Breakfast Leadership Show

In this empowering episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Robert Howard, a resilient entrepreneur whose story is a testament to grit, growth, and intentional transformation. From growing up in housing projects to becoming a successful real estate investor, Robert’s journey is one of turning setbacks into stepping stones.

🎙️ From Rock Bottom to Real Estate

🚘 Navigating Car Sales Through a Crisis

💼 From Burnout to Balance

🧠 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

🚀 Taking the Leap: Risk vs. Reward

🎁 Exclusive Wholesaling Resource

Key Takeaway: Whether you're stuck in a career that no longer aligns with your values or you're looking to reclaim control of your time, this conversation is your reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story—with resilience, clarity, and a little bit of risk.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to bet on yourself—and win.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/robert.howard.3150

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.

🔥 Episode Overview:

In this high-impact episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with John Little, Founder and CEO of Winner’s Edge Coaching, to explore the messy middle of leadership transitions—and how confidence, culture, and courage can make or break your leadership team.

With over 25 years of executive coaching experience, John unpacks what it really takes to thrive as a new leader, why micromanagement is often a mask for fear, and how organizations are hemorrhaging talent because they fail to support leaders at critical growth moments.

This one’s for executives, HR professionals, and anyone ready to elevate from tactical to strategic leadership. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your own role or seen potential get stuck in the pipeline, you’ll want to hit play on this episode.

The Mindset Shift from Manager to Director: John explains why being a top individual contributor doesn’t automatically translate to leadership success—and how to “elevate your eyes” to think more strategically.

Micromanagement as a Red Flag: We dive into how fear-based leadership behaviors stem from a lack of onboarding and imposter syndrome, not incompetence.

Why So Many New Leaders Struggle: Without proper training or internal support systems, even your best employees can flounder when promoted—and unintentionally create toxic work environments.

The Real Cost of Avoiding Leadership Development: From disengagement to legal risk, John shares the downstream impact of underdeveloped managers on your organization's culture and bottom line.

"Get to" vs. "Have to" Work Culture: Learn how some companies inspire loyalty so strong that employees chose to keep working during the pandemic—even when they could have earned more staying home.

Generational Differences in Leadership Motivation: Why leaders must adapt to evolving expectations from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how listening builds trust that money simply can’t buy.

The #1 Job of a Leader? Developing others. If you’re not actively helping your team grow into their next role, you’re not just missing an opportunity—you’re the bottleneck.

“If you don’t trust your people to do the work, either coach them up—or let them go. But don’t micromanage them into the ground.” – Michael D. Levitt

“Leadership isn’t about doing the work. It’s about creating environments where others can do their best work.” – John Little

“Confidence and courage are what separate great leaders from accidental managers.” – John Little

“Organizations are bleeding talent, and it’s not because people don’t want to work—it’s because they’re not being led well.” – Michael D. Levitt

📌 Resources & Links:

Connect with John on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bigjohnlittle

Take John’s Leadership Confidence Assessment: hrlci.scoreapp.com

📚 Related episodes and tools mentioned:

Creating Psychological Safety with Amy Edmondson

Burnout Proof: How To Establish Boundaries To Avoid The Stress Of Leadership

Workplace Culture: Creating Environments Where People Want to Stay

✅ Action Steps for Listeners:

If you're a director or new leader – Audit your mindset. Are you still thinking like a doer instead of a leader?

HR leaders – Rethink your onboarding and internal leadership dev. Are you unintentionally setting up new managers to fail?

Executives – Invest in your people. Developing your leaders is not a cost—it’s your greatest ROI.

🎧 Like what you heard?

📩 For speaking inquiries, burnout-proof culture training, or coaching: BreakfastLeadership.com

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.

Adapting to Challenging Times

From Athlete to EdTech Entrepreneur

Dot-Com Boom Recollections

Marketing Strategy During Economic Downturns

Thriving in Economic Downturns

Adapting to Challenges in Business

AI for Small Business Advancement

The Learn It All Leader

For nearly three decades, I've led Learnit, a global training company. In that time, we’ve upskilled over 1.8 million individuals in the workplace. Through this journey, I’ve gained insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.

