Unexpected Wins from Group Sessions

The Power of Accountability and Support in Coaching

Mentorship and Peer Support: Game Changers for Growth

Real Estate Lessons from DealMaker

Building Business Through Clear Communication

Why Small Business Still Matters

In this dynamic episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Ted Santos—founder of Turnaround Investment Partners—for a powerful conversation on leadership, disruption, and transforming companies from the inside out.

With over two decades of experience turning around distressed businesses and scaling organizations growing faster than they could handle, Ted brings a wealth of insight. He shares his early leadership journey as a COO in the transportation and translation sectors, where he radically improved operations by shifting culture and introducing new service lines. One standout story: how his lack of industry knowledge in translation actually became his superpower. Ted spearheaded cultural translation services for websites—an innovative leap that reshaped how companies approached global communications.

That sparked a familiar theme for me. I reflected on my own healthcare leadership journey—stepping into the industry without direct experience. Sometimes, not knowing “how it’s always been done” is exactly what’s needed to drive game-changing innovation.

Reimagining Growth Through Diverse Lenses

We explored how bringing in external perspectives—whether from different industries, cultures, or life experiences—is a powerful way to break the echo chamber of internal assumptions. I shared a story from my days running a multicultural healthcare clinic, where dialogue and inclusion—not rigid policies—became the key to navigating cultural complexity and driving operational excellence.

Ted offered insights on his disruption framework for organizations, helping leaders embrace volatility and turn it into a strategic advantage.

Discomfort as a Catalyst for Innovation

Ted and I went deep into why organizations must learn to disrupt themselves before the market does. Drawing on both history and personal experiences, Ted cited icons like Rockefeller and Ford, reminding us that lasting innovation doesn’t come from comfort zones—it comes from shaking them up.

As leaders, we must be willing to challenge norms, ask uncomfortable questions, and reinvent systems. I added some examples from my own path—like pivoting to virtual events long before it became a necessity—and how that foresight unlocked unexpected growth.

Leading With Boldness in a Changing World

Ted laid out a compelling case for what he calls "disruptive leadership"—the ability to invent new possibilities and even “create problems” that force organizations to stretch. We discussed how leaders must confront blind spots (both personal and organizational), embrace continuous learning, and build the muscle to delegate strategically if they want to scale sustainably.

Owning Your Narrative: Responsibility and Reinvention

We closed on a deeply personal note—how early life experiences shape behavior, and how owning your story is the first step in transforming it. Ted and I unpacked the role of ego, unconscious patterns, and the necessity of unlearning behaviors that no longer serve our leadership.

It’s a conversation about growth, yes—but more importantly, about responsibility. Innovation isn’t just about ideas—it’s about the inner work we do to lead ourselves and others through disruption.

Connect with Ted Santos:

Ted Santos is the ultimate “Disruptor of Limits”—a bold strategist who trains and develops  CEOs and executives to stop solving problems and start creating them to fuel breakthroughs that redefine industries.

As the creator of the Disruptive Leadership Model, Ted flips conventional wisdom on its head, proving that chaos isn’t a threat—it’s the catalyst for transformation. With a track record of turning impossible visions into unstoppable growth, Ted challenges leaders to think bigger, act bolder, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Whether he’s helping businesses scale without breaking or reshaping corporate cultures to thrive under pressure, Ted is the go-to expert for leaders who refuse to settle for incremental growth and are ready to disrupt their way to dominance.

Cary works with small to medium-sized business owners to help them break through growth barriers. It's incredible how Cary helps businesses double their profits in under a year while ensuring all operations run like a well-oiled machine. And who wouldn't want their business to run smoothly? That's the reality Cary creates for her clients.

Cary Prejean is a CFO consultant and executive coach. He has an accounting and CPA background with several companies primarily in the manufacturing, wholesale and construction industries. He is also a certified ontological coach since 1992 by Newfield Network, giving him unique insight in working with executives. Cary’s mission is to turn business owners into visionaries and prime business generators vs. minutiae managers.

https://strategicbusinessadvisors.org

Evolving Leadership in a Tech-Driven Region

Coaching as a Catalyst for Leadership Growth

From Fear to the Front of the Room: A Nurse’s Speaking Breakthrough

The Human Side of AI in Leadership

Global Impact: Mercer’s Role in Leadership Development

Mohamed Hamza is a renowned authority on leadership assessment and development. As a certified executive coach, facilitator, and assessor, he has made significant impacts across the GCC, Europe, and Africa. Mohamed currently designs and delivers cutting-edge leadership solutions to top clients as Senior Client Success Director at Mercer.

