Dr. Mitchell Levy Presents

“Who experiences this decision?” that can transform leadership, culture, and business outcomes by shifting focus from silos and short-term profit to a broader ecosystem of stakeholders. Dr. Mitchell Levy contrasts the dark path of Executive Incoherence, where leaders optimize only their own functions and metrics, with the brighter but more challenging path of Executive Abundance, which serves family, employees, customers, investors, and the community. Drawing on his dissertation and work inspired by Deming and Drucker, Mitchell explains how productivity and AI have been misused to optimize workers out of the system, creating long-term societal and economic risks. He reframes legacy as the success and dinner-table conversations of stakeholders, asking leaders to consider whether those daily stories are positive or negative. Mitchell then outlines the Executive Abundance engine's clarity, credibility, consistency, and commitment, highlighting the power of articulating purpose in 3-9 words so entire organizations can move in the same direction.

Takeaways:

* Ask “Who experiences this decision?” every time you choose personally and professionally to shift from siloed, short-term thinking to decisions that positively impact all stakeholders.

* Executive Abundance beats Executive Incoherence by focusing on five stakeholder groups: family/self, employees, customers, investors, and community rather than optimizing only for quarterly profit.

* True leadership legacy is measured in stakeholder success and their dinner-table conversations about you, supported by an engine of clarity (3–9 word purpose), credibility, consistency, and commitment.

Quotes:

* “Who experiences this decision?”

* “The legacy of a leader is felt in the success of their stakeholders.”

* “If we continue to optimize employees, we will eventually optimize out employees.”

Timestamps:

[00:00:04] – Introducing Dr. Mitchell Levy and the Core Question

[00:02:30] – From Engineering the Engine to Centering the “Who”

[00:04:01] – Redefining Legacy Through Stakeholder Success

[00:07:00] – Executive Incoherence vs. Executive Abundance

[00:10:05] – Deming, Drucker, and the Misuse of Productivity

[00:11:33] – Legacy as Dinner Conversations

[00:15:53] – The Executive Abundance Engine: Clarity, Credibility, Consistency, Commitment

[00:19:01] – A Call to Share and Act on Executive Abundance

Conclusion:

Mitchell Levy leaves leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers with a simple but demanding challenge: start filtering every choice through the question “Who experiences this decision?” and measure success by the ripple effects on family, employees, customers, investors, and the broader community. Rather than chasing only quarterly numbers and silo wins, he urges a shift toward Executive Abundance, where legacy is defined by stakeholder success and the stories you tell at the dinner table. With a clear purpose statement, credibility, consistency, and real commitment even during scarcity, leaders can bring humanity back to business and ensure AI and productivity tools uplift people instead of optimizing them out. The real test, he suggests, isn’t understanding the framework; it’s deciding who you’ll share it with and what you’ll actually change so that everyone who experiences your decisions benefits more fully.

If you like what you’re hearing and want to dive deeper into credibility, clarity, and how to show up as your best self, visit MitchellLevy.com. You can also book time directly on the calendar at https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us to start your journey toward greater credibility today!

Emails/Links:

Website: [email protected]

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchell.levy/?hl=en

What does executive presence really look like when leadership means walking the talk, building trust, and making people feel safe enough to approach you? Sally Foley Lewis believes great leadership starts with credibility, visibility, integrity, and the ability to help people truly “get it,” and her memorable burger leadership metaphor makes middle-manager development practical and unforgettable. Leadership also means knowing how to recover from mistakes, and Sally shares a powerful cross-cultural experience that taught her the importance of direct communication, apology, clarification, self-coaching, and forgiveness. Strong values can become especially challenging when trust is broken, ethical leadership is tested, and organizational structures force you to keep working with people who no longer have your confidence. Mitchell Levy and Sally Foley Lewis explore values-based leadership, executive presence, middle management, leadership integrity, trust, psychological safety, ethical decision-making, and what it takes to lead authentically when doing the right thing is uncomfortable.

Key Takeaways

* Sally’s mission is helping people “get it.” Her core identity is service, measured by those moments when others’ eyes light up with understanding.

* Middle managers are the powerhouse. She champions mid-level leaders as the critical engine of organizations and focuses her work on building their capability, confidence, and courage.

* The burger metaphor makes leadership more memorable. By turning each burger layer into a leadership element, she creates a fun, sticky framework that helps complex ideas of land and stay.

* Ethics is her hardest value to live in. When others’ behavior clashes with her ethics, it creates real tension especially when she must continue working with people, she no longer trusts.

* Leaders must manage mistakes and misalignment. Misunderstandings (especially cross-cultural) and ethical gray areas are inevitable; Sally leans on self-forgiveness, trusted counsel, and patience instead of rushing reactions.

Quotes

* “I’m the person who helps people get it.”

* “We are, as much as the ego needs to learn it, not for everyone.”

* “The best is in the middle.”

* “My kitsch is my niche.”

* “Have I done everything that I could possibly do to rectify the situation? If yes, forgive yourself.”

* “When we are confronted with a challenge to a value, how do you reconcile it when you can’t fix it quickly and easily?”

