Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek

In next week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with clinical psychologist, entrepreneur, and executive coach Martin Dubin for a powerful conversation about leadership and the hidden barriers that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Martin's career spans clinical psychology, startup entrepreneurship, Fortune 50 healthcare leadership, and high-level executive coaching. After more than a decade in private practice, he founded and scaled a multimillion-dollar healthcare company with more than 250 employees, ultimately leading its sale to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he served as a senior vice president. He has also coached senior executives at Fortune 500 companies, worked with venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, and served as a coach at the Center for Creative Leadership and partner at RHR International.

Drawing on this unique blend of psychology and business experience, Martin explains why leaders often reach a point where their tried-and-true tools stop working and why the real obstacle is often something they cannot see: their blindspots.

The discussion explores:

• Why even self-aware leaders miss critical truths about themselves

• How unseen behaviors derail performance and relationships

• The six types of blindspots that most commonly undermine leadership

• Practical strategies to identify and manage your own blindspots

Martin also shares insights from his book, Blindspotting, offering a deeply practical framework for recognizing the hidden patterns that limit growth and unlocking higher performance, stronger teams, and more effective leadership. This episode is a candid and actionable look at what it truly takes to grow as a leader: the courage to look inward, confront what you don't see, and do the work required to move forward.

About Martin Dubin: Martin Dubin began his career in a clinical psychology private practice as a psychotherapist. He continued this practice for over a decade before moving to the business world as a founder and entrepreneur. He built a company with over 250 employees, ultimately driving its sale to Fortune 50 health insurer Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he worked as a senior vice president for three years. Dubin then launched the third act of his career, bringing his training in psychology and his business experience to the coaching space. His experience as an entrepreneur won him consultation contracts with portfolio companies of Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia, venture capital firms.

Dubin's work as a clinical psychologist taught him to think deeply about why people do what they do. That, combined with his business experience has enabled him to provide his coaching clients with actionable advice directed at both personal and professional success. He lives in Colorado and New Mexico, where he enjoys skiing and hiking in the mountains and the desert and continues his work with clients, both individually and in corporate settings. His work on blindspots has informed not just his book Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader but also a test to discover any individual's blindspots.

In this compelling episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Clarence Singleton to explore a lifetime defined by service, sacrifice, and resilience. Clarence reflects on growing up in South Carolina under difficult circumstances, the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and the life-altering moment in Vietnam when he was severely wounded while trying to save fellow Marines, an act that earned him the Purple Heart. He shares how that experience shaped his understanding of courage, leadership, and responsibility.

The conversation also examines his transition from military service to the New York City Fire Department, including his response to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and his decision to return to Ground Zero on September 11, 2001 despite having already retired. Clarence opens up about the physical and emotional toll of 9/11, overcoming post-traumatic stress, and what it truly means to "carry on" after unimaginable loss. This episode is not just a story of survival, it's a discussion about duty, faith, perseverance, and why each of us has a responsibility to serve something greater than ourselves.

About Clarence Singleton: Clarence Singleton is a motivational speaker, author, former United States Marine, Vietnam veteran, and Purple Heart recipient whose life has been defined by courage and service. Born in 1949 in Sumter, South Carolina, one of eight children, Singleton helped support his family from a young age after his father left. Before graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and trained at Parris Island, where he was named Outstanding Member of his platoon and meritoriously promoted. Serving as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Vietnam, he was severely wounded while attempting to save fellow Marines during a rocket attack, just 28 days before the end of his tour, earning the Purple Heart. After more than a year of recovery, he relocated to New York City, building a career in banking before answering another call to serve by joining the New York City Fire Department in 1978.

During his 22-year tenure with the FDNY, Singleton earned multiple commendations for bravery, including during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, where he helped save numerous lives. Promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 1994, he retired in August 2000 but returned to duty voluntarily on September 11, 2001, responding to Ground Zero where he was seriously injured in the collapse of the South Tower. Despite extensive injuries and PTSD, he continued to embody resilience and service. Now residing in Virginia, Singleton is a sought-after inspirational speaker who has appeared in national media, including The Montel Williams Show, and has delivered keynote addresses at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies. On September 11, 2012, he began a new chapter in his life, marrying Mary Jean Heyres.

