Breakfast Leadership Show

Meditation Transitions in Workplace Wellness

In this episode, Jillian and Michael share their journeys from corporate careers to prioritizing meditation and workplace wellness. Jillian, a former publishing company owner, discovered the power of meditation in preventing burnout and made it her mission to teach others. Michael, a healthcare leader turned workplace culture strategist, shifted his focus to addressing burnout at its root. They explore how meditation has become a vital tool for maintaining work-life balance, especially in today’s demanding professional landscape.

Michael and Jillian dive into the rising stress levels among Millennials and Gen Z, discussing how anxiety and chronic stress are manifesting in younger generations. Michael raises concerns about premature aging trends, while Jillian highlights how a “tired but wired” nervous system can lead to panic, paralysis, and long-term health consequences. They emphasize the need for internal solutions—like meditation and self-reflection—over quick external fixes. Jillian also notes the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses among young people, a trend that could impact overall life expectancy.

Change is inevitable, but embracing it is a choice. Jillian discusses the importance of recognizing when we’re ready for transformation, while Michael highlights self-reflection as a key driver of personal growth. He stresses that we have more control over our circumstances than we often believe. Together, they reinforce the idea that prioritizing personal well-being isn’t selfish—it positively impacts everyone around us. Growth and change, they agree, are essential for both individual fulfillment and societal progress.

Jillian introduces her book Do Reset, which redefines meditation as a practical daily reset rather than a complex practice. She dispels the myth that meditation is about silencing thoughts, explaining instead how it trains the mind for better resilience, focus, and decision-making. Michael shares his own experiences with meditation, underscoring the importance of embracing thoughts rather than resisting them. They agree that small, consistent resets throughout the day can create a profound impact on overall well-being.

Michael and Jillian also discuss Jillian’s work at the London and New York Meditation Centers. For those interested in learning more, Jillian encourages listeners to visit the centers’ websites.

Websites:

https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/

https://newyorkmeditationcenter.com/learn-to-meditate/

Book: (Available April 2025)

https://amzn.to/4hZTGEH

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

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Living Through the Aftershock: COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Our Lives and Leadership

In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, Amrita Subramanian and Michael D. Levitt explore the profound and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—not just on health systems, but on our humanity, leadership, and everyday decisions.

Reckoning With Collective Trauma

Mortality, Reflection, and Missed Opportunities

Growth Through Adversity

Making Peace With Chaos

Humility and Leadership in Uncertain Times

Decisions That Shape the Future

Living Fully, Leading Wisely

Amrita is a former Fortune 500 VP who has devoted 22+ years of her career to helping organizations thrive amid crises.

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

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Disrupting Status Quo for Business Growth

Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of disrupting the status quo for business growth. Lisa emphasized the need for leaders to challenge their current processes and embrace innovation to overcome plateaus and achieve growth. They agreed that the combination of people, process, and technology is crucial for business success.

Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of understanding employees and processes before implementing technology. They emphasized that technology should be used to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Lisa introduced the concept of "super fast, bad" to describe the potential negative outcomes of technology implementation without proper understanding. Michael highlighted the need for organizations to adapt to the changing workforce and acknowledged the challenges faced by leaders in creating a culture that works for everyone. They also touched on the issue of disengaged employees and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing workforce.

Lisa emphasized the importance of innovation in businesses to adapt to the rapidly changing world. She proposed building an innovation process to leverage employees, customers, and clients' ideas, and to create a constant flow of new ideas to drive growth. Michael agreed, highlighting the need for internal marketing and creating a safe environment for employees to share ideas. He used the example of 3M and the Post-it notes to illustrate how an idea can lead to significant innovation and success.

Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of creating an environment where people can be creative and innovative, rather than being constrained by job descriptions and measurements. They emphasized the need for leaders to step back and let their team members do their jobs, as this fosters growth and development. They also highlighted the significance of succession planning and decentralizing decision-making to grow self-reliant leaders. The conversation concluded with the importance of hiring people who are better than oneself, as this benefits both the individual and the organization.

Lisa offered her self-reliant leadership program to Michael's audience, including an innovation engine blueprint and an innovation clarity call. She encouraged leaders to reach out to her via LinkedIn for more information. Michael appreciated the offer and encouraged his audience to take advantage of it, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and improvement.

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🎙️ Breakfast Leadership Show | Guest: Lisa L. Levy

🔗 Subscribe: YouTube | Podcast

EPISODE OVERVIEW:

What if your business could scale without you having to white-knuckle the wheel every day?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Lisa L. Levy, the brilliant disruptor behind Lcubed Consulting and author of the #1 best-seller Future Proofing Cubed. Lisa has helped thousands of founders stop putting out fires and start building businesses that can run—and grow—without them.

If you’re a founder or executive tired of being the bottleneck in your own business, this is your wake-up call.

Lisa breaks down her proprietary Adaptive Transformation™ Framework, which boosts productivity by 40% while reducing operational bottlenecks by 65%. It’s not theory—it’s a proven method for empowering leadership teams to take the reins, so you can actually lead… not manage chaos.

🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

How to break your business (strategically) to build a more resilient one

The “Freedom Framework” that enables $15M+ founders to step back without losing control

Why “That’s how we’ve always done it” is a dangerous phrase for scaling companies

How to align people, process, and tech to weather any storm

Real strategies to turn reactive teams into self-reliant leaders who think like owners

ABOUT LISA L. LEVY:

Lisa is the Founder & CEO of Lcubed Consulting and host of the Disrupt and Innovate podcast. Known for her no-nonsense approach to operational transformation, she helps visionary founders shift from stuck to scaling through clarity, enablement, and performance.

She's an award-winning leader, a transformational guide, and a true advocate for empowering businesses to run without the founder on speed dial.

Follow Lisa and mention "Innovation" and you hear Lisa on the Breakfast Leadership Show!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

LET’S CONNECT:

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow leader who's ready to get out of the weeds and into true leadership.

📩 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

#LeadershipTransformation #BusinessWithoutBurnout #AdaptiveLeadership #FounderFreedom #BreakfastLeadershipShow #LisaLLevy #SelfReliantTeams #BusinessScalability #OperationalExcellence

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

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Seeing the Unseen: Kevin’s Journey Through Business, Blind Spots, and Redemption

In this deeply introspective episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sat down with Kevin, a business owner and consultant whose journey is as cautionary as it is inspiring.

Kevin pulls back the curtain on his early days—driven, ambitious, but unaware of the blind spots that would later cost him everything. From selling a business during the height of the .com boom to entering a consulting deal that spiraled into a federal fraud case, Kevin's story is a sobering reminder of how even well-intentioned professionals can find themselves in unthinkable circumstances. His experience led to 33 months in federal prison for a crime he didn’t knowingly commit.

But Kevin's story doesn’t end in incarceration—it begins there. What followed was a profound period of personal growth. Kevin speaks candidly about the thinking errors and unconscious biases that clouded his judgment and how this hard-earned clarity sparked a lifelong commitment to self-awareness and helping others see what they might be missing.

Together, we explored the dangers of overlooked blind spots in leadership—how they lead to disengagement, poor communication, and costly turnover. We talked about the Gallup report highlighting the steep drop in employee engagement and what organizations must do to reverse that trend. Hint: it starts with middle management and a real investment in people—not just performance.

Kevin also introduced his Blind Spot Assessment, a powerful tool used by organizations including the American Board of Radiology to identify and address cognitive gaps in leaders. Whether for candidate screening or leadership development, it’s becoming a game-changer in building healthier workplace cultures.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership accountability, personal transformation, and the human capacity to rise from failure. Kevin’s bestselling book, Blind Spots: Why Good People Make Bad Choices, dives even deeper into his story—and it’s well worth the read.

If you’ve ever wondered how a leader can go from success to setback and back again—this one’s for you.

Website:  https://BlindSpots.com

Book:  https://amzn.to/3YMsJfQ

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

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From the Streets to Significance: Ken’s Incredible Journey of Redemption

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ken—a remarkable individual whose life journey redefines perseverance, transformation, and the human spirit. Born into hardship as the son of a teenage runaway and a pimp in New York City, Ken’s early years were marked by instability, foster care, and adoption. Despite earning his way to Dartmouth and achieving academic success, he faced a decades-long battle with addiction, homelessness, and multiple felony convictions.

But Ken’s story doesn’t end in darkness. In September 2024, he proudly celebrated 20 years of sobriety. Now a thriving business owner, Ken channels his energy into uplifting others and paying it forward.

The Turning Point: Choosing Growth Over a Life Sentence

Ken opens up about his time in prison, sharing a raw and honest perspective on the prison system, recovery, and the choices that can change everything. He identifies three common paths among inmates and the pivotal mindset shift that ultimately saved his life. During his third incarceration, Ken committed to rebuilding every part of himself—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. That commitment led him to a halfway house, a dedicated sponsor, and the intentional decision to reconnect with society in a meaningful way.

"Becoming Ken": A Story of Hope, Healing, and Humanity

Ken’s book, Becoming Ken, is more than a memoir—it’s a blueprint for transformation. We dive into the book’s core themes: understanding personal motivation, embracing pain as a teacher, and the critical importance of self-awareness and growth. Writing this book was no small feat, and Ken’s transparency about the process is both inspiring and empowering for anyone facing life’s hard chapters.

Hard Truths, Bold Choices, and a Call to Action

Ken and I also unpack the importance of courage in making life-altering decisions. He reminds us that pain isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to navigate. And when you face it head-on, healing becomes possible. Ken urges listeners to seek support, make bold choices, and above all, give back. His book launch is right around the corner, and he welcomes anyone who wants to learn more or connect directly.

🎧 Tune in for this unforgettable conversation—because no matter where you’ve been, your story isn’t over.

I'm Ken Miller, CFRE, and I help individuals and organizations harness the power of resilience. My message goes beyond survival—it's about reclaiming identity and integrity in adversity. Resilience is an act of self-assertion and radical love, a testament to transforming suffering into strength.

Through speaking engagements, seminars, and small group work, I guide leaders and teams in navigating setbacks to unlock their true potential. My clients experience relief, clarity, and inspiration, gaining practical insights to empower themselves and their organizations.

My passion stems from my own journey—20 years of homelessness, the support I received, and my transformation into a successful business owner and Ivy League graduate. As a Black man who has overcome immense challenges, I share an authentic, powerful message of hope, success, and resilience. Let’s explore resilience together and inspire growth through courage and compassion.

Book Launch May 19 2025:  https://becomingkenbook.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/

Speaking: https://kenmillerspeaks.com/

X:  https://x.com/DenaliFSP

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

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🎙️ 27 Years of Gold: Dana’s Journey Through the Precious Metals Market

📈 Central Banks, Sanctions, and Gold’s Role in a Shifting Economy

💡 Why Diversifying With Gold Just Makes Sense

💸 U.S. Debt, Political Divide & Financial Resilience

🔐 Gold: A Safety Net, Not Just an Investment

Dana is the Founder and President of American Gold Exchange (AGE), a leading national precious metals and rare coin company specializing in dealer-to-dealer trading and direct-to-consumer sales. 

He has been active in the physical gold and silver markets for 43 years and is a nationally recognized expert on vintage, pre-1933 US gold and silver coins. 

Dana is also recognized as an authority in the precious metals industry and has been interviewed by major media outlets, including Forbes, Market Watch, and Fox Business.

Because precious metals market prices are impacted by the US economy, the global economy, interest rates, currency fluctuations, international events and especially inflation of late, Dana has become very knowledgeable in all of these areas and can speak in depth as to what is happening and why in all of these markets, especially as to how they affect precious metals prices in dollars and in other currencies. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of AGE. Their business model is based on repeat business and referrals, and they enjoy the continued endorsement of a host of nationally recognized investment newsletter writers, financial advisors, and hard asset proponents. 

AGE also has an impeccable national reputation for honesty and integrity with their peers and clients, holding an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and almost perfect Trustpilot customer reviews.

Dana began his career in the early 1980s as a personal protege of James U. Blanchard III, one of the great industry giants and the individual most responsible for the re-legalization of private ownership of gold in the US in 1974. Did you know gold was illegal to own in the US between 1933 and 1974? 

He is also a past President of the Professional Numismatists Guild, the premiere organization of US rare coin dealers, whose principal goal is to uphold high standards of excellence among dealers so that trading in rare coins is risk-free for investors and collectors.