Time stamps:00:00 – Mitchell Levy Welcomes Sally Foley Lewis & Defines Executive Presence00:40 – Executive Presence: Credibility, Visibility, Safety & Authenticity01:55 – Sally’s Core Identity: Helping People “Get It”03:20 – Family, Siblings & Low-Pressure Relationships04:30 – Long-Term Friendships, Loyalty & Personal Boundaries05:04 – How Family Shapes Our Identity Over Time06:10 – Triggers, Sibling Dynamics & Choosing to Move Forward07:10 – Seasons of Life & Knowing When to Let Go08:07 – Time Zones, Time Travel & Leadership Banter08:36 – Sally’s Red Brand, Cheeseburger Decor & Leadership Identity08:51 – Why Sally Focuses on Middle Managers09:47 – Elevating Mid-Level Leaders in a Crowded Leadership Space10:24 – “The Best Is in the Middle”: The Burger Leadership Metaphor11:20 – Becoming “The Burger Lady”12:21 – How Every Burger Component Represents Leadership12:51 – Leadership, Operations & Optimization Through the Burger Metaphor13:16 – When People Thought the Burger Concept Was “Unhealthy”14:03 – “Build Your Own Burger”: Making Leadership Learning Stick15:03 – When Someone Finally “Gets It”16:03 – The Power of Memorable Leadership Lessons16:24 – Helping People Say “I Get It”16:39 – Who Doesn’t Get Sally’s Leadership Approach?16:57 – Leadership Workshops, CEOs & Creating the Right Environment17:40 – Psychological Safety: Giving Teams Space to Speak Freely18:30 – Managing Leadership Expectations & Protecting Trust19:10 – When Senior Leaders Feel Challenged by Leadership Development20:19 – What Happens When Leadership Goes Wrong?20:45 – A Major Cross-Cultural Leadership Misunderstanding21:45 – Apology, Communication & Repairing Trust22:14 – Learning From Mistakes Before They Escalate23:03 – How Leaders Handle Mistakes After the Fact23:11 – Ruminating, Overthinking & Leadership Self-Awareness24:00 – Self-Coaching, Accountability & Self-Forgiveness24:32 – How to Connect With Sally Foley Lewis25:20 – The Hardest Leadership Value to Live25:35 – Why Ethics Can Be the Hardest Value to Practice26:05 – A Real-World Ethical Leadership Challenge27:10 – Trust, Misaligned Behavior & Organizational Complexity28:00 – Leadership Advice: Be Kind to Yourself & Don’t Rush28:24 – Ethical Boundaries, Trust & Difficult Relationships29:18 – Being “Mentally Done” While Still Having to Engage29:41 – Working With People You No Longer Trust30:25 – External vs. Internal Integrity: The Leadership Red Flag31:18 – Mitchell Levy Thanks Sally Foley Lewis31:42 – Credible Leadership as an Ongoing Growth Journey32:13 – Final Aha Moments, Sharing & Spreading “Cred Dust”

Conclusion It is a powerful reminder that real leadership is lived in the middle where values, people, and daily decisions intersect, not just at the top of the org chart. By championing middle managers as the “powerhouse” of organizations and turning leadership into a memorable burger metaphor, Sally shows how complex ideas become practical and “sticky” when they’re grounded in real human experience. Her commitment to ethics, integrity, and psychological safety, especially when those values are tested, offers a clear, honest lens for what executive presence really looks like: credibility, visibility, and a sense of safety for the people around you.

If Sally’s stories and insights sparked an “I get it” moment for you, don’t let it stop there. Reflect on how you’re showing up for the “middle” in your own world, the people between strategy and execution, expectations and reality. Ask yourself where your ethics are being stretched, how aligned your internal and external integrity really are, and what you can do to help others feel safer, seen, and supported. Then share what resonated with you and connect with Sally to continue the journey of building capable, confident, and courageous leaders in the middle.

Dain Dunston shares how his understanding of executive presence goes far beyond polish or performance, defining it as knowing where you are and who you’re being in each moment so people feel truly seen and heard. He traces this way of being back to formative experiences from deep, unexpected teenage conversations on a balcony overlooking Sydney Harbor, to a life-changing “crossroads moment” in Western Kansas where his listening helped a stranger reconsider declaring bankruptcy. Dain unpacks his lifelong exploration of presence, radical self-awareness, and coherence, showing how he moved from writing speeches for top executives to coaching them on their presence on stage and in the C-suite. The conversation also moves into profoundly personal territory as Dain discusses the recent loss of his wife and how he navigated grief by fully being with what is through caregiving, allowing himself to feel, and ultimately releasing deeply held emotions in a powerful moment by a lakeside wedding stage. Along the way, he and Mitchell explore life as an odyssey, the risk of “forgetting who we are,” and why real leadership in a rapidly changing world is less about title or strategy and more about who you are being, how present you are with others, and how you use that presence to serve and uplift the people around you. Key Takeaways

* Treat executive presence as knowing where you are and who you’re being in the moment, not just how polished you look or how well you perform.

* Remember that who you are being matters more than what you’re saying; people feel your presence before they process your words.

* Deep leadership often starts with deep listening: creating spaces (like Dain’s Sydney Harbor balcony) where people feel safe to share what they’ve never voiced before.