In this installment of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Aaron Gilbert, LICSW, a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and related mental health challenges. Aaron is the founder of Boston Evening Counseling Associates and approaches therapy as a collaborative, trust-based process grounded in strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and positive psychology. Together, they break down common misconceptions about therapy, exploring why it's not about quick fixes or having all the answers, but about creativity, honesty, and courage. Aaron explains what positive psychology really means in practice, how focusing on strengths and small wins can build momentum for change, and why therapy should be viewed as an intentional act of growth rather than a last resort.

The conversation dives into anxiety and depression, clarifying the difference between healthy worry and anxiety disorders, why depression can't simply be "snapped out of," and how treatment adapts to each individual. Dr. Meek and Aaron also explore attachment theory and separation anxiety, including how attachment styles form, how they affect adult relationships, and how people can move toward greater emotional security and resilience. This thoughtful and compassionate episode offers clarity, hope, and empowerment for anyone curious about therapy or seeking meaningful next steps toward emotional well-being.

About Aaron Gilbert: Aaron Gilbert is a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience of helping clients manage anxiety disorders. He founded Boston Evening Counseling Associates in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 2007 with the belief that good therapy is always a collaboration between client and therapist that requires creativity, energy, and most importantly, trust. His approach is influenced by training and experience in strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and positive psychology.

As the 25th observance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks approaches this year, Next Steps Forward continues its mission of honoring resilience, service, and purposeful action. In this powerful episode, host Dr. Chris Meek is joined by Jen DePoto, founder and president of The 9/11 Promise, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General H. Stacy Clardy, a member of the organization's board of directors.

Jen shares the deeply personal inspiration behind founding The 9/11 Promise in 2016 and explains how the organization honors the heroes of 9/11 by supporting the children of fallen or disabled first responders and military service members. She and General Clardy discuss the growth of the 9/11 Promise Run, a demanding 240-mile endurance event where 100% of participant-raised funds go directly to scholarships, along with what it takes to participate and why action is such a vital companion to remembrance.

General Clardy also reflects on his 38-year Marine Corps career, lessons in leadership learned from his veteran father, resilience forged through combat and command, and why continued service after retirement is both a responsibility and a calling.

Together, they address why it's essential for younger generations, many of whom weren't alive on 9/11, to understand what happened that day, why it still matters, and how honoring the past must include meaningful action in the present.

About Jen DePoto: Jen DePoto is the founder and president of The 9.11 Promise, an organization dedicated to honoring the heroes and legacy of September 11, 2001 by supporting those impacted and ensuring the promise to Never Forget is carried forward through service, education, and community engagement. Guided by a deep commitment to remembrance and responsibility, Jen's work focuses on strengthening communities, uplifting survivors and families, and preserving the lessons of 9/11 for future generations.

About Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy: Lieutenant General Stacy Clardy retired from the United States Marine Corps on January 1, 2022, after almost four decades of military service. In his final tour as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, he was responsible for developing strategies with partners and allies, experimenting new operational concepts and capabilities, and preparing 25,000 Marines and Sailors for conflict with the People's Republic of China. His military decorations include the Department of Defense and Navy Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and two Gold Stars, the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was also awarded Japan's Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, the Republic of Korea's Order of National Security Merit Gukseon Medal, and South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. Stacy now resides in his home state of South Carolina with his wife, Alison, and Labrador Retriever, Orion. He is an advisor to multiple business organizations, is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Naval Analyses, and volunteers with The 9.11 Promise, the University of South Carolina, Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church, and the Town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Join host Dr. Chris Meek as he sits down with Crystal Washington, one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, to explore how we can navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape while staying true to our human values. Crystal, a certified futurist and technology strategist who has worked with Fortune 100 companies like Google, American Express, and Pfizer, breaks down the intimidating world of artificial intelligence, social media, and emerging technologies into actionable insights that anyone can understand and apply.

In this engaging conversation, Crystal shares her expertise on becoming "future-proof" in both business and life, discussing how small tech actions can lead to transformative outcomes. As a Hall of Fame Speaker who appears weekly on the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0, Crystal brings her unique perspective on how technology can be a force for good when we approach it with intention and purpose.

