luke shares that once we can acknowledge that we all have innate value and that even if things were to go to ZERO, we can find a way to get back on our feet and provide for our families, then we build the confidence to explore the unknown and truly create something great.

Learn More About SkyFi : www.skyfi.com

Sweat before you bleed- A concept that is foreign to most. Everyday in business is game day and unfortunately that can cause us to be blindsided, maintain instead of grow and be consumed with the chaos, instead of smiling through it. Elite Teams know that visualizing success and uncovering friction is the only way to build a championship organization. When was the last time you launched a new product, rolled out a new org chart or conducted a board meeting and it was just OFF? Rehearsals are the anecdote and here's why:

Rehearsals:

- Allow you to see success prior to execution

- Uncover potential friction points

- Confirm shared understanding

- Instill Confidence

Take the small amount of time to conduct a good rehearsal and watch your actual execution elevate.

Jackie Cuyvers, Founder & CEO of Convosphere, has spent her life understanding People through what they say and how they say it.  Social Intelligence and Social Listening are what allow us to really understand what People want, what they really think about a brand or how much respect they have for their workplace.  Surveys and 360 assessments are not the answer, but it is the unprompted and unfiltered insights that help paint a true picture of what’s going on.  Jackie also shares that context is as vast and nuance as the world languages.  When businesses desire to enter new markets, it’s important to understand that our humor, needs and slang don’t always translate- So before you launch that new product in Japan, make sure you are not just translating the text on the packaging.  Having high social intelligence requires strong EQ and despite the analytical nature of the process, understanding human behavior and emotions is paramount. Getting the right answers, is about asking the right questions, in the right place. Jackie and her Team believe that the answers are all around us, but we must look in the unprompted and unfiltered places to really gain the truth. If we can properly invest in the seeking the truth, we can propel our Teams and companies to new levels. Learn more about Convosphere: www.convosphere.com

Christopher Cassibry, COL US Army (Ret), Callsign “Denali 6” has spent his entire professional life in the Service of his People.  During this conversation, Joseph talks with his former wartime commander about the making tough calls, remaining calm as a Leader and understanding what it means to “be good with the decisions, one makes”.  Chris has held many positions of command in his military career, but one of the most consequential was his time leading 500+ paratroopers during one of the campaigns of the Afghanistan War. Spread over multiple outposts and against a determined enemy, this tour of duty was no walk in the park.  Combat is a unique human endeavor and a sheer test of wills- A thinking man’s game.  If you are not able to spend time thinking about your decisions, you may find it difficult to live with them.  Good news is that you don’t have to make this decision on your own.  Despite the responsibilities of Leadership, especially during a time of war, Chris says that even the Leader needs someone to lean on.  This even further applies to the caregivers in our organizations.  Whether it’s a medic, Chaplain or that Teammate everyone goes to with their problems, a good Leader is aware that the folks who give so much, can be burdened with the emotions and stress of others. It’s important to ensure you take care of those folks. Cassibry learned from his father (Army Chaplain) that you don’t have be a jerk to be a good Leader.  If your People are not able to approach you, then how can you help them solve their problems.   In war and in peacetime, being “Loyal Down” is the sign of trust.  When a Leader honors their responsibilities and has the best interest of their Team front of mind, your Team reciprocates.  Despite the harsh and unforgiving nature of war, it can be a great teacher and one that reminds us that the art of human nature will always supersede the science.

Andrew Markoff, Founder & CEO of Pallas, leads a Team whose mission is to help People achieve their seemingly impossible dreams.  Whether it's making Team USA for the next Olympics or swimming the English Channel, this Marine and former special operator says that his experience as a “generalist” has helped him, help others.  The Marine Corps taught Andrew the importance of breadth and depth.  In the military there’s no margin for error and being able to context switch with a level of depth is business as usual.  In a world where specialist are highly sought after, Andrew believes that being an effective generalist is it’s own “technical” skill.  As a Leader, you must quickly learn and understand the technical factors that contribute to a situation and synergize it into a solution that can apply effectively and broadly.  After a successful career in the military, Andrew spearheaded initiatives at tech giant Palantir and sustainability at Origin Materials, but there was something missing- Sweat. A career in the military will make you miss the balance of physical and mental work, so Andrew decided that he wanted to create a company that would combine intersect service, his unique skills, mission and physicality. Pallas helps folks achieve their greatness through the physical practice and diving into the areas there are not as obvious- Like "how do I eat during a 100+mile swim".  Similar to his journey, highly effective folks are missing a physical outlet and need the expertise and accountability of a great coach to keep them on track.

Learn more about Pallas: www.pallas.io

Building a brand is no easy feat, but if you can get it to matter to your customer, you'll build something that lasts forever.

We flashback to last June (a year ago) on this segment, where we speak with Brent Looby, Co-Founder of Desert Door.  During this segment he dives into building a spirits company in a hyper-competitive environment and using brand to break through. Even though this drink made from sotol has a smooth and unique flavor profile, you have to get your product to matter to your customers. Fortunately, Desert Door was born in Texas and a company started by 3 Veterans, has a lot to be proud of. Building brand is what allows you to go the distance, weather the storms and create lasting impact.

Listen to the full episode (EP 39)

Learn more about Desert Door: www.desertdoor.com

Explorer Series: We launch a new series, where we dive into a particular domain and explore the dynamics of a profession, craft and art. On this 2-part series we curiously dive into the art of Rally Racing.  Racing combines the best of engineering, road design and skill- It’s about the human and machine moving as one.  Rally is one of the most unique forms of racing where you drive mostly with your feet, the road is completely unpredictable and communication in the cockpit is key.

Dave Carapetyan (aka Texas Dave), Founder & CEO of Rally Ready and Professional Rally Driver, has spent nearly 20 years sliding rally cars in the dirt and pushing the limits.  This 11-time Pikes Peak and Baja 500 winner has learned a lot about himself and others through rally.  He believes the more we know, the further we are from the destination, making it difficult to feel settled in what one has accomplished.  Ego and the relentless pursuit for more is equally a superpower and liability in all of us, but those that can harness it are destined to change the world.  Dave transformed his career as a racing driver into something that he can share with others.  By introducing and teaching others the sport of rally, he has found a new gear.  The greatest rally instructors sometimes have little to no experience in rally, but are highly empathetic, great listeners and understand People deeply.  A great coach is not necessarily a great olympian.  Dave shares that the journey has become the destination and winning is not as important.  The further we chase the glory, the further we get away from our destination, because it will never be good enough.  Get obsessed with the ride and loving others - You’ll arrive at your destination.

Learn more about Texas Dave & Rally Ready: www.rallyready.com

Explorer Series: We launch a new series, where we dive into a particular domain and deeply explore the dynamics of a profession, craft and art. On this 2-part series we curiously dive into the art of Rally Racing.  Racing combines the best of engineering, road design and skill- It’s about the human and machine moving as one.  Rally is one of the most unique forms of racing where you drive mostly with your feet, the road is completely unpredictable and communication in the cockpit is key.

Rob Winter, General Manager & Head Instructor at Rally Ready, has spent years perfecting his art of rally and teaching others this incredible practice.  This classically trained anthropologist and landscape architect says he was destined for rally, especially after studying People and Dirt. Rob shares that if Formula 1 is classical music, Rally is jazz.  Improv on the road and dealing with imperfection is paramount when getting the most out this practice.  He dives into the importance of keeping things simple (especially at high speeds) and how powerful clear communication is, with anything in life. Teaching folks and instructors how to rally has been an incredible privilege for Rob, especially since it’s showed him how far empathy can really enhance an experience.  Being a student is much harder than being a teacher and putting yourself in the seat of those learning can make all the difference.  One of the things that makes Rally unique, is the driver/co-driver dynamic.  Being able to drive a car fast is one thing, but being able to verbally direct someone at high-speeds and do it calmly is another.  Rally can help us face our fears and work on the things that might be holding us back in life, but we have to first learn to let go.  Racing and life is supposed to be fun, but if you don’t spend the time working on them, you’ll just be a passenger. 

Learn more about Rob & Rally Ready: www.rallyready.com

Brendan Mullen, CEO and Founder of MKS2 Technologies, has spent an entire career in the Service of others, in and out of uniform.   After West Point, combat and time in D.C., Brendan embarked on a path different than most Army Officers.  His first exposure into the private sector was as COO of a high-growth start up, then a run for Congress and eventually supporting improv comedy to enter into the government space.  What all of these seemingly unrelated things had in common, were honoring those that Serve.  Brendan saw an opportunity to be a part of upholding the sacrifice his classmates, brothers and sisters had made by raising his hand and offering his support.  Running for Congress showed him the good, bad and ugly of democracy, but taught him about how our most vulnerable citizens are often not prioritized.  Helping run a high-growth start up showed him he could adapt to the private sector quickly and there was a living to be made by helping folks integrate into the government space.  He shares that building a business is the hardest thing he has ever done (even compared to war zone) and is proud of what his Team has accomplished in nearly 15 years. No one is going to give you the keys to the kingdom, you have to storm the castle to get what you want. This bootstrapping entrepreneur believes it’s not about collecting badges and trophies, it about making a difference.  Brendan and MKS2 exists to transform lives and continues to push to that summit. Learn more about Brendan & MKS2 Technologies: www.mks2.com

