In this episode, global credibility expert Mitchell Levy speaks with leadership coach Anton Guinea about what it truly means to live, lead, and be a good human. Anton shares how he blurs the lines between work and life by choosing a lifestyle he loves rather than “working to live” or “living to work.” He explores leadership as a way of being in all roles—husband, father, coach, and even child—illustrated through powerful stories about his two sons and their self-directed paths. Anton unpacks his core philosophy of “be a good human” as intentionally leaving people better than you found them, creating positive emotional impact, and embodying leadership rather than relying on a title. The conversation also dives into respect and psychological safety, with Anton defining respect as not violating someone else’s values and explaining how valuing others’ time, beliefs, and emotions builds trust, influence, and genuine likability.

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.

Global credibility expert Mitchell Levy interviews business strategist John Philpin about his journey from UK “army brat” to Silicon Valley executive and ultimately to New Zealand–based, people-first advocate. John explains how traditional corporate culture prioritizes shareholder returns over humans and why he’s committed to helping organizations shift power and respect back to individuals. He shares how his background in software evolved into a mission to empower people, and how COVID plus a cancer diagnosis unexpectedly anchored him in New Zealand and reshaped his perspective. Together, they explore problems with today’s education and corporate systems, which prioritize compliance over curiosity, and how this stifles innovation and discernment. John also discusses choosing only coachable clients, practicing fairness and clarity as his version of authenticity, and the continued relevance of his book for leaders blindsided by rapid 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.

Most leaders struggle to make culture tangible—but Joe Kiedinger, co-founder of ProfitCo, shows it’s possible. Through dignity-based, people-first frameworks, servant leadership, and immersive experiences like quarterly LOVE events and leadership adventures, Joe helps leaders embody authenticity while engaging teams meaningfully. From family life to corporate leadership, he shares practical strategies for turning values into action, fostering trust, and creating cultures where people can show up as themselves and thrive.

Summary:

Joe Kiedinger combines a lifelong passion for teaching, creativity, and entertainment with leadership expertise to help CEOs and divisional leaders build dignity-driven, people-centric cultures. By embedding values into daily behaviors, events, and systems, Joe demonstrates how authentic leadership cascades from the top down, improves retention, and transforms organizations. His work proves that investing in people—and starting with yourself—creates momentum that spreads beyond the workplace into families and communities.

Timeline:

[00:00] Introduction: Mitchell Levy & Joe Kittinger

[03:30] Joe’s background & life philosophy: entertainer, father, teaching acceptance

[07:10] Embracing authenticity over “fake it to make it”

[12:15] Building dignity-based, people-first cultures

[18:00] The five core values: Dignity, Courage, Unique, Process, Perseverance

[24:45] LOVE events & leadership adventures: embedding values through experience

[37:50] How to start culture change: lead authentically & work with the willing

[42:30] Personal impact: integrating values into family and relationships

[51:00] How to connect with Joe Kittinger & ProfitCo

Conclusion:

Building a culture isn’t a PowerPoint exercise—it’s a living system. When leaders invest in themselves and their people, authenticity spreads, engagement rises, and teams thrive. Joe Kiedinger shows that starting small, focusing on values, and creating memorable experiences can transform both workplaces and personal lives. True leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about dignity, impact, and helping others shine.

Links/Resources:

Website:

https://www.profit.co/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dignify-guy

Email: [email protected]

Credibility Nation:

Website:

https://MitchellLevy.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CredibilityNation

Community: https://aha.pub/Superheroes

Many people chase success without ever defining what it truly means to be high performing. We often equate it with working harder, pushing further, and sacrificing more—but rarely stop to ask at what cost. True performance isn’t just about results; it’s about how you achieve them, how you manage your energy, and how you impact the people around you. Without that awareness, success can quietly come with burnout, broken relationships, and unintended consequences.

Summary:

Craig Johns shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in New Zealand to becoming a global leader with experience across multiple countries. In this conversation with Mitchell Levy, Craig explores leadership, parenting, and the importance of energy management. He introduces a powerful framework for high performance—being relentlessly driven toward a vision while avoiding being ruthless or reckless. Drawing from his background in sports, coaching, and global experiences, Craig emphasizes the importance of balance, observation, and nurturing others to create lasting impact both personally and professionally.

Quotes:

● “Energy is your number one currency.”

● “To be high performing, you need a relentless pursuit—without being ruthless or reckless.”

● “Ninety-nine percent of the people you influence, you will never meet.”

