Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen

How does an elite "Horse Soldier" transition from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to the strategic halls of Washington, D.C.?

Jeremy Thompson spent 22 years as a Special Forces Intelligence Analyst, but his journey of resilience began long before the military. In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) to discuss the evolution of an "Operator" and the grit required to lead after the uniform comes off.

From the childhood tragedy that forged his early resolve to the high-stakes world of Special Operations, Jeremy shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to serve, sacrifice, and successfully pivot into a new life of purpose.

Key Takeaways from the Mission:

- The Identity Shift: How to prevent your career—no matter how elite—from becoming your entire identity, and the secret to a successful transition.

- Psychological Body Armor: Tactical advice on building mental resilience and using a faith-driven mindset to navigate civilian life and entrepreneurship.

- The Next Generation of Grit: Insights into raising grounded children and Jeremy’s ongoing mission to advocate for the Special Ops community through the SOAA.

- Whether you are a veteran looking for your next mission or a leader seeking to build a more resilient team, Jeremy’s "Horse Soldier" perspective offers a masterclass in turning service into lasting impact.

Support the Mission: Learn more about Jeremy’s advocacy work for our nation’s elite at SOAA.org.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with serial entrepreneur and owner-operator of Flatout Logistics, Donnie Lopez. Donnie isn't just a business owner; he’s a master of the pivot.

From a turbulent childhood to the high-stakes worlds of the oil patch, professional arm wrestling, and global event production—including Will Smith’s legendary 50th birthday jump in the Grand Canyon—Donnie’s life is a masterclass in the "Grit Mindset."

In this conversation, we dive into:

- The Power of the Pivot: How to transition between industries without losing your edge.

- Logistics Under Pressure: Behind-the-scenes lessons from high-profile event production.

- The Mentorship Model: Why finding the right guides is the shortcut to success.

- Balanced Ambition: The "unpredictable path" of juggling a growing business with a dedicated family life.

Whether you're navigating a career change or looking for the mental toughness to keep pushing forward, Donnie’s story provides the blueprint for what it means to stay gritty when the path gets steep.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with speaker, leadership coach, and author Mike Rose to unpack the concept of Return on Energy (ROE) and the driving forces behind his entrepreneurial journey. Mike shares vivid stories of his early hustles—from charging tolls in his Texas neighborhood to buying his first business at 18—and how these adventures shaped his unique perspective on business, leadership, and resilience. Together, they discuss the importance of grit, the influence of supportive yet hands-off parents, and the lessons Mike learned about financial literacy, culture, and company growth while building and selling successful ventures. If you’re curious about how to inspire energy and enthusiasm in teams, the true meaning of grit, and actionable steps to create an environment where people thrive, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-world advice, and inspiring takeaways. Don’t miss Mike’s tips on cultivating success, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose—plus a look inside his new book, ROE Powered ROI!

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, host Matt Rosen goes solo to dive deep into the realities of setting and sticking to New Year's resolutions and goals. He shares his personal journey, including his mission to do 10 pull-ups, how dwindling gym crowds inspired his thoughts on perseverance, and why writing down specific, actionable goals is key to success. Matt discusses strategies from the classic book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, the importance of accountability, and how even simple frameworks can keep you on track. He also opens up about his passion for AI, recounts building a family dinner app using no-code tools, and urges listeners to start experimenting with artificial intelligence now—emphasizing its transformative potential in both personal and professional realms. Wrapping up, Matt invites guests and sponsors to join him on future episodes, promising more stories of grit, growth, and overcoming adversity. Don’t miss this inspiring, practical episode to help you cultivate resilience and get the most from your 2026 goals!

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, host Matt Rosen goes solo to explore the age-old question: Is grit something you’re born with, or can it be built through life’s challenges? Matt dives into his own upbringing as a military kid constantly adapting to new environments, shares stories from his formative paper route job, and reflects on the lessons that tough, hands-on work instills. He features inspiring tales from past guests like Charles Haley, who experienced transformative grit through adversity, and Veronica, who overcame childhood trauma in war-torn Colombia. Matt also shares personal insights about instilling grit in his own children, emphasizing how both nature and nurture shape our resilience. Whether you’re looking to build perseverance or curious how adversity shapes success, this episode delivers actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and encouragement to help you develop your own grit mindset.

