Breakfast Leadership Show

In this episode, Michael sits down with Steve Tashjian, a world class high performance consultant with a deep background in elite sports. Steve’s journey has taken him from physical therapy and performance coaching to high level consulting roles across the Premier League and the US men’s national team during their World Cup run. His mission is simple and powerful: help individuals and teams excel in high pressure environments by applying the same systems, preparation, and mindset used at the top levels of global sport.

Michael and Steve explore the intensity of the Premier League, a global powerhouse where fans live and breathe every match and where underperforming teams face immediate consequences through relegation. Michael draws a parallel between the world of professional football and the realities of modern business. Both are unforgiving. Both require consistent high performance. Both reward teams that are disciplined, adaptable, and built on strong systems.

Steve reinforces that managing pressure is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Whether you are a Premier League striker or a CEO carrying payroll, the demands are similar. Pressure reveals your habits, exposes your preparation, and tests your ability to stay composed when everything is on the line.

Michael and Steve dive deep into what separates those who crumble under pressure from those who rise. Drawing from Steve’s experience with the national team on the world stage, the lesson is clear: preparation and process win. When everything around you is chaotic, your systems and habits become your anchor.

They discuss how organizations of all types can treat pressure as a growth opportunity. High achievers are not born for pressure, they train for it. They rehearse. They refine. They use adversity as data rather than judgment. Michael highlights that leaders who adopt this mindset build teams that are far more resilient and far more adaptable to change.

The conversation shifts to the backbone of any high performing environment: systems. Michael and Steve explore how elite sports teams like Everton Football Club create frameworks that guide decision making even in constantly changing conditions. When systems are well defined and widely understood, teams can move with speed and clarity, even when the stakes are high.

Steve also speaks to the human side of leadership. Biases, emotions, and external pressures often influence decisions more than leaders realize. Great leaders build awareness around these blind spots. They collaborate intentionally. They take smart risks instead of reactive ones. Michael underscores that systems and leadership must coexist. Without systems, leaders get overwhelmed. Without leadership, systems fall flat.

Website:  elevationprox.com

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Creating Organizational Cultures That Actually Work

In this episode, Michael and cultural anthropologist Jitske Kramer dive deep into the heart of organizational culture. Michael shares a story from a startup he supported, where a crystal clear sense of purpose created unity, loyalty, and a genuine feeling of belonging. Employees stayed because they felt connected to something bigger than a job description.

Jitske expands on this by highlighting how leaders shape culture through the behaviors, values, and norms they model. She stresses that culture is never an accident. It is a series of daily choices and conversations. When leaders fail to engage with their teams or invite them into meaningful decision making, organizations lose clarity and people lose their sense of belonging.

Both Michael and Jitske agree that leaders miss countless opportunities to build trust simply because they are not intentionally engaging with their people.

Transformative Leadership and the Power of Human Connection

Michael brings up a powerful metaphor involving an orchestra conductor to show how communication and knowledge flow can transform the relationship between leaders and their teams. When the conductor shifts from directing to connecting, the entire ensemble transforms. The energy changes. People take ownership. Collaboration becomes natural rather than forced.

Jitske builds on this idea by contrasting transactional interactions with transformative ones. Transactional moments keep the lights on, but transformative moments build the future. She emphasizes the need for what she calls campfire conversations. These are the unhurried, human centered discussions where ideas form, trust deepens, and innovation actually has space to emerge.

They conclude that the most successful organizations are the ones that prioritize human to human connection over rigid systems and corporate scripts.

Finding Clarity in the Messy Middle of Change

Jitske introduces her latest book, Tricky Times, which explores liminality. Liminality refers to the messy middle stage of change when the old story no longer works and the new story is not yet formed. She describes this phase as uncomfortable but deeply necessary.

She explains that societies worldwide are wrestling with a kind of midlife crisis. People are questioning the expectation of nonstop economic growth and the conflict it creates with environmental and social realities. In these liminal spaces, power dynamics shift. Cultural identities get rewritten. Leaders are challenged to redefine what truly matters.

Michael shares how timely these insights feel, especially given the current political climate in the United States and abroad. He highlights how difficult but essential conversations shape whether we move forward with intention or stay stuck in old patterns.

Leading with Courage in Tricky Times

Jitske describes the leadership challenges she writes about in Tricky Times. She warns against leaders who act like tricksters, constantly pushing boundaries without offering guidance or stability. True leadership requires bold honesty, grounded decision making, and the willingness to enter uncomfortable conversations.

She emphasizes that balanced leadership is essential. Leaders must be willing to question assumptions, tell the truth about what is working and what is not, and invite their organizations into deeper reflection.