Takeaways:

· Focus on energy management through scheduling, focusing, and investing your energy intentionally.

· Be relentless in pursuing your goals, but avoid harming others or yourself in the process.

· Leadership starts with awareness—most of your influence happens without direct interaction.

· Use observation and presence to better understand and lead both children and adults.

· Create boundaries between work and personal life to maintain long-term sustainability.

Timeline:

[00:00] Introduction to Craig Johns

[01:10] Growing Up in New Zealand

[04:30] Global Perspective and Cultural Awareness

[08:20] Parenting and Shifting Priorities

[12:40] Carrying the Torch Philosophy

[17:30] Energy as the #1 Currency

[22:10] Scheduling, Focus, and Recovery Systems

[27:45] Boundaries Between Work and Life

[31:20] What High Performance Really Means

[34:10] Relentless vs Ruthless vs Reckless

[36:50] Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

[38:20] Closing Remarks

Conclusion:

High performance isn’t just about achieving more—it’s about achieving with intention, awareness, and sustainability. By managing energy, maintaining clarity of purpose, and leading with care, it’s possible to pursue excellence without sacrificing well-being or relationships. True leadership lies in balancing ambition with responsibility, ensuring that success uplifts not just yourself, but everyone around you.

Links/Resources:

Website: craigjohns.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craig-johns-active-ceo-nz

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!

Credibility Nation:

Website:

https://MitchellLevy.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CredibilityNation

Community: https://aha.pub/Superheroes

Leadership can be deeply fulfilling—but incredibly draining—when you’re trying to build a business, protect your family, and stay true to your values all at once. In a world obsessed with quick wins, hustling harder, and chasing the next deal, stepping back to ask, “Is this healthy for my marriage, my family, and my future?” can feel countercultural. Real leadership at home and in business isn’t just about income or titles—it’s about intentional choices, daily growth, and the courage to admit when you’re getting it wrong.

Nathan Walldorf’s story reminds us that success isn’t just measured in units sold or properties owned, but in the quality of the relationships you build along the way. Treating your spouse like a true partner, defining roles with care, and creating a life that gives you back your time—these are the quiet, powerful decisions that build both wealth and legacy.

Summary

In this episode, real estate investor and former ministry worker Nathan Walldorf shares how he and his wife transformed a strained first attempt at working together into a healthy, values-driven partnership in both marriage and business. He explains how they moved from residential real estate sales into multifamily apartment investing, why setting intentional goals for life and relationships (not just work) changed everything, and how daily practices like listening, affirming, and clearly defining roles helped them grow closer while building long-term wealth and time freedom.

Quotes

* “I treated my wife like she worked for me, not with me—and that was my biggest mistake.”

* “We always set goals for work, but we weren’t setting goals for life or for our relationship.”

* “Before we could do business well together, we had to learn how to do life well together.”

* “Every big, great change in a business starts with that moment of, ‘Something’s got to change.’”

* “Real net worth is in owning property, not just helping other people buy and sell it.”

Takeaways

* Partnership over hierarchy: Treating a spouse like a true partner—not an employee—is essential if you want both a strong marriage and a strong business.

* Life goals matter as much as business goals: You need intentional goals for your relationship, family, and lifestyle, not just revenue and deals.

* Daily intentions change behavior: Simple questions like “How can I help my spouse feel heard and supported today?” can transform how you show up.

* Pain is a signal to pivot: Recessions, burnout, and frustration (“something’s got to change”) can be the catalyst to shift into better, more scalable models like multifamily investing.

* Own assets, don’t just earn income: Long-term freedom and an exit plan come from owning appreciating, cash-flowing assets—not only from transactional commissions.

Timeline

[00:02] Who Nathan Is Beyond Business

[00:07] The First Attempt at Working Together—and Why It Failed

[00:09] Redefining Intentionality and Roles

[00:11] Growth, Mentors, and the Decision to Keep Learning

[00:13] Daily Intentions for Marriage and Partnership

[00:17] The ‘Something’s Got to Change’ Moment

[00:20] From Sales to Multifamily Investing

[00:23] Asset Management and Serving Communities

[00:25] What It Takes to Build a Happy Marriage and Business Together

[00:31] Doing Something Bigger Than You Are

Conclusion

Building a business with your spouse while raising a family and planning for long-term wealth is not an accident—it’s the product of daily, intentional choices. Nathan’s journey shows that “success” without a healthy marriage, clear values, and real ownership is fragile at best.