“I was fired.”

It’s a sentence most leaders are terrified to say out loud. But for Andrew Snow, getting fired from a major leadership role wasn't the end of his career—it was the birth of his company, Track15.

The secret to his rebound? It wasn't "white-knuckling" it or grinding harder. It was learning how to lean on others.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, we’re tearing down the myth of the "Lone Wolf" founder. Andrew and I discuss why the highest form of grit isn’t just perseverance—it’s the courage to be vulnerable when things fall apart.

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Matt Rosen sits down with special guest Eric Winton, former CEO of The Bridge, to explore the real meaning of grit through candid storytelling and valuable life lessons. Eric Winton reflects on his journey from a humble, hardworking upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to climbing the ladder in consulting and tech, successfully navigating major career pivots, setbacks, and entrepreneurship. Together, Matt Rosen and Eric Winton discuss the power of resilience, the challenges and rewards of risk-taking, building high-performing teams, and the importance of believing in yourself when facing adversity. This heartfelt conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating their own professional or personal challenges, including wisdom on finding your path, overcoming failure, and moving forward with confidence. Don’t miss this honest, inspiring look at resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of success.

Kim Elenez, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Texas, shares the powerful impact of granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses. From her diverse career path to leading a large nonprofit chapter, Kim reveals how grit, purpose, and deep empathy drive her work and inspire her team. She also offers honest insights into overcoming self-doubt and the challenges of maintaining hope amid hardship.

Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen (Highlights 2025) brings together entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders for an honest conversation about grit, hard work, and the realities of personal and professional growth. Across the episode, one message is clear: hard work never gets easier, but you get better at doing hard things. Grit isn’t something you’re born with; it’s learned through experience, discipline, and the decisions you make when challenges show up. When you have clarity around the future you want to create, the values you stand for, and why it all matters, it becomes easier to push forward, adapt, and stay in motion, even when things get uncomfortable. Failure is reframed as part of the process, not a personal identity. Every setback is an event, a lesson, and an opportunity to grow. When things feel overwhelming, the advice is simple: focus on the next most important action, keep moving, and build courage by doing the hard things. One speaker shares wisdom passed down from his father: inside your head is a small switch, turn it just half a revolution, and fear becomes fight. The discussion also dives deep into entrepreneurship and career building. For young professionals, success often requires seasons of imbalance, paying your dues, grinding it out, and focusing intensely on your work before expecting balance. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, rather than staying comfortable, is emphasized as a key to growth. Vision, self-belief, and refusing to compromise what you’re building matter just as much as skill. Leadership is not about ego. It’s a “we” thing, not a “me” thing. Great leaders inspire hope, belief, and purpose, and they look beyond short-term wins toward a longer 10-year horizon. Giving back through philanthropy and lifting others up is framed as part of a truly successful life. As one guest puts it, happiness, not just wealth, is the real goal, joking that his tombstone will read: He could have made more money, but he couldn’t have had more fun. The episode also highlights the strength of the Dallas–Fort Worth business community, described as dynamic, diversified, and resilient. With strong roots in finance, real estate, aviation, and emerging tech and life sciences, the region continues to adapt and thrive, weathering economic cycles through balance and innovation. Bottom line: Grit is built, not given. The journey is hard, imperfect, and demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding for those willing to jump, commit, and keep going.

NFL legend. Five-time Super Bowl champion. Unfiltered truth.

In this powerful episode of The Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Charles Haley opens up like never before, sharing the raw story behind his greatness. From growing up struggling in school and battling undiagnosed bipolar disorder to playing through pain, winning five Super Bowls, and losing his identity after football, Haley’s journey is a masterclass in real grit.

He breaks down what grit truly means, why failure is part of success, and how shifting from problems to solutions can change your life. Haley also shares the mission behind his Tackle Tomorrow Foundation, his faith, and the lessons he’s passed on to his children about discipline, resilience, and purpose.

This isn’t just a football story. It’s a conversation about mental health, faith, leadership, and finding strength when life hits hard.

If you want motivation that’s real, raw, and unforgettable, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧🔥