Are you ready to move from dreaming about leadership to actually living it? If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to earn trust, rise above your peers, or lead with impact—even before you have the title—this special Edge of Excellence collage episode is for you.

Host Matt Stewart spotlights hard-won wisdom from diverse voices: rising CEOs, seasoned sales leaders, and trailblazing entrepreneurs. You’ll hear how to own your strengths, why building killer systems is non-negotiable, plus the real reason surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything. Expect practical, gritty stories, not shallow theory, from the drama of manual labor to boardroom breakthroughs, and from making value your calling card to the selfless sacrifices top leaders make.

Don’t let indecision or stale advice keep you stuck. Listen now for exclusive, straight-from-the-frontline tactics you won’t hear anywhere else. This episode could be the spark that launches your leadership journey NOW… not next year, not after your first job, but today.

[00:00] – Why wanting to be “the boss” is only the beginning of real leadership (with a football team twist)

[01:02] – Earning trust before the title: the power of actionable ownership and creating systems

[02:36] – The surprising upside of focusing your business (and life) for exponential growth

[04:01] – Outgrowing your pond: When (and how) to surround yourself with high-performers who elevate your game

[05:23] – The “everyone’s got good service” illusion… and how to make your value unforgettable and irreplaceable

[06:33] – Inside the hardest job in business: Why true leaders sacrifice for their teams—and why most never see it coming

[07:43] – The difference between dreaming of excellence and actually living it (plus your bold invitation)

[08:07] – A secret path to mentorship, career clarity, and real-world leadership experience for ambitious students

Conrad Kaminski – Natural leader and young CEO driven by a passion for taking ownership, creating systems, and adding value wherever he contributes. | Episode 67 - Conrad Kaminsky | Extreme Ownership for Success

Pete Schnepp – Growth-focused entrepreneur emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with high-achieving peers to expand vision and possibility. | Episode 89 - Pete Schnepp | Excellence Is The Journey, Not The Destination

Steve Kearley – Innovative insurance leader known for differentiating businesses by delivering real, ongoing value beyond price and service. | Episode 128 - Steve Kearley | Leveraging Failures and Fostering Growth

Steve Tchejeyan – Tech industry leader whose servant leadership style prioritizes team success, personal sacrifice, and a passion for people over personal gain. | Episode 146 - Steve Tchejeyan | Unraveling the Ambition Paradox in Professional Growth

1. Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)
2. Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application
3. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
4. Watch full interviews on YouTube

The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.