Resilience in life and business isn’t just about grinding through tough seasons; it’s about letting those seasons teach you. It’s admitting when your approach is unhealthy, redefining how you work together, and shifting from short-term income to long-term assets.

The leaders who last aren’t the ones who never struggle—they’re the ones who keep listening, keep growing, and keep aligning their business model with the life and legacy they actually want.

Links/Resources

Nathan Walldorf & Investing

* Wealth Building Trifecta (Free Resource + Call):

https://thewealthbuildingtrifecta.com

* Waldorf Capital Ventures:

https://www.walldorfcapitalventures.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathan-walldorf-8938236

Youtube: youtube.com/user/ChattanoogaHomesTV

Stay Connected with Nathan

* (Add any social links Nathan prefers here if available—LinkedIn, etc.)

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!

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Sometimes the real battle isn’t with drugs or alcohol—it’s with the silence, shame, and pressure that sit behind them. On the outside, life can look successful: a good job, a family, a title that impresses people. But underneath, unspoken expectations, untreated trauma, and the fear of not measuring up can push someone to the edge—sometimes literally. Until we’re willing to name what’s really going on, we keep trying to outwork a pain we’ve never faced. And that’s where real recovery begins: with the courage to say, “I need help,” and the willingness to let someone who’s been there walk beside you.

Summary:

Scott H. Silverman is a crisis coach, interventionist, and longtime advocate for people struggling with substance use disorders and unresolved trauma. After years of numbing himself with alcohol and drugs, culminating in a near-suicide attempt during a business trip in New York, Scott entered treatment in 1984 and rebuilt his life in recovery. Since then, he has dedicated over four decades to helping others, from founding the Second Chance program for people leaving jail and prison to building housing, workforce, and life-skills initiatives that reduce recidivism. Drawing on his own lived experience and a deep understanding of denial, shame, and systemic barriers, Scott and his teams have directly served close to 30,000 people, offering not just sobriety support but a pathway to dignity, self-sufficiency, and family restoration.

Quotes:

* “Real recovery starts the moment you’re brave enough to say, ‘I need help’—and humble enough to listen to the answer.”

* “If the system keeps producing the same broken results, the problem isn’t the people in it—it’s the way we’ve chosen to run it.”

* “You don’t have to see the whole path; you just have to be willing to let go of the life that’s killing you so you can step into the one that’s waiting.”

Takeaways:

* Saying “I need help” is the first and hardest step toward real recovery.

* Lived experience in recovery makes support and intervention far more effective.

* Without housing, jobs, and life skills, people are likely to cycle back into addiction or the system.

* Current systems often profit from people staying stuck, so real change requires challenging the status quo.

* One person’s recovery can positively impact thousands of lives around them.

Timeline:

[00:00] Introduction to Scott H. Silverman

[00:02:25] Early Struggles and Emotional Turning Point

[00:03:30] Family Background and Descent into Addiction

[00:07:34] The “Week from Hell” and Divine Intervention

[00:11:00] Entering Treatment and Beginning Recovery

[00:13:04] Making Amends and Early Recovery Actions

[00:15:42] Marriage, Family Support, and Commitment to Sobriety

[00:19:09] Using Lived Experience to Help Others

[00:21:31] Founding the Second Chance Program

[00:23:30] Reducing Recidivism and System Pushback

[00:27:35] Scale of Impact and Lives Touched

[00:28:31] How to Reach Scott for Help

[00:29:20] What Leaders Must Do to Create Systemic Change

[00:31:15] Hope, Service, and the Importance of Asking for Help

[00:32:01] Closing Remarks and Call to Share the Message

Conclusion:

Scott’s story underscores that meaningful recovery is both an individual and a collective responsibility. On the personal level, transformation begins with the courage to say “I need help” and the willingness to confront long-buried pain, make amends, and accept guidance from those who have walked the same road. On the systemic level, real change demands that leaders stop funding the same failing approaches and instead support models that provide housing, employment, emotional support, and community—treating addiction as a chronic health and social issue rather than a moral failing. When we combine honest self-reflection, compassionate intervention, and structural reform, we create the conditions for people not just to get sober, but to reclaim their lives and positively impact everyone around them.

Links/Resources

Scott H. Silverman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotthsilverman/

Website:

https://www.confidentialrecovery.com/

https://www.yourcrisiscoach.com/

Veterans Navigation Center:

https://veteransnavigationcenter.org/

Mitchell Levy / Credibility & Leadership

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!

Credibility Nation:

Website:

https://MitchellLevy.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CredibilityNation

Community: https://aha.pub/Superheroes