Coming to business from a career in baseball, I bring an athlete’s perspective on leadership and training to my informal mentoring of executives. I've distilled those hard-won insights into my bestselling book, The Learn-It-All Leader—Mindset, Traits, and Tools and keynotes on leadership, entrepreneurship, and life-long learning. 

Website:  https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/

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

When you reach out to Damon, mention you heard his interview on the Breakfast Leadership Show, and he will give you a free course (Thank you, Damon!)

Shout out to https://tasteofrome.co/

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Donzel, whose journey takes us from the sun-soaked streets of Key West, Florida, to the locker rooms of Purdue University, and on through a 30-year corporate career leading international teams. We explore why he traded palm trees for the Midwest — a decision shaped by family ties, academic ambition, and the guiding hand of a high school coach with deep Purdue connections. Donzel shares how growing up surrounded by diverse cultures in Key West prepared him to lead in a complex, global world.

Leadership That Meets You Where You Are

Making Your Destiny Happen

Mentors in Unexpected Places

The Art and Grind of Creating

Empowering Through Positive Change

Where to Find Donzel

Donzel Leggett is an accomplished senior executive with 32+ years of leadership experience driving business growth for Fortune 200 consumer products companies. Donzel’s career reflects a demonstrated track record of leading transformational change on a global scale through strategic vision, planning and execution, and inspirational leadership with enterprise-wide initiatives that include optimizing operations and integrating M&A transactions in complex international business environments. Donzel earned a reputation as an inspirational unifier having built many strong collaborative cross-functional teams, across several geographies, cultures, and diverse backgrounds. Donzel is also a community leader, a member of several nonprofit and advisory boards, and is board chair at two organizations.

Donzel has been widely recognized as one of the most inspirational leaders within the many organizations in which he has been a part of.  He is continually contacted for career and leadership advice and development and has coached and mentored thousands of people across the globe.

Throughout his career, Donzel has successfully led large organizations in highly complex, dynamic and diverse environments, with up to ten thousand team members dispersed across the globe.  As the magnitude and demands of his leadership accountabilities continued to expand, Donzel developed the proprietary leadership models and methodology that are now at the center of the Destiny Development DeltaTM consultancy.

Donzel’s passion is coaching, developing and mentoring people all over the world, and his vision and purpose are to transform lives so that every person can be the very best leader that they can be.

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.

Building a Brand That Opens Doors

In this episode, I sit down with Serah, a former child actor turned personal branding expert and AI business strategist, to explore why personal branding isn’t a “nice-to-have” anymore — it’s the engine that drives your career and business forward. We swap real-world examples from heavy-hitters like Sara Blakely, Kendra Scott, and Elon Musk, showing how the right brand identity can multiply your impact, influence, and income.

From overcoming the fear of self-promotion to navigating humility without hiding your brilliance, Serah breaks down the mindset shifts that every entrepreneur and professional needs to make to be seen, heard, and trusted.

The Fear Factor: Rejection, Imperfection, and the Art of Showing Up

We talk about the paralysis that comes from worrying about how your work will be received — and why you need to release it anyway. I share why I tell authors to publish their books without obsessing over reviews, because your unique perspective is what makes the work valuable.

We even take a detour into pop culture, unpacking the mixed reviews of Amazon Prime Video’s “War of the Worlds” and how audience reaction doesn’t always match actual value.

Creativity, Algorithms, and Authentic Connection

Putting yourself out there creatively isn’t easy. Serah and I dive into the messy reality of criticism, algorithm-driven visibility, and the rising hunger for authentic human connection in a world leaning heavily on AI. We explore why imperfection isn’t a liability — it’s proof you’re human and relatable.

Speaking Up — Even When You’re Not Ready

I share a personal story about how a college presentation — given while I had chicken pox — became the turning point in my public speaking journey. The standing ovation I received despite my appearance taught me one lesson I’ve carried for life: never let fear silence you.

From Self-Sabotage to Vision-Driven Growth

Serah and I connect the dots between personal branding, risk-taking, and the inner work needed to break free from limiting beliefs. We talk about creating a vivid future self-identity, setting meaningful goals, and tackling the invisible barriers that hold so many back.

The throughline? Success comes when you decide to play bigger — and actually step onto the stage you’ve been avoiding.

Resources & Connections

Serah shares her own platforms, including her personal brand hub sarahdelaine.com, her Stage 8 agency for marketing services, and her Profitable Personal Brand newsletter.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or creative, this conversation will give you the clarity — and the push — to own your story and amplify your presence.

From Hollywood Red Carpet to Reinvention Serah D’Laine’s entrepreneurial life once revolved around her Hollywood career. She was a successful actress, known for gracing the screen with roles in feature films, network television, and national commercials. Working since she was 13 years old, her world was immersed with auditions, scripts, and the glitz, glamour, and chaos of the entertainment industry.  From the outside, it looked like she had it all—a successful acting career many dream of, red carpets, recognition, and a foot in the door of fame. But beneath the surface, Serah felt a deep void.

The Hollywood lifestyle didn’t align with her desire for meaningful life.Growing up in Hollywood brought a measure of success she enjoyed, she started to feel like she was playing a role not just on screen but in her own life. There was a lingering feeling that something deeper was missing—a sense of purpose, alignment, and fulfillment that no amount of celebrity could provide....

Then came the moment that changed everything: a near-death experience. A single, life-altering event that ripped away the illusions she had built her life around. Waking nearly every night in a panic from PTS - It left her with one haunting realization: she wasn’t living her truth. She felt a pull—call it intuition, destiny, or divine intervention—to walk away from the world she knew and reinvent herself entirely. The vision of a new path—a fusion of personal growth, branding, and impact—emerged.

But stepping into the unknown was terrifying. Could she leave her career, identity, and comfort zone behind to build something entirely new?..... "one of the hardest decisions of my life, to put a successful 15 year career on hold + finally listen to “HER”, my true self." Her journey has prepared her for this role as a brand strategist, business coach, and leadership mentor. She has reinvented herself not once but multiple times, and her success was the ultimate validation that this was her destined path.

What makes Serah different? Her brand isn’t built on theories; it’s built on experience. She knows the highs and lows of reinvention because she’s lived them. And now, she’s here to guide others to their own version of success.

Today, Serah D’Laine stands as a speaker in psychology-based branding, business growth strategy, and leadership. Through Stage IIX, iSCALE CRM, and her Profitable Personal Brand Formula and L.E.A.D Method, she offers clients the tools to build authentic brands, achieve financial freedom, and align their businesses with their highest selves. Her journey—marked by reinvention, resilience, and results—makes her uniquely qualified to guide others.

She isn’t just a coach; she’s a testament to the power of transformation, proving that anyone can rise, pivot, and thrive when they align their purpose with their work. "The million dollar tip that “Hollywood” taught me, that is probably one of the most important things I use to succeed in your business.....IT’S ALL ABOUT POSITIONING!!!

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.

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

With over 1,200 families helped and a legacy of putting victim care over case volume, Tito shares how his proprietary system is changing the narrative around legal representation for vulnerable accident victims. We dive deep into why the first 72 hours after an accident can determine your future, how to spot predatory legal tactics, and why most victims choose the wrong attorney.

Through his latest work with TitoParaTi, Tito is building a new standard in personal injury support—where families receive not just legal aid, but compassion, clarity, and care every step of the way.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

The hidden crisis hurting Hispanic families in the legal system

What makes TitoParaTi radically different from traditional law firms

The 3-minute decision that could protect (or jeopardize) your family's future

How Tito built—and rebuilt—a movement to restore dignity in legal advocacy

🎓 ABOUT TITO ALVAREZ

Helped 1,200+ victims receive ethical, personalized legal support

Built California’s most recognized Hispanic advocacy brand in the 80s/90s

Developed a client-first system that puts care ahead of case volume

Returned from retirement to lead an ethical revolution in personal injury law

📩 Connect with Tito & Learn More

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titoparatiofficial_

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

Phone:  1(909)909-9090

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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/

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.