* Life is an odyssey, not a straight line expects ups, downs, pauses, and “lotus moments” where you forget who you are, then consciously find your way back home.

* Real growth requires radical self-awareness being honest about your patterns, including how you may have sabotaged relationships or success in the past.

* Grief and loss aren’t problems to solve but experiences to be present with; fully feeling and expressing emotion is a crucial part of healing.

Powerful Quotes

* “Executive presence is just the ability to know where you are. We spend so much time unconscious of who we’re being, and when we can really get better at that, things really start to change.”

* “In that moment at the crossroads, you don’t just get to choose which direction you’re going to turn; you have to change who you’re being to do it.”

* “If we can either be with what’s going on, or be able to change it, and if we can’t change it, be at home with it, then that changes who we’re being.”

Timestamps

[00:00] Mitchell introduces author Dain Dunston and asks Dain what executive presence means to him. [00:36] Dain defines executive presence as knowing where you are and who you’re being in the moment, explaining how awareness changes how we listen and are being listened to. [01:40] Dain shares his teenage balcony experience overlooking Sydney Harbor, where friends unexpectedly opened up deeply, and he discovered the power of deep listening and good questions. [03:46] Dain tells his “crossroads moment” story in Western Kansas at age 21, hitchhiking with a farmer headed to declare bankruptcy, and how their conversation led the man to turn around. [07:44] Dain explains his evolution from writing speeches and directing big conferences to coaching top executives on who they are being on stage and in the Cushite. [09:28] Dain describes his life in a small artist village outside Austin, Texas, his community of writers and musicians, and how he spends his days walking dogs, hiking, working out, writing, and coaching. [10:46] Dain talks about being “hijacked by neuroscientists,” his involvement with the NPN Hub on neuroplasticity, and collaborating on work around reclaiming genius. [12:23] Dain shares his core values of radical self-awareness and presence, why he avoids the word “enlightenment,” and his commitment to living what he writes in his book Being Essential. [13:12] Dain reveals that his beloved wife recently passed away after a period of cognitive decline and hospice, and Mitchell asks how someone so focused on presence navigates such a massive loss. [14:03] Dain describes being fully present through his wife’s decline and caregiving, then facing his own grief afterward, including a health scare with extreme blood pressure that had no physical cause. [20:03] At a lakeside retreat, Dain begins talking to his late wife “in the water” and, the next day, stepping onto a white wedding stage, he experiences a powerful, uncontrollable release of grief. [22:49] Mitchell and Dain dive into the idea of coherence: staying whole and grounded when plans fail, and circumstances change, and how leaders can respond from a coherent state. [27:26] Dain reflects on today’s world as a major turning point in history, comparing it to past eras of upheaval, and challenges leaders to focus on service, contribution, and helping others. [29:54] Mitchell and Dain connect leadership to CPOP (Customer Point of Possibilities), shifting from self-interest to expanding what’s possible for others. [30:48] Mitchell closes by inviting listeners to share their biggest aha moments from Dain’s stories on social media, tag both, and use the conversation to positively impact their own audiences.

Conclusion:

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Mitchell Levy and Dain Dunston show that true leadership isn’t about titles, polish, or perfectly executed strategies; it’s about presence, coherence, and the courage to be fully human. Through stories of Sydney Harbor, a dusty Kansas crossroads, corporate boardrooms, and the intimate terrain of grief, Dain illustrates how knowing who you are being in each moment changes everything: how you lead, how you love, and how you serve. If you take one thing from this episode, let it be this: your greatest impact as a leader comes not from what you achieve, but from the quality of your presence and the way people are changed by being in it. Resources & Links

Connect with Dain Dunston

* Website: http://www.daindunston.com

Executive presence is explored as a blend of body language, image, expression, attitude, and, above all, the energy that drives every thought, word, and action. Regina shares how a freedom-loving, adventurous life across multiple countries has shaped her adaptability, discernment, and commitment to living authentically. She explains freedom as an inner state of mind—rooted in choice over one’s reactions, mood, and life path—rather than something granted purely by external circumstances. The conversation highlights how social conditioning and traditional education can separate people from their true desires, requiring a conscious “peeling of the onion” to reconnect with one’s essence. Regina now supports successful leaders and business owners who feel trapped by their own achievements, guiding them to redefine success, reclaim joy, and access a deeper sense of inner power.

Timestamp:

00:00 – Welcome & Topic Setup00:42 – What Is Executive Presence?01:47 – “I Am That I Am”: Who Is Regina?02:34 – Adventurous, Nomadic Life Story04:08 – Adaptability, Discernment & Staying True to Self05:57 – Dancing as an Expression of Freedom07:03 – Freedom as a State of Mind08:13 – An Amazing but Imperfect Life09:03 – Adversity, Options & Unlimited Possibilities11:28 – Expectations, Proving Yourself & Confidence15:20 – Origins of a Deep Need for Freedom17:02 – Freedom Defined as Choice18:19 – Influence of Others vs. Choosing Your Own Path20:06 – How School Educates You Out of Yourself21:36 – From “No Pain, No Gain” to “No Fun, No Gain”22:47 – Ideal Clients: Successful but Trapped Leaders23:50 – Redefining Success & Living Fully Alive24:33 – Transforming Leaders, Transforming Teams25:46 – Essence, Consciousness & Lifelong Evolution28:07 – How to Connect with Regina28:43 – Where Do You Find Your Power?29:50 – Regina’s Practice for Accessing Inner Power31:16 – Closing Reflections & Call to Action

Key Takeaways:

* Executive presence starts with energy. It’s not just body language or appearance; it’s the underlying energy that shapes every thought, word, and action.

* Freedom is primarily an inner state. True freedom comes from recognizing you always have choice—over your mood, responses, and life direction—regardless of external circumstances.

* You must reclaim your essence from conditioning. School, culture, and expectations often pull you away from who you really are; “peeling the onion” to rediscover your authentic desires is essential, especially for successful leaders who feel trapped by their own success.

Powerful Quotes:

* “Freedom is choice, and freedom is recognizing this choice.” – Regina Huber

* “We’re literally educated out of who we are, so we need to relearn who we are and what our true desires are.” – Regina Huber

* “Our power is never outside of ourselves; no one can empower you but yourself.” – Regina Huber

Links:

* Show: Leaders Living Their Values with Mitchell Levy, Global Credibility Expert

* Suggested Social Sharing: Share your favorite “aha” moment from this episode on your preferred social platform.

* Tag @Mitchell Levy and mention Anton Guinea to spread their “cred dust.”

Conclusion:

This piece centers on a powerful reminder that real influence and fulfillment arise from inner alignment rather than external achievement. Regina invites a rethinking of success: not as constant striving or “no pain, no gain,” but as a joyful, self-chosen path grounded in authenticity and freedom of mind. Her journey across countries, careers, and identities illustrates how discernment and self-awareness can help shed layers of conditioning and reveal one’s deeper essence. At its core, the message is that freedom is an ongoing practice of choosing how to think, feel, and respond, regardless of circumstances. The lasting challenge posed to the listener is simple but profound: where do you locate your power, and are you willing to claim it from within?

What does it really mean to be a good human in today's fast-paced world? Leadership coach Anton Guinea explores how leadership extends far beyond the workplace and into every role we play in life. He shares why he doesn't separate work from life, choosing instead to build a lifestyle he genuinely enjoys. Through personal stories about his family, coaching, and everyday interactions, Anton explains his philosophy of leaving people better than you found them and creating a positive impact wherever you go. He also discusses the importance of respect, psychological safety, and understanding others' values, showing how empathy, trust, and genuine care are the foundation of meaningful leadership and lasting influence.

Timestamps

[00:00] Who are you beyond your job? Husband, father, business owner—and why that order matters

[02:00] “I don’t work to live or live to work—I live”: blending work, life, and leadership into one [06:00] High life-satisfaction through routine: early mornings, coaching from home, and leading in every role

[07:00] “Be a good human”: leaving people better than you found them and the power of emotional contagion

[10:00] Born to lead: Toby’s school captain story and how leadership is embodied, not given [13:00] Rethinking “leadership is taken”: why language matters and shifting to leadership as being, not doing

[16:00] Being led by your children: how kids influence parents to grow and become better humans

[19:00] Personal leadership in action: a son who quits real estate to become a naval aviator and pilot

[21:00] Likability and credibility: showing respect, sharing your stage, and spreading others’ “cred dust”

[22:00] Respect as valuing time: how showing up early signals care, trust, and professionalism

[24:00] What respect really is: not violating others’ values, beliefs, or emotional states

[26:00] Psychological safety at work: accepting different beliefs and avoiding attacks on deep convictions

[27:00] Inclusion, diversity, and acceptance: “They do them; we do us”—and meeting in the middle

[28:00] Speak Safe and the CARE model: communicate with Acceptance, Responsibility, and Empathy

[30:00] The temptation to sell vs. choosing service: why focusing on value draws people closer to you

[31:00] Final reflections and next steps: spreading cred dust, sharing your aha moments, and connecting with Anton

Key Takeaways

• Define yourself by who you are—husband, parent, friend—not just by what you do for work.

• Integrate work and life so you’re not working to live or living to work—you’re simply living in a way that makes you happy and adds value.

• Aim to “be a good human” by intentionally leaving people better than you found them and lifting the energy in every room you enter.

• Treat leadership as something you embody through your actions and character, not something granted by a title.

• Show real respect by not violating others’ values, beliefs, or emotional states, especially in emotionally charged topics.

• Create psychological safety by communicating with acceptance, taking responsibility for your impact, and practicing empathy in every interaction.

Powerful Quotes

“Don’t work to live and don’t live to work—live in a way that makes you happy and adds value.”

“Be a good human: leave people better than you found them, do more good than harm, and let your energy lift the room when you walk in.”

“Respect is not violating someone else’s values, beliefs, or emotional state—that’s the foundation of psychological safety and real leadership.”

About Anton Guinea

Anton Guinea is a leadership coach, business owner, and trainer who builds his life and work around one core idea: “be a good human.” A devoted husband and father of two sons, Anton sees leadership as a way of being in every role—at home, at work, and in the community—rather than a title. He runs leadership programs where he challenges people to embody traits like integrity, influence, respect, and professionalism by intentionally leaving others better than they found them. Through stories about his sons, he illustrates personal leadership, resilience, and choosing bold paths in life. Anton also focuses heavily on respect and psychological safety, defining respect as not violating another person’s values, beliefs, or emotional state, and teaching leaders to communicate with acceptance, responsibility, and empathy so they can create workplaces where people feel safe, seen, and inspired to lead.