Mohamed can share invaluable insights into leadership development, coaching, and building high-performing teams. His diverse experiences assessing and developing leaders globally across cultures allow him to discuss a wide range of relevant topics. Podcast hosts and audiences can expect practical wisdom and real-world examples from Mohamed's extensive expertise in this field.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-hamza-b9a54b28/

Website:  https://thetalententerprise.com/

In this insightful episode, Michael D. Levitt explores the Square Management System Alignment Model, a framework by Matthew Person designed to foster organizational alignment without the need for micromanagement. Developed by Matthew from Town Square Advisors, this model is grounded in real-world executive and M&A experience. It focuses on aligning employee beliefs and behaviors with company systems to prevent culture drift and enable long-term, sustainable growth. Michael underscored the urgent need for such systems, sharing examples of organizations that significantly improved through alignment—not turnover—by earning employee trust and recognizing internal capability.

The Power of “Constrained Independence”

Matthew introduced the concept of constrained independence, a four-part management model built on Identity, Instruction, Intercommunication, and Information, with ten key operational elements. This framework helps leaders strike a balance between empowering staff and maintaining clarity. Listeners were invited to assess their own organizations using a free quiz at TownSquareAdvisors.com. Michael emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and cultural measurement—warning that top-down approaches to diversity and alignment can sometimes lead to unintended tension unless rooted in authenticity and openness.

Lessons from Championship Teams

Drawing from professional sports, Michael shared a compelling analogy about leadership, team culture, and performance. While the 1990s New York Yankees focused on acquiring high-priced talent, it was the Boston Red Sox's commitment to balanced teams and deep culture, under leaders like Tito Francona, that ultimately led to their championships. The lesson? A deep bench, clear roles, and trust in your team’s abilities drive real, repeatable success.

Trust, Decision-Making, and Human-Centered Leadership

Trust emerged as a recurring theme—especially in how it empowers independent decision-making and employee engagement. Matthew contrasted toxic, high-constraint workplaces with cultures that reward initiative. Michael reflected on his own experience of being hired for his potential, not just his résumé, and how adaptable systems that honor both organizational needs and individual strengths pave the way for high-performance cultures.

Hiring, Retention, and Thriving Work Environments

With over 18 years of leadership experience, Michael emphasized the importance of cultivating an environment where employees can grow, not just work. Culture isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about designing systems and environments where your people can thrive. He challenged the myth of a “correct culture,” advocating instead for cultural authenticity and values-based alignment tailored to each organization.

Ethical Offboarding and Supporting Career Growth

When it comes to letting people go, Michael shared his values-driven approach: treat exits with dignity, and support people in finding better fits elsewhere. Drawing on personal experiences from both sides of the table, he emphasized the long-term value of trust, transparency, and doing what’s best for the individual, even when it's a tough call.

Culture Meets Data: Using Analytics to Lead Smarter

To round out the discussion, Matthew dove into how the Square Management System uses analytics to assess culture across various organizational levels. This diagnostic tool is especially helpful for startups and mission-driven entrepreneurs aiming to build cohesive teams from the start. The system doesn’t promise perfection, but it delivers clarity—giving leaders the actionable insights they need to close culture gaps, improve communication, and align operations with purpose. Listeners are encouraged to explore the free tools and resources at TownSquare-Advisors.com.

Welcome to another episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, where we dive deep with leaders reshaping how we work, lead, and live. Today’s guest is Matt Person—a strategic powerhouse with more than two decades of experience in M&A, organizational design, and aligning people with purpose.

Matt is the mind behind the Square Management System, a practical framework that brings clarity and cohesion to companies' operations by aligning people, processes, and performance. His upcoming book, The Culture of Alignment, explores this in depth and is a must-read for leaders building resilient, high-performing organizations.

With a career that spans global corporate development, private equity-backed ventures, and even a decade in professional baseball leadership, Matt brings a truly unique perspective. Recognized as a Rising Star by the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a Thought Leader of the Year finalist by the Alliance of M&A Advisors, his credentials are only matched by his passion for excellence.

Matt holds an MBA and an MS in Finance from Boston College, and a degree from Colgate University. He’s a guest lecturer, frequent industry speaker, and lives just outside Boston with his family—when he’s not refining growth strategies, you’ll find him on the golf course, hunting down vintage cars, or scouting out his next favorite restaurant.

Speaker Bio:  https://www.espeakers.com/dashboard/50932/profile

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdperson/

Website:  https://www.townsquare-advisors.com/

Episode Summary:

The hosts question the validity of engagement metrics derived from surveys, calling out what they term the "engagement illusion"—a widespread misinterpretation that equates participation with satisfaction. They unpack the growing disconnect between career development and employee wellbeing, warning that promotion pipelines without adequate emotional and workload support can accelerate burnout rather than boost loyalty.

In discussing I&D (Inclusion and Diversity) efforts, the conversation highlights how many initiatives fall short of meaningful impact, often skewing performative rather than truly transformative. Instead, the hosts emphasize the need for authentic inclusion practices that uplift underrepresented voices and embed equity into daily operations.

They also examine the shifting expectations around flexible work arrangements, stressing that flexibility is no longer a luxury, it’s a baseline requirement for modern talent. The conversation moves beyond logistics, focusing on how to design flexible cultures that still promote connection, accountability, and performance.

The core takeaway? Sustainable organizational performance doesn’t stem from patchwork solutions. It begins with systemic cultural change rooted in a genuine, human-centered approach to leadership and strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why traditional engagement surveys can paint a misleading picture of employee satisfaction

How burnout is often an unintended consequence of unchecked career growth pressure

What makes the difference between performative and meaningful I&D efforts

Why flexible work is now a fundamental expectation—not a competitive edge

How to lead with empathy and redesign culture for long-term success

Relevant Links & Resources:

Read the full article: Redefining Workplace Culture

Explore the Breakfast Leadership blog: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog

Get the book Workplace Culture: https://amzn.to/4ofDBxQ

For burnout solutions, check out Burnout Proof: https://amzn.to/4l3fW0M

Subscribe & Follow:

900 Episodes of Transformative Leadership

In this special 900th episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude. Hosting nearly a thousand conversations with thought leaders, change-makers, and everyday champions has been a true honor. Each episode is rooted in one mission:

Helping you lead a better life by navigating workplace stress, avoiding burnout, and stepping into the leader you were born to be.

I also shared a bit of my own growth journey, including how I’ve intentionally reduced screen time to reclaim focus and calm. It's a reminder that real transformation often comes from the small, intentional changes we make daily.

I invite you to ask yourself: What does your ideal life look like? And more importantly, What’s one step you can take today to move closer to it?

Navigating Change with Purpose

Change is inevitable—but how we respond is where our power lies. In this episode, I challenge listeners to stop waiting for the "right time" and start leading their own life transitions. Grab a journal and write it out: your goals, your challenges, and the specific actions required to create meaningful change in your career or life.

Motivation can be fleeting, but discipline? That’s where the magic happens. Whether you're switching careers, developing a new skill set, or simply craving more balance, clarity begins when you commit to action. Visualize the outcome, get honest about the work required, and give yourself permission to evolve.

Episode Summary

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Candace Pendleton, a dynamic force in commodities trading and a passionate advocate for financial empowerment—especially for women. We tackled the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and financial markets, particularly the trading sector. Candace shared her deeply personal mission: helping women break into commodities trading as a path to wealth-building and independence.

We explored critical elements of successful trading—pattern recognition, emotional intelligence, and the role of technology—along with the mindset required to win in a traditionally male-dominated field. From discussing the psychology behind trading to reflecting on real-world leadership examples (including Mary Barra’s journey at GM), this episode dives into the real skills that make a difference—not only in trading but in life and leadership.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

✅ Candace’s 90-Day Trading System: She's developed a results-driven program where students must achieve 70% accuracy before going live—showcasing the power of discipline and data-backed strategy.