Tricky Times has become a bestseller in the Netherlands, and Jitske is sharing its message with influential political leaders who are navigating uncertainty on a national scale. The book is available as an e-book on Amazon and offers a grounded, human centered framework for leading through cultural transformation.

Jitske Kramer is a renowned Dutch corporate anthropologist who translates real-world lessons from communities around the globe into practical tools for modern workplaces. 

She travels the world to learn from traditional healers, innovators, random passers-by, and everyday communities, studying how humans bond, lead, and resolve conflict — and brings those insights into the boardroom.

Her latest book, Tricky Times (a #1 Dutch bestseller), explores what it takes to lead in “the messy middle” — those uncertain in-between phases where old systems break down before new ones emerge. 

With 25+ years of experience, she has shaped transformation for Nike, Unilever, Calvin Klein, and Philips, authored 9 bestselling books (150,000+ copies sold), and spoken alongside Simon Sinek, Amy Edmondson, Yuval Noah Harari on stages like TEDx and Workhuman Live.

Jitske’s sharp, funny, and “aha”-filled style makes anthropology highly accessible for leaders facing change, culture challenges, and transformation.

Topics: 

More about Jitske: 

To get a sense of Jitske, here's an appearance she made on The Culture Lab podcast, talking about the making of a corporate tribe and how to effectively deal with diversity in a team. 

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Episode Overview

50-Year Mortgage Market Insights

Michael and Justin open with a breakdown of the new 50-year mortgage trend. While these loans may sound like a solution for affordability, Justin explains that they’re mainly amortization tools designed to reduce monthly payments, not a pathway to home ownership. Since the average homeowner stays in their property for 5.5 to 7 years, very few people will ever pay off a home under such a long-term structure.

The takeaway: it’s more about short-term cash flow than long-term payoff.

Real Estate Lessons from Family and Experience

Justin shares how his upbringing in San Diego shaped his perspective. Coming from a family deeply rooted in both real estate and military service, he learned valuable lessons about risk, leverage, and resilience from his grandmother and father. His father’s experience during the 2008 financial crisis inspired Justin to take a more measured, apartment-focused investment approach that prioritizes stability and steady income.

Housing Market Trends and Resilience

Michael draws parallels between the cyclical nature of the auto and housing sectors, noting that true wealth often comes from those who rebuild after financial loss. Together, they examine current trends: single-family housing shortages in coastal markets, the growth of vertical construction in San Diego, and temporary oversupply in Sunbelt regions. Both agree that while red tape slows coastal development, new models for multifamily housing are creating fresh opportunities for investors.

The Baby Boomer Housing Shift

Michael predicts a generational shift on the horizon as baby boomers eventually leave the housing market. With many holding onto single-family homes longer than ever, a massive turnover is expected in coming decades. This could lead to the redevelopment of neighborhoods into multifamily housing, reshaping the fabric of communities nationwide. Justin agrees, noting that this transition will open doors for new investors and developers focused on density and urban design.

Apartment Investing Insights and Strategies

Justin goes deep into apartment investing, emphasizing its scalability and operational efficiency. He contrasts apartment ownership with single-family rentals, pointing out reduced maintenance costs, shared insurance, and easier management structures. His key message: mastering deal analysis and financing structures is essential to unlocking the best real estate opportunities.

Apartment Syndication Investment Overview

For those with limited capital, Justin explains how apartment syndication can serve as an entry point. With as little as $30,000, investors can join syndicates that purchase 10 to 30-unit buildings in affordable markets like the Midwest. He compares syndicators to high-level problem solvers, likening their expertise to neurosurgeons or hedge fund managers. The value lies in their ability to identify, structure, and manage complex deals that generate long-term wealth and legacy potential.

Real Estate and AI Integration

Michael and Justin discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping real estate strategy. From analyzing property data to modernizing apartment amenities like Wi-Fi, digital shopping hubs, and smart community features, AI is becoming a tool for creating scalable and livable investments. They stress that success comes from curiosity, understanding market language, and embracing innovation.

Real Estate Entrepreneurship and Resilience

Justin closes by sharing his entrepreneurial journey—marked by persistence, calculated risk, and the ability to take action even when under pressure. He encourages listeners to use downtime productively, whether that means starting a side hustle or investing in real estate education.

His final message: the ability to endure stress and uncertainty is what separates dreamers from successful entrepreneurs.

Find out more:

https://www.brennanpohle.com/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBrennan

Learn more insights from Michael Levitt and thought leaders shaping the future of leadership, resilience, and success at BreakfastLeadership.com/blog.