As president, Dana conceived of and contributed to the establishment of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, which today collaborates with Homeland Security and the Secret Service to identify and seize counterfeit bullion coins and bars (over $100M in street value thus far).

Topics of interest:

To get a sense of Dana, here's an episode he did on the Rich Dad Radio Show with Robert Kiyosaki, where he talked about what drives the price of gold.

Website:  https://www.amergold.com/

([email protected]) for more information on investing in gold and other precious metals.

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

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Reimagining Affordable Healthcare with Mark Newman of Nomi Health

In this compelling episode, Michael connects with Mark Newman, co-founder and CEO of Nomi Health, to tackle the unsustainable state of the U.S. healthcare system. Mark shares a bold vision: rebuilding healthcare from the ground up to be 30–50% more affordable. With every American contributing $1,600 annually to Medicare, Mark emphasizes that we can't afford not to innovate. Together, they unpack how business-minded strategies can drive healthcare transformation—making it not only more cost-effective but more accessible for everyone.

Cutting Through Complexity: Transparent Pricing in Healthcare

Michael and Mark dive deep into one of the healthcare system’s most pressing pain points: the lack of pricing transparency. From surprise bills to excessive admin burdens, they expose how the system drives up costs and burns out providers. Mark offers a refreshing solution—transparent, upfront pricing with no copays or deductibles. This model empowers patients, increases provider compensation, and saves employers and families money. It’s a call to action for simplicity and clarity in care.

Preventative Care: The $500 Billion Solution

What if we could save half a trillion dollars a year by focusing on prevention instead of reaction? Mark presents a transformative idea: double the compensation of primary care providers and pivot the system toward proactive, preventative care for every American. The initial investment—around $200 billion—pales in comparison to the potential economic impact: a trillion dollars returned annually to businesses, families, and government. Michael and Mark explore how prioritizing wellness today can dramatically reshape our health and financial future.

Fixing What’s Broken: A Smarter Approach to Healthcare

Wrapping up the conversation, Michael and Mark shine a light on the root inefficiencies plaguing today’s healthcare ecosystem. From misaligned incentives that reward reactive treatment to outdated administrative processes, it’s clear the system needs a redesign. Mark calls for a healthcare model that prioritizes simplicity, efficiency, and preventative care. He encourages listeners ready to be part of the solution to learn more at nomihealth.com.

 Mark Newman

Mark Newman is a visionary leader who is reshaping the healthcare landscape as the co-founder and CEO of Nomi Health. With a relentless focus on eliminating inefficiencies in the traditional healthcare system, Mark and his team are driving innovation to make care more accessible, affordable, and effective. Under his leadership, Nomi Health is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, cutting costs by up to 30% while ensuring better patient outcomes. Mark is a bold entrepreneur and changemaker committed to challenging the status quo and building a future where healthcare works for everyone.

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

Website:  https://www.nomihealth.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 for Growth: Lessons from Cogent Analytics with Robert and Michael

In this insightful episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Robert from Cogent Analytics to explore how businesses can scale and thrive—even in the face of disruption. Robert shares the incredible journey of growing Cogent Analytics from a lean startup to a 250+ employee powerhouse. Their success has been built on strategic business development, organizational and process engineering, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Resilience in the Face of Change

Robert reflects on how the company navigated the pandemic by pivoting to remote work and reimagining their service offerings. Together, Robert and Michael emphasize the value of operational efficiency, cost control, and continuous learning as pillars of long-term success.

The Realities of Supply Chain Disruptions

The conversation shifts to the complex challenges of modern supply chain management—from tariff changes to rising goods costs. Michael sheds light on how these disruptions, like spiking egg prices due to bird flu, create ripple effects across the economy. He points out that many businesses’ reliance on just-in-time inventory can leave them vulnerable in unstable markets.

Strategic Response to Tariff Pauses

Robert discusses how the recent pause on tariffs brought short-term relief for many companies but warns that organizations must remain vigilant and cost-conscious. He reinforces the need for smart, steady decision-making amid economic uncertainty—no matter the size of your business.

The Ripple Effect of Business Decisions

Michael and Robert delve into the community-level impact of business decisions. Michael shares a real-world example of a local restaurant struggling after a key government office relocation. It's a reminder that business strategy doesn’t just affect balance sheets—it shapes the lives of employees, partners, and communities.

Future-Focused Entrepreneurship

Robert encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond short-term fires and adopt a long-term lens. From building cash reserves to embracing hard conversations about the future, he offers practical advice for leaders who want to stay relevant and resilient in an ever-evolving landscape.

Surprising Success—and Platform Risks

To wrap things up, Michael and Robert reflect on the unpredictability of success in today’s digital world. They touch on how algorithm changes (like Facebook’s) or dependence on volatile platforms (like TikTok) can create both opportunity and risk for growing businesses.

If you're an entrepreneur or business leader navigating rapid change, this episode delivers valuable insight into building a business that’s not just successful—but sustainable.

Website: cogentanalytics.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.

The Power of a Fractional CMO: Strategic Growth Without Full-Time Overhead

In this episode, Michael sits down with Angela, a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), to explore the advantages of bringing in high-level marketing expertise—without the commitment of a full-time hire. They discuss how fractional CMOs provide strategic direction, prevent costly marketing missteps, and help businesses focus on core growth instead of getting lost in daily execution. Michael highlights the value of fresh, external perspectives, while Angela explains how a fractional CMO can also train and equip internal teams for long-term success.

How Team Interaction Can Elevate Work Quality

Angela shares a real-world leadership challenge: addressing the decline in a long-serving team member’s performance. By increasing direct engagement, setting clearer priorities, and managing workload effectively, she helped turn things around—leading to improved work quality and renewed enthusiasm from the team member. Michael emphasizes the importance of leaders actively supporting their teams, organizing tasks more effectively, and creating environments where employees can thrive.

Marketing Success Starts with Strong Foundations

Michael and Angela break down the core principles of successful marketing strategies. Angela stresses the need for intentional action—focusing on the right marketing channels rather than chasing trends. Michael reinforces this with a striking statistic: 52% of Fortune 500 companies from 25 years ago no longer exist, largely due to unclear marketing and business strategies. Together, they discuss the importance of messaging clarity, customer attraction, and ongoing adaptation to stay competitive.

Website:  https://www.growthdirective.com/

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

About

Companies like 23andMe, Lemonaid Health, Aeroflow Healthcare, and Total Body Experts prove that health and wellness is a growing industry.

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.

Beyond Money: The Real Keys to Employee Motivation

Welcome to the Breakfast Leadership Network podcast. I'm your host, and today we're diving into something every leader needs to understand: why throwing money at employee motivation just doesn't cut it anymore.

Here's the thing - while a healthy paycheck keeps the lights on, it's got a surprisingly short shelf life, especially for seasoned professionals who are financially stable. If you're still relying solely on cash incentives, you're basically running on an expensive hamster wheel that might not lead anywhere.

Let's break down the ten key motivators that actually work:

First up is Autonomy. Give your people the freedom to own their work. When team members can choose how to reach their goals - whether through flexible hours or picking their project path - they're naturally more invested.

Next, focus on Mastery. People are hardwired to grow. Offer challenging opportunities, whether it's leading a new initiative or developing new skills. When employees see a clear growth path, they're more likely to stick around.

Third, connect work to Purpose. Show your team how their daily efforts make a real impact. Share customer success stories and concrete results. When people see their work changing lives, they're not just employees - they're part of something bigger.

Let's talk about Recognition and Culture. A simple, specific "well done" can be more powerful than a bonus check. Combine this with a positive work environment where people actually want to show up, and you're golden.

Collaboration and Transparency are crucial. Build strong team connections and keep everyone informed about the bigger picture. When people understand the 'why' behind decisions, they're more engaged.

Don't forget about Work-Life Integration. Your team members are human beings with lives outside work. Support them in managing both, and you'll get their best performance.

Finally, focus on Creative Input and Personalized Perks. Let people shape the company's future and tailor benefits to individual needs. One size doesn't fit all.

Remember, great leadership isn't about throwing money at problems - it's about creating an environment where people naturally want to give their best. When you nail these elements, you'll have a team that's not just present, but truly engaged.

For more leadership insights and strategies, visit us at

https://BreakfastLeadership.com

Until next time, lead with purpose!

Debt help:  https://mydebtnavigator.pro/levittm

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.