✅ Financial Empowerment for Women: Candace continues to make commodities trading accessible to women, demystifying the field and challenging gender norms.

✅ Robo Trading & AI: With her custom robo trader and Quantum AI exploration, Candace is innovating how people approach futures trading—making it smarter and more intuitive.

✅ Michael’s Commitment: I’ll be diving deeper into commodities markets, exploring how pattern recognition and strategic discipline apply to investing—and sharing those insights with the Breakfast Leadership community.

✅ Reach Out & Learn More: Want to connect with Candace or explore trading for yourself? Visit commoditiesuniversity.com or email her at [email protected].

Topics Covered

🔹 Women in Leadership: Why female representation in executive roles still lags—and how that’s shifting post-Lean In.

🔹 The Trading Advantage: Why women’s natural abilities—emotional regulation, attention to patterns, and discipline—give them a unique edge in commodities trading.

🔹 From Grief to Growth: Candace’s personal journey of resilience after losing her husband to cancer—and how that catalyzed her success in futures trading.

🔹 Mindset & Motivation: We discussed the emotional intelligence needed for trading success, from embracing losses to developing inner characters like “Mr. Discipline” and “Xena Warrior.”

🔹 Tech-Enabled Trading: How multiple monitors, custom algorithms, and AI tools are reshaping trading workflows—and what it means for the future of investing.

🔹 Parallel Lessons in Leadership: From real estate to golf to the boardroom—why pattern recognition and strategic thinking are the currency of success.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a conversation about trading—it was a call to action. Empowering women financially changes families, communities, and entire economies. Candace isn’t just teaching trading—she’s building a movement. And I’m excited to amplify that mission wherever I can.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting to explore investing, there’s wisdom here for anyone ready to bet on themselves—and win.

Resources & Contact

📧 Candace Pendleton

🔗 Stay connected with me

Adam O'Connor from Gear Inc., a BPO company operating in 25 countries and covering 75 languages, discussed their services in customer service, trust and safety, and back-office operations. Michael highlighted the value of Gear's diverse organization for managing economic challenges across markets and supporting businesses in global expansion. Adam emphasized their flexibility in adapting to clients' needs and their expertise in navigating cultural and regulatory nuances in different markets.

Michael and Adam discussed the challenges businesses face as they grow, emphasizing the importance of understanding a company's current stage and needs before implementing solutions. Adam highlighted the need to assess where a business is, identify its problems, and work collaboratively to address them. He also stressed that AI cannot fix broken processes and that businesses must first establish solid processes before expecting AI to enhance them. Adam concluded by explaining that their business model is built on client success, as it directly correlates with their own success in the low-margin, high-volume BPO industry.

Adam and Michael discussed the importance of customizing playbooks for different customers, emphasizing the need to understand their unique goals, outcomes, and how to blend AI with low-cost labor. Michael highlighted that AI is only as effective as the information inputted and cannot replace the complexities of human understanding within organizations. They agreed on the significance of strong infrastructure and systems to enable agility and adaptability, while also acknowledging the challenges of blind spots and misaligned perspectives within businesses.

Michael and Adam discussed the importance of planning and developing management skills for entrepreneurs and business owners. They highlighted the need for understanding exit strategies, building effective teams, and addressing communication gaps within organizations. Adam emphasized the significance of taking care of employees, who are the voice of the company, and the importance of investing in management training to improve employee engagement and prevent burnout.

Adam discussed the importance of trust and safety online, highlighting the work done to ensure safe environments on gaming and social media platforms. He emphasized the need to support employees who handle potentially distressing content, as they require specialized counseling to manage the emotional toll of their work. Michael agreed, noting that online safety should be a priority for organizations and that employees exposed to harmful content need support to cope with what they see. Both speakers stressed the importance of taking care of staff who are on the front lines of maintaining online safety.

Michael and Adam discussed trends in business and technology, focusing on the balance between AI and human interactions. Adam predicted that businesses would find a balance between AI and human work, with AI becoming an important tool while maintaining human touchpoints. They also discussed the impact of remote work and the expansion of the global talent pool due to improved internet access in developing countries. Adam encouraged listeners to learn more about his work on LinkedIn and the company's website, http://www.gearinc.com.

With over 25 years of experience in sales and customer service leadership, Adam is a seasoned expert dedicated to driving business success. For the past 13 years, Adam has honed his skills in the outsourcing and BPO industry, working with both Fortune 500 companies and small to medium-sized businesses. His deep understanding of the industry, combined with a passion for innovation, has, made him a trusted partner for companies looking to optimise their operations.

Adam’s mission is clear: to help businesses become more cost-effective while improving profit margins without ever compromising on quality. His extensive experience across diverse industries allows him to identify unique challenges and craft tailored solutions that deliver real results.

Whether working with large corporations or smaller enterprises, Adam brings a strategic approach to problem-solving, always focused on finding the most efficient and effective paths to success. He has a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction and drives this through his teams to ensure the best possible experience for customers.

Website:  https://gearinc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-o-connor-54766048/

Unleashing Purpose and Prosperity with Pushkar Anand

In this compelling episode, I sit down with Pushkar Anand, a transformational leader whose 15-year journey from high-achieving banker to purpose-driven author is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a quest for personal success evolved into a mission to uplift humanity and empower others to unlock their highest potential.

From Success-Seeker to Soul-Driven Leader

Pushkar shares his evolution—rooted in voracious learning, with over 500 books read, countless seminars attended, and deep mentorship. His goal shifted from decoding the formula for success to creating a roadmap for others, helping them accelerate their growth without the long detour. His book is the result: a guide for those ready to step into their truth, purpose, and power.

Authenticity as the Gateway to Purpose

We dive into the heart of living authentically—what it really means to embody who you’re meant to be. Pushkar's core belief is that once you're aligned with your true self, abundance naturally follows. I add that living with purpose makes us more resilient, magnetic, and inspiring. The answers we seek aren’t “out there”—they live within us.

Vibrational Alignment and Financial Freedom

Pushkar breaks down how aligning your self-image with your financial vision can unlock exponential results. It’s not just about goal-setting—it’s about becoming the person who already has what they desire. By embracing “inspired action,” we can shift from hustle to harmony, planting seeds today for the wealth of tomorrow.

The Power of Belief and Wealth Consciousness

We unpack the deep power of self-belief, the rarity of human existence, and how our internal dialogue shapes our external reality. Pushkar introduces his “6 Statutes of Money,” challenging the myth that wealth is dependent on family background or formal education. The real key? Vibrational alignment and mindset mastery.

Mastering Wealth Through Inner Work

Pushkar explains that wealth isn't just earned—it’s tuned into. Financial success is the byproduct of purpose, belief, and inner alignment. One of his key principles: there’s no universal definition of “wealth”—it’s as unique as each person’s mission. Rewiring the subconscious can shift everything.

A Book That Shifts Paradigms

We close the conversation by exploring the impact of Pushkar's book—crafted to serve those ready to evolve. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to deepen your alignment with purpose and prosperity, Pushkar invites listeners to explore more through his site: PushkarAnandsWorld.com, where you’ll find free resources, transformational programs, and tools to master your wealth from the inside out.

 Pushkar Anand is the author of the #1 international bestseller Manifest Your Infinite Riches and founder of the Centre for Infinite Riches. Educated at the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics, Pushkar was in the early stages of his traditional corporate career when a profound moment of insight in 2008 led him to evaluate his life expectations and priorities.

This moment of insight set Pushkar on his quest as a seeker: an extraordinary quest of endless research and self-discovery that covered more than 500 books, thirty seminars, workshops and immersive learning experiences, and an intense four-year period of study with his teacher – Blaine Bartlett, whom he fondly addresses as Grandmaster B². Pushkar’s fifteen-year journey resulted in his founding the Centre for Infinite Riches and authoring Manifest Your Infinite Riches.

The Centre is best defined as a movement; a movement, whose purpose is to Uplift Humanity by empowering everyone it touches to become the person they were always meant to be. The Centre’s vision is to uplift four million people by Pushkar’s 50th birthday on October 21, 2026 and 100 million people by Grandmaster B²’s 80th birthday on September 9, 2026.

https://pushkaranandsworld.com/about/

Book:  Manifest Your Infinite Riches