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Exiting Tech Businesses: Insights from Draven

Resilience and Entrepreneurial Growth

Journey to Personal Resilience

Klipboard.io’s Field Service Management Focus

Benefits of Field Service Software

Collaboration and Feedback in Leadership

Connect with Draven

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Overview

Empowering Diversified Investment Access

Henry Yoshida opened the conversation by outlining the sharp decline in publicly traded companies—from roughly 16,000 to around 4,000 over the last century. He explained that a small group of leading firms in the S&P 500 now drive the majority of market returns. This imbalance inspired him to create Rocket Dollar, a platform designed to help investors diversify into non-correlated assets such as real estate. Interestingly, the company’s name came from his six-year-old daughter, representing the idea that investors can “go further” with their money.

Enhancing Investment Accessibility Through Technology

Michael and Henry discussed the evolution of financial markets and the crucial role technology plays in improving access to alternative investments. While the stock market has historically trended upward, Henry emphasized that returns depend heavily on timing. He shared how Rocket Dollar uses technology to simplify complex investment processes, giving everyday investors access to opportunities once reserved for institutions.

Real Estate Investment Opportunities

Michael turned the discussion toward real estate, describing it as one of the most tangible and stable investment opportunities. He noted how modern platforms like Rocket Dollar make it easier to participate without the traditional headaches of property management. Henry agreed, highlighting that real estate investing can provide not only financial returns but also personal satisfaction and control.

Self-Directed IRA Real Estate Investing

Henry explained the advantages of self-directed IRAs in allowing investors to use retirement funds for local real estate ventures. Unlike the abstract nature of public markets, this approach connects investors directly with their communities and properties. He pointed out that the ability to personally inspect and enhance properties provides a deeper level of engagement and understanding.

Investments and Community Belonging

Michael and Henry explored how investments can build stronger local economies. They discussed Austin’s growth as an example of how local investments can benefit both residents and investors. Michael emphasized that meaningful investments don’t just generate profit—they foster a sense of belonging and collective progress.

Local Investment Strategies for Retirement

Henry described Rocket Dollar as a bridge between traditional retirement savings and local investment opportunities. By investing in local startups or real estate, individuals can strengthen their communities while diversifying their portfolios. Michael underscored the mutual benefit of this model, which supports small businesses and generates sustainable growth within neighborhoods.

Private Investment Opportunities and Trends

Wrapping up the conversation, Henry and Michael discussed the growing shift from public to private investments. Henry highlighted the potential for investors to tap into emerging opportunities in private companies such as OpenAI and SpaceX, leveraging their existing retirement funds through Rocket Dollar’s platform. Michael encouraged listeners to explore diversification, think locally, and take advantage of new investment pathways that align personal wealth-building with community impact.

Connect with Henry Yoshida:

Listen to more episodes and insights at:

CEO & Co-Founder, Rocket Dollar | SVP, Retired.com

Henry Yoshida is a financial innovator who’s reshaping how Americans invest for their future. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, Henry empowers everyday investors to take control of their retirement savings through self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s that unlock access to real estate, startups, and alternative assets traditionally reserved for the wealthy.

Before launching Rocket Dollar, Henry founded Honest Dollar, a robo-advisor retirement platform backed by venture capital and later acquired by Goldman Sachs, and MY Group LLC, which was acquired by Captrust. His decade at Merrill Lynch built the foundation for his mission to democratize wealth-building through smarter, tax-advantaged investing.

A Certified Financial Planner with an MBA from Cornell University and a degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Henry blends Wall Street expertise with a visionary approach to fintech innovation. His work has been featured across leading media platforms for its impact on the future of retirement investing.

When he’s not helping investors rethink what’s possible with their money, Henry enjoys life in Austin with his two daughters.

Signature Topics:

Learn more:

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Episode Summary:

Podcast Growth and PR Strategies

Crafting Effective PR Pitches

PR Lessons from the Pandemic

Remote Work and Productivity Insights

AI’s Role in PR and Media Relations

Key Takeaway:

Learn more at: BreakfastLeadership.com

Megan Bennett is the CEO of national boutique PR agency Light Years Ahead dedicated to helping businesses, especially small entrepreneurs, build their images, often from scratch.

Megan is known in the industry as a fearless and relentless champion of her clients, one who catapulted a small Kansas City company to a quarter-million-dollar upswing in sales after getting them featured on foodandwine.com. 

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!  She has plenty of similar stories to tell, but best of all, she’s here to provide your listeners with plenty of insights and actionable tips to use now, even if they can’t afford to hire an outside PR company.

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Episode Summary:

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The definition of culture misalignment , and why it’s rarely obvious at first

Real-world examples of value disconnects (wellness, inclusion, leadership)

7 subtle signs your culture might be out of alignment, including:

High turnover of top talent

Unclear or inconsistent decision-making

Gossip, cliques, and eroded communication

“That’s not my job” attitudes

Burnout and mental health issues

Lack of innovation or engagement

Leadership not modeling core values

The cost of ignoring these signals

5 actionable strategies to realign your culture before deeper damage sets in

📣 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a colleague, HR leader, or your executive team. Culture change starts with awareness , and awareness begins with listening.

🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app

💬 Memorable Quote from the Episode:

“Misalignment isn’t loud at first. It’s a whisper in disengagement, a shrug during meetings, a turnover stat no one wants to explain.” 

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Donovan’s Background and the Birth of Ethos Benefits

The Problem with Traditional Healthcare Brokers

How Ethos Benefits Does It Differently

Practical Advice for Employers

Closing Thoughts and Resources

Donovan Ryckis, an accidental healthcare advocate, left the securities industry after saving a client 40% on healthcare costs. He now helps employers control healthcare costs by aligning interests, disclosing financial data, and removing conflicts of interest inherent in the brokerage insurance sales model. He believes that employers can control healthcare costs and aims to inform employers who cover 183 million Americans.

http://linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis

Website:  https://ethosbenefits.com/

Documentary:  https://ethosbenefits.com/documentary/

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Drew and Michael challenge the traditional view of sales as pushy or manipulative. They explore how sales can instead be an act of service, helping others find solutions that genuinely meet their needs. The discussion centers on shifting the mindset from “closing deals” to “opening opportunities,” where empathy, understanding, and authentic connection replace pressure and persuasion.

The Connection Between Sales and Leadership

Drew’s Personal Story: When Sales Skills Became Life Skills

Recap and Next Steps

Website:  https://theeverydayleader.co/

Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-everyday-leader-authentic-leadership/id1775251882

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

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Gen Z Leadership and Community with Christy Pretzinger

In this episode, Michael sits down with Christy Pretzinger, a 20-year business owner and content strategy expert for healthcare organizations, to explore her latest venture, the Better Leader Project. This initiative is designed to create intimate communities where Gen Z leaders can practice essential leadership skills. Christy emphasizes the value of authenticity, connection, and community in the workplace, noting that younger generations want to bring their whole selves to work. Michael echoes these insights by sharing how one of his most connected and collaborative teams thrived, even when they were one of the lowest-paid departments. Together, they discuss how organizations can prioritize meaningful communities that keep employees engaged and valued.

Michael reflects on reshaping team meetings to prioritize well-being and resource sharing. Christy explains her organization’s use of one-word check-ins and guided meditation to foster presence and connection. Both highlight how intentional check-ins can uncover challenges, support team members, and build stronger trust within the workplace.

The conversation explores how community and connection influence belonging and well-being at work. Michael and Christy examine how remote work has shifted dynamics since COVID-19, pointing out the need for leaders to be deliberate in fostering positive relationships. Michael discusses the balancing act of leading with both efficiency and kindness, while Christy highlights the importance of vulnerability and open dialogue to bridge misunderstandings. They acknowledge that leadership is complex, requiring constant feedback and learning.

Michael and Christy dive into the critical skill of emotional regulation. Michael stresses the difference between reacting and responding, while Christy highlights the power of pausing before speaking. They connect these practices to emotional intelligence and intentional decision-making, showing how leaders can better navigate workplace challenges.

The discussion shifts to building emotional quotient (EQ) and beyond EQ (BQ) skills. Christy explains that BQ involves conscious integrity—making choices aligned with values and avoiding impulsive reactions that could cause regret. Michael and Christy agree that these skills are universal and essential for personal and professional growth, with Michael reflecting on his own commitment to continuous learning.

To close, Michael and Christy share strategies for handling emotions in professional communications, from pausing before responding to leveraging AI tools to streamline decision-making. Christy shares her ongoing work in conflict resolution and leadership development through her website and LinkedIn, while Michael expresses gratitude for her contributions to creating healthier workplace cultures.

BIO

Christy Pretzinger transformed the landscape of healthcare content creation and, along the way, transformed what it’s like to work at a growing agency. As the owner and CEO of WG Content, Christy has established an industry-leading company that delivers superior content and strategy to healthcare brands nationwide. How did she do it? She intentionally focused on building the business based on kindness. And that approach has proven to be good for people and the bottom line.

Over time, Christy discovered her true calling: to create a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth — and help other leaders do the same. She’s a popular guest speaker for events and podcasts, always ready to guide audiences on how to grow leaders and build inclusive workplaces.

She’s been featured on numerous podcasts, including From Founder to CEO, Her Million Dollar My$tery, Lead Like a Woman and Smart Business Revolution. See for yourself how Christy is reinventing how businesses evaluate effective leadership, how employees can contribute to success and how everyone can win — if you start with kindness.

Website: https://wgcontent.com/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christypretzinger

Note: The Breakfast Leadership Show includes occasional paid partner episodes, in which the guest has paid to appear.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.