Resources & Links

• Connect with Anton Guinea o Website:

https://antonguinea.com.au

• About the Show o Show: Leaders Living Their Values with Mitchell Levy, Global Credibility Expert

• Suggested Social Sharing o Share your favorite “aha” moment from this episode on your preferred social platform.

o Tag @Mitchell Levy and mention Anton Guinea to spread their “cred dust.”

Conclusion

This conversation with Anton Guinea is a powerful reminder that real leadership starts with who you are, not the title you hold. By choosing to simply live—rather than working to live or living to work—Anton shows how integrating family, purpose, and profession can create a deeply satisfying life. His mantra to “be a good human” and his definition of respect as not violating someone else’s values offer a clear, practical lens for building trust, psychological safety, and influence at home, at work, and in every interaction. If Anton’s stories and ideas gave you an “aha” moment, take the next step: reflect on how you show up as a leader in your own life, share what resonated with you, and connect with Anton to continue the journey of embodied, values-driven leadership.

What happens when decades of experience in technology, global business, and leadership lead to one simple conclusion—that people matter more than profits? Business strategist John Philpin shares his journey from growing up as a UK "army brat" to becoming a Silicon Valley executive and ultimately a people-first advocate based in New Zealand. He explains why traditional corporate culture often prioritizes shareholders over individuals and how organizations can create more human-centered workplaces. John reflects on how COVID-19 and a cancer diagnosis reshaped his life and perspective, discusses why education and business systems often reward compliance instead of curiosity, and shares his approach to working only with coachable clients. He also explores authenticity through fairness and clarity, and explains why his book remains relevant for leaders navigating constant disruption and change.

Quotes:

* “Not all revenue is good revenue.”A powerful reminder that taking every paying client can hurt your business, drain your energy, and compromise your standards.

* “We, as humans, spend too long serving the master, and the master is the corporate.”John challenges the idea that people exist to serve corporations, instead arguing that organizations should serve human needs.

* “We train, we don’t educate.”A critique of modern systems that produce compliant workers instead of curious, discerning thinkers who can drive real change.

Takeaways:

* Corporations are still largely optimized to serve investors rather than humans, and John’s mission is to help leaders shift to genuinely people-first thinking without sacrificing commercial effectiveness.

* Coachability is a non-negotiable filter for good clients and leaders; saying no to uncoachable clients is essential because not all revenue is good revenue.

* Our systems—education and corporate alike—tend to train for compliance rather than curiosity, which stifles discernment, innovation, and the kind of authentic, fair leadership John advocates.

Timeline:

0:00 – Mitchell welcomes listeners, introduces the theme of credibility, and brings on guest John Philpin.0:50 – John shares his background growing up as an army brat, working in Silicon Valley, and eventually relocating to New Zealand.2:00 – John explains his mission to help corporations shift from shareholder-first to people-first thinking.3:10 – Mitchell challenges whether corporations are truly changing, noting their ongoing focus on investors.3:40 – John talks about the rise in new entrepreneurial businesses and how many are driven by layoffs rather than choice.4:15 – John describes his career in software and how it evolved into a people-first philosophy.5:20 – He recalls using technology in corporate roles to empower individuals and improve customer experiences.6:10 – John shares how a holiday to New Zealand turned permanent due to COVID and a subsequent cancer diagnosis.7:00 – He reflects on feeling both more and less empowered living in New Zealand compared to the US.8:00 – John compares New Zealand’s human rights and indigenous protections with those of other countries, especially the US.9:20 – He explains how the actual enforcement of protective laws shapes everyday business behavior.10:10 – John discusses New Zealand’s habit of “fixing things locally” and how that can limit looking outward for solutions.11:05 – He describes what makes a great client: paying attention, experimenting, and staying engaged in long-term change.12:10 – John critiques hyper-specialization in marketing roles, which fragments work and obscures the bigger picture.13:10 – He explains his value as someone who connects the dots across organizational silos.13:55 – John shares why he loves turning theory into practice and diagnosing root causes in companies.15:10 – They discuss internal power dynamics and how strong departments can mask the real issues.15:55 – Mitchell asks what John does if a client turns out not to be coachable.16:10 – John clarifies that he evaluates coachability before accepting any engagement.17:10 – He recalls a promising New Zealand prospect who suddenly pulled back, likely due to internal fear of change.18:00 – They talk about why many people stay stuck in corporate roles due to financial obligations and fear of the unknown.18:40 – John criticizes systems that train people to comply rather than to think and be curious.19:30 – He warns that many new entrepreneurs may struggle if they can’t be discerning or say no.20:00 – John shares his maxim that not all revenue is good revenue, stressing the need to reject misaligned clients.20:45 – They explore cultural norms like “don’t answer back” and how they discourage questioning authority.21:40 – John traces modern education back to factory-era needs, misaligned with today’s fast-changing world.22:30 – He notes how many tech leaders and AI practitioners learned outside traditional academic paths.23:15 – John points out everyday rules that quietly limit curiosity and exploration.23:50 – They connect these patterns to frustrated employees and corporate resistance to change.24:35 – John describes how AI rollouts and surveillance tools naturally trigger fear and pushback.25:00 – Mitchell shares that he experiences John as deeply authentic, with no BS or hidden agenda.25:15 – John explains he focuses on fairness and clarity rather than chasing “authenticity” as a buzzword.26:00 – He talks about long-term professional relationships built on trust and straightforward communication.26:40 – John reflects on how his work is best understood experientially, not through a simple label.27:35 – He gives his contact details and clarifies which “John Philpin” he is online.28:00 – John and Mitchell discuss his book about business owners blindsided by a changing world and its relevance to COVID and AI.29:10 – John considers adapting the book’s framework into a guide for navigating a cancer journey.30:00 – Mitchell thanks John, invites listeners to share their biggest insights on social media, and encourages them to tag both of them.30:40 – The conversation closes with a reminder about credibility, clarity, and living your values.