Judson Kauffman, former Navy SEAL and multi-time entrepreneur (Exbellum, Desert Door, Terradepth and more) has turned his business experiences into a way to help others find their greatness.  Judson has spent most of his life trusting his intuition and the times where he hasn’t, he has found himself misaligned with what he was put on this planet for.  He says that the heart knows things the spreadsheet doesn’t and if we’re able to tune into that intuition, we can be far more successful and more importantly, happy.  “Playing it safe” can prevent us from finding out what makes each of us special and as a coach he helps folks push beyond their point of comfort, to find that meaning.  Judson believes that the most important thing you can do before starting any business is pressure test your co-founders and align on values.  The “Anti-Resume” is what determines the character of people and values can be the difference between failure and success.  In the end, we all must enter into the darkness and learn who we are.  Once we know that, we then must find peace with ourselves and as Judson states “Love Ourselves”.  If we can do that, we will not only be authentic but drive an attraction that the world won’t be able to resist.

Learn more about Judson: www.judsonkauffman.com

Dara Chike-Obi, CEO & Co-Founder of Grio Baby, is back on the podcast to talk about where her innovative company is heading and the importance of understanding your customer.  After several rounds of R&D, market testing and product development Grio Baby is in market and being well received by mothers and care-takers.  Dara talks about the importance of remaining flexible and despite the data, understand where your customers actually are. Timing and their comfort with your product may mean you will need to go to market different than expected- “Don’t Disrespect Your Market”.  Dara also reflects on her life as a former corporate attorney and despite having the weight of her company on her shoulders, she’s not looking back.  She shares that even with the responsibility of carrying Grio forward, her ability to prioritize family and be the person she wants to be, makes it all worth it.  As a founder and CEO, your are stretched for time and being a mother means you have to make every minute of the day count.  Dara believes this is why it is important to be unapologetic with your time and dedicate yourself to the people and things that really matter.  This fast-driving entrepreneur is able to boldly engage the problems in front of her because of the tribe that stands with her.  Her family is the reason she is able to take on the tasks at hand, with confidence. She shares that her family taught her to speak up and tell the world what you need- That's the only way you'll get fed. Her passion for working mothers, creating stronger family units and leaving the world better, is embodied in Grio. "If you don't do it, who will?"

Check out Grio Baby: www.griobaby.com

Instagram: @GrioBaby

Peter Rex, CEO and Founder of Rex, has been making moves his entire life, which has led to creating a collection of real estate companies aimed at shaking up the status quo and empowering others. This classically trained lawyer, CPA and almost Catholic Priest found his calling in business.  Pete strongly believes that time discerning and spent in silence can be one of the most important things a Leader does.  Sure you have People, a company and customers depending on you, but you can’t guide them through the darkness without focussing on the path that will get there. Taking the time to understand your next step and listening to that quiet voice is paramount. “Find A Way, Or Make One” is a motto he and his company live by.  When you are doing something innovative and different, it requires tenacious Teammates who are willing to seek out creative solutions, especially in the darkness. Pete believes your job as a CEO is to enter the darkness first and then bring folks along who are confident and capable to take those steps behind you. Many will not follow or think you’re crazy, but Pete believes that those who push into the darkness are the ones who can find greatness. Pete shares that business is tough and the path to greatness means you'll be let down by some of the folks closes to you. This pain is worth it, especially if you're serving a bigger purpose. Pain and failure comes with the territory; the silver lining is that you learn who you can trust and which Teammates stay committed. Pete shares his experience with the 08-09 recession, but how he was able to turn that into multi-billion dollar portfolio, because he followed his Faith. Pete was called to leave the world better through business and giving everything to God is what has allowed this entrepreneur to push beyond what most think was possible. Business can be a great catalyst for good and serving others, you just have to stay committed and do honestly.   Commitment to Faith, reflection and remaining courageous is what it takes to build something that matters. Without courage, you don't stand a chance.

 
Check out the Rex Team at: www.Rex.com