Conclusion:

This discussion highlights how rapidly shifting realities can expose the gaps in our systems, from investor-obsessed corporate cultures to education models that reward compliance over curiosity. John Philpin’s journey—from global corporate software roles to a people-first advocate living in New Zealand, navigating both COVID and cancer—shows how personal and professional shocks can become catalysts for deeper clarity. His insistence on coachable clients, fair expectations, and honest, long-term relationships offers a practical model for credible leadership in uncertain times. The rise of entrepreneurship, the spread of AI, and growing frustration inside organizations all point toward an urgent need to re-center humans, not just shareholders, at the heart of business. Ultimately, the challenge for leaders is to develop the discernment to say no to the wrong opportunities, to say yes to meaningful change, and to have the courage to keep learning as the world keeps rewriting the rules.

Links:

* Website:

https://mitchelllevy.com

Guest – John Philpin

* Main website:

https://philpin.com

* Blog:

https://john.philpin.com

* Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnphilpin/

What would change if you stopped complying with everyone else’s expectations and started living by your own values? And what happens when someone finally says, “I see you”?

In this thought-provoking conversation, Mitchell Levy sits down with Ed Brenegar—leadership thinker, author of Circle of Impact, podcast host, social catalyst, and father—to explore what it means to live your values, unlock others' potential, and take personal initiative in a world that rewards compliance.

Ed shares why every person he knows is operating below their potential, how he uses his podcast to recognize and affirm people who have never been seen as “someone special,” and why he says no to things because his yeses are more important. From transforming an electric utility into one of America’s most trustworthy companies to melting the guarded demeanor of a 28-year-old employee with a single moment of recognition, Ed reveals how values, trust, and relationships create lasting change.

Whether you’re leading an organization, raising a family, rebuilding your career, or simply trying to become the person you’re meant to be, this conversation offers practical wisdom on servant leadership, personal initiative, and choosing to change your life on your own terms.

Timestamps

[00:00] Fatherhood as friendship: treating children as adults builds lifelong trust

[04:00] Everyone is operating below their potential—and why that changes everything

[08:00] Using a podcast to say “I see you” to people no one has recognized

[12:00] Community in real life: what a Friday Go club teaches about connection

[16:00] Redefining success as influence that ripples through networks of people

[19:00] How a values statement helped turn a utility into one of America’s 100 most trustworthy companies

[24:00] The residual culture of values that lives in people, not executives

[28:00] Coachability, honesty, and knowing when to walk away from a client

[31:00] Can you change your life by choice—or only when circumstances force you?

Key Takeaways

* Say no to demands that don’t matter because your yeses—your values and priorities—are more important.

* Recognize and affirm the unseen people around you; a moment of genuine recognition can transform someone.

* Build trust through relationships, because the culture of an organization lives in its people, not its leadership titles.

* Take personal initiative to change your life by choice—test things, talk to people, and work your network—rather than waiting for circumstances to force you.

Powerful Quotes

“I’m going to say no to things because I have yeses that are more important.”

“Everybody I know is operating below their potential.”

“I see you. I recognize you. I want to appreciate you.”

“There is a persistent residual culture of values that persists because it resides in the relationships of the people.”

“Everything’s personal and relational.”

About Ed Brenegar

Ed Brenegar is a leadership thinker, author, speaker, podcast host, and social catalyst dedicated to helping people discover and act on the values that matter most to them. Author of Circle of Impact, Ed has spent decades guiding executives, organizations, and everyday people to take personal initiative, build trust-based relationships, and realize the untapped potential within themselves and others. His passion lies in seeing people—especially the unrecognized—and encouraging them to make the difference they were meant to make.

Resources & Links

* Connect with Ed Brenegar by email at [email protected] or visit

https://edbrenegar.com/

* Read Ed’s book, Circle of Impact

* Learn more from host Mitchell Levy at

https://mitchelllevy.com/

Conclusion

Real leadership isn’t about titles, celebrity, or social media reach—it’s about seeing people, honoring your values, and taking initiative when it would be easier to comply. Ed Brenegar reminds us that everyone is operating below their potential, that trust lives in relationships rather than org charts, and that you can change your life by choice rather than waiting for circumstances to force you. If you’re ready to say yes to what truly matters, this episode is the place to start.

What makes someone worth following? Is leadership defined by titles, promotions, influence, or something much deeper?

In this inspiring conversation, Mitchell Levy sits down with Bob Fabien Zinga—U.S. Navy Commander, cybersecurity executive, professor, speaker, coach, and leadership mentor—to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity and live in line with your values.

Bob shares how his identity as a child of God transformed the way he views success, leadership, family, and legacy. Rather than chasing status or accomplishments, he explains why trust is earned, why leadership always begins at home, and why developing other leaders is the greatest achievement anyone can pursue.

Whether you’re leading a business, raising a family, managing a team, or simply trying to become a better person, this conversation offers practical wisdom on servant leadership, purpose, resilience, and building a legacy that continues long after you’re gone.

Timestamps

[00:00] Leadership begins with identity, not achievement

[05:00] Redefining success from personal achievement to lasting significance

[10:00] Why trust matters more than rank in leadership and parenting

[15:00] Becoming coachable—even as an experienced leader

[20:00] Listening instead of fixing strengthens family relationships

[22:00] Lifelong learning keeps great leaders relevant

[24:00] Cybersecurity is ultimately about protecting organizational trust

[27:00] Business leaders must connect technology to organizational purpose

[30:00] Defining the legacy every leader should pursue

[32:00] Leadership multiplies through the people you develop

Key Takeaways

* Define your identity by your values and character—not your title, income, or accomplishments.

* Earn trust consistently because influence always outlasts authority.

* Stay teachable by learning from every generation and every experience.

* Build your legacy by developing leaders who will positively impact others long after you’re gone.

Powerful Quotes

“Rank is rented. Trust is earned.”

“My worth is not determined by my title, my rank, or my paycheck.”

“Success becomes significance when it’s no longer about you.”

“Leadership is service. People matter.”

“I don’t simply want to leave a legacy—I want to leave leaders who create legacies of their own.”

About Bob Zinga

Bob Fabien Zinga is a U.S. Navy Commander, cybersecurity executive, leadership coach, professor, speaker, and podcast host dedicated to developing resilient leaders. With decades of experience spanning military leadership, technology, executive management, and mentoring, Bob equips individuals and organizations to lead with integrity, build trust, and transform potential into lasting success. His passion lies in helping leaders create meaningful impact that extends far beyond their own careers.

Resources & Links

* Connect with Bob Zinga on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobfabienzinga

* Learn more from host Mitchell Levy at

https://mitchelllevy.com/

Conclusion

Leadership isn’t measured by the position you hold today—it’s measured by the people you influence tomorrow. Bob Zinga reminds us that titles fade, careers end, and achievements eventually become history, but the trust we build, the people we develop, and the values we consistently live by create a legacy that can impact generations. If you’re committed to becoming a leader worth following, this episode offers timeless principles you can begin applying today.

What does it take to do work you truly love — and to help others find the same? How do the best leaders build teams they’re proud of, instead of teams that simply work for them? And when it’s finally time to exit the business you built, how do you make sure you’re ready for what comes next?

In this episode of Leaders Living Their Values, host Mitchell Levy speaks with Heather Bennett, partner and managing director at Newport LLC, a national C-suite advisory firm that helps middle-market business owners grow, de-risk, and successfully exit their companies. An advisor and career coach with more than 25 years of experience, Heather is also the author of the Amazon bestseller Fun and Fulfilling Careers, One Question at a Time, and the host of The Growth Plus Exit Podcast. A mom of four and a committed outdoor enthusiast, she brings the same belief to her work and her family: lead with presence, listen first, and help people see the potential they can’t yet see in themselves.

Quotes:

• “I firmly believe what I do is a calling. I want people to be doing the work that they love, that they’re passionate about.”

• “You should be proud of the people you work with. You should be proud of your employees.”

• “Stop thinking, and just listen.”

• “It’s being able to see in them what they don’t see in themselves.”

• “It’s always about giving the right message at the right time to the right person, in the way they’re open to receiving it.”

Takeaways:

* Lead with presence — show up, listen, and ask questions before you act, whether you’re managing a team or raising a family.

* Treat your people as colleagues you work with, not staff who work for you, and take the roadblocks out of their way.

* See the potential others miss, and develop people into roles they don’t yet believe they’re ready for.

* Prepare early for your exit — plan not just the transaction, but the identity and purpose that come after it.

Timeline:

[00:04] Introducing Heather Bennett

[00:40] Why Heather sees her work as a calling

[06:26] The unexpected favor that changed her career

[07:48] Lessons learned from raising four kids

[12:24] How siblings inspire and teach each other

[14:59] Working “with” your people vs. “for” you

[16:18] Building pride and advancing your team

[20:17] Teaching leaders how to truly listen

[23:45] Timing the right message the right way

[25:33] Preparing owners for life after the exit

[28:14] The one question every founder should ask

Conclusion:

Heather Bennett shows that great leadership and great parenting share the same foundation: presence, curiosity, and the willingness to put others first. Whether she’s guiding a founder through the most important transition of their career or pointing to the potential a teammate can’t yet see in themselves, her message stays consistent — listen more than you speak, lead with your people in mind, and prepare for what comes next before you need to. Whether you’re building a team, growing a business, or planning your eventual exit, Heather’s insights are a reminder that the work we love and the people we serve are what make leadership truly worth living.

Links/Resources:

• Learn more about Mitchell Levy:

https://MitchellLevy.com

• Book time directly with Mitchell: https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us

• Connect with Heather Bennett on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-h-bennett/

• Newport LLC: https://newportllc.com/ma-advisory• Heather’s podcast: The Growth Plus Exit Podcast

• Heather’s book: Fun and Fulfilling Careers, One Question at a Time (Amazon bestseller)https://www.amazon.com/Fulfilling-Careers-Question-Step-Step/dp/1954263007

Most people think fear is a problem to fix, a glitch to eliminate before they can finally perform, lead, or live the life they want. Tyler Williams sees it differently. As a former country music artist and race car driver, he’s faced blanking on lyrics, flipping cars, and singing in front of thousands—and discovered that fear doesn’t vanish with bigger stages; it just changes shape. What truly changes is how honestly we relate to it. When fear stops being an enemy and becomes a signal, it can point us back to our values, our voice, and the fully expressed version of ourselves we’ve been holding back.

Summary:

Tyler Williams is a former country music artist and race car driver who now coaches leaders and high performers to transform their relationship with fear. In this conversation with Mitchell Levy, Tyler shares how a single middle-school failure—forgetting lyrics at a house party—silenced his voice for a decade and shaped his anxiety around being seen. He walks through his five core values (honor, freedom, fun, gratitude, expression), his move from Nashville to Charlotte, and how he’s blended music, racing, and coaching into a life where work and play are inseparable. Tyler explains why fear and nervousness run on the same internal systems, how embodiment practices (breathwork, movement, awareness) help, and why each person needs to discover their own “fear formula” rather than chasing one-size-fits-all solutions. He closes with a vulnerable admission: despite his achievements, he’s still afraid of being fully seen.

Quotes:

* “Fear isn’t a sign you’re broken; it’s a signal you’re alive and standing on the edge of something that matters.”

* “The most damaging lie is often the one you tell yourself once—then live by for ten years without ever questioning it.”

* “Your formula for courage won’t look like anyone else’s. The sooner you stop copying and start listening inward, the faster you’ll move.”

* “If you want more joy, you have to stop running from grief and sadness—your emotional range expands as a whole, not in pieces.”

* “Self-awareness starts when you stop avoiding yourself: put the phone down, breathe, and let your thoughts and feelings actually catch up to you.”

Takeaways:

* Your most powerful limitations often come from your own inner vows—like Tyler’s “I’ll never do that again” after a failed performance—which can quietly shape your behavior for years.

* Fear and nervousness share the same bodily systems; the difference is the story you attach to those sensations—threat versus excitement, danger versus opportunity.

* Clarifying and revisiting your core values (like honor, freedom, fun, gratitude, and expression) can anchor how you show up, beyond titles, careers, or achievements.

* There is no universal formula for overcoming fear; each person needs an individualized “fear formula” based on their specific stories, triggers, and body responses.

* Simple practices—slowing down, breath work, shaking out the body, and journaling thoughts and feelings—can build real self-awareness and reduce reactivity.

* High achievers often avoid themselves by staying busy; reconnecting with your inner world can reignite your spark and prevent burnout.

* Vulnerability about your ongoing fears (like Tyler’s fear of being seen) doesn’t weaken your credibility; it deepens it and gives others permission to be honest about their own struggles.

Timeline:

[00:00] Mitchell introduces Tyler as a former country music artist and race car driver

[00:02] Tyler shares how music came first, then racing, and how he combined both

[00:03] Describing his work helping leaders remember their power and stories

[00:05] The middle-school performance failure that led to 10 years of avoiding the stage

[00:08] Tyler’s five core values: honor, freedom, fun, gratitude, expression

[00:10] How his values shifted from external success to inner fulfillment

[00:12] Personal life in Nashville, upcoming move to Charlotte, blending work and fun

[00:15] Singing the national anthem for 10,000 people and dealing with pre-show anxiety

[00:17] Flipping a race car and choosing to get back in again the next week

[00:18] Exploring the overlap between fear and nervousness in the body

[00:21] Introducing the idea of a personalized “fear formula” for each individual

[00:24] Tools like mindfulness, journaling, and slowing down to build self-awareness

[00:28] Working with high-level leaders who feel burned out or disconnected

[00:29] How to connect with Tyler via his website and Instagram

[00:30] Tyler answers “What are you still afraid of?” with deep honesty about being seen

[00:33] Mitchell reflects on Tyler’s vulnerability, service, and credibility and wraps up

Conclusion:

Fear rarely disappears just because we achieve more; in many cases, it follows us into every new room, opportunity, and relationship. Tyler Williams shows that the shift we need isn’t from fearful to fearless, but from avoidance to relationship—learning to listen to what fear is trying to tell us without letting it drive the car. When we slow down, reconnect with our bodies, and realign with our values, we can let go of old vows and step into a more honest expression of who we are. In doing so, we don’t just perform better; we live truer, lead with more heart, and give others permission to bring more of themselves into the world.