About Crystal Washington: Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame Speaker, Crystal Washington equips organizations with the knowledge they need to become "future-proof." As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal makes complex artificial intelligence, social media, and app technology easy to understand and accessible for everyday people. Crystal's clients include Fortune 100 companies, including Google, American Express, and Pfizer. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe. As one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, she appears weekly on season two of the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0. She's also appeared in numerous publications, including Entrepreneur and Bloomberg Businessweek, and major television networks regularly call on her as a tech expert. Crystal is the author of One Tech Action and The Social Media Why.

In this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Gentry Collins, Founder and CEO of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, to explore how small and medium-sized businesses can thrive in today's economy. Gentry, a seasoned political strategist and partner at CAP Public Affairs, has worked at the highest levels of American politics, from serving as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee to advising across multiple sectors of the economy. Together, Chris and Gentry discuss the meaning of "equal access to the marketplace" and how the American Free Enterprise Chamber is redefining what it means to advocate for entrepreneurs and family businesses. They dive into the challenges facing small business owners, from navigating complex regulations to competing with corporate consolidation, and explore practical strategies for empowerment, trust-building, and sustainable growth.

Gentry also shares insights from his work in politics, brand strategy, and public affairs, reflecting on how economic opportunity shapes the broader political landscape and what policymakers should prioritize when crafting policies that impact entrepreneurs. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of free enterprise and advocacy, this episode offers actionable takeaways for building opportunity, credibility, and lasting impact in your community. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on creating a more equitable, opportunity-driven economy and taking the next steps forward in your business and personal growth.

About Gentry Collins: Gentry Collins is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, a national advocacy and trade association working to expand equal economic opportunity for all Americans and to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have fair access to the marketplace. Gentry is also a partner at CAP Public Affairs, where he's worked across multiple sectors of the American economy on large-scale advocacy and brand-management efforts. He's served as a Fellow at the University of Southern California's Center for the Political Future, lecturing on the future of the Republican Party, and he's a co-founder of NewRepublican.org, created to rethink how political organizations understand brand and message. Earlier in his career, Gentry served as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee, helping return a Republican majority to Congress, and previously held senior leadership roles with the Republican Governors Association and the Republican Party of Iowa. He's been named Politico's "Top Presidential Staffer Get", and The New York Post has called him "one of the most highly regarded operatives in the party."

Shane Manney, Founder and Executive Director of 5 Stones International, a mission-driven nonprofit expanding hope, training, and humanitarian aid around the globe, joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. Shane shares his powerful journey from U.S. Marine Corps service and frontline security work to building a ministry rooted in faith, fitness, and relational discipleship. You'll hear how 5 Stones uses mixed martial arts, tactical training, and international outreach to help individuals discover identity, purpose, and meaning in Christ while serving communities in some of the world's toughest environments. Tune in for inspiring stories of resilience, mission, and the next steps forward in making a tangible impact in people's lives.

About Shane Manney: Shane Manney is the founder of 5 Stones Fight Club. He has over 20 years of coaching experience that includes wrestling, boxing, submission grappling and strength training. He spent six years as an infantry machine gunner in the United States Marine Corps, two years as a police officer in Richmond, Virginia, and eight years as a private security contractor and security lead supervisor for Exelon Nuclear Security. Currently, he works in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Pennsylvania Counseling Services.

Next Steps Forward host Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Michelle "MACE" Curran, former U.S. Air Force combat pilot, elite Thunderbirds Lead Solo, bestselling author, and trailblazing motivational speaker, to the program to discuss courage, confidence, and breaking through fear to live a life of purpose and possibility. Michelle's journey from a small-town girl in Wisconsin to one of the most respected fighter pilots in the world is nothing short of remarkable. During her 13-year career in the U.S. Air Force, she flew F-16s in combat missions across the globe and made history as only the second woman ever to serve as Lead Solo for the Air Force Thunderbirds, a role that demands precision, resilience, and fearless leadership.

After stepping away from military service, Michelle founded Upside Down Dreams, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to overcome self-doubt, embrace bold action, and unlock their full potential. As a keynote speaker and author of the bestselling book The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower, she takes lessons from the cockpit and applies them to everyday challenges, showing us how to reframe fear, conquer imposter syndrome, and build high-performing mindsets in both personal and professional life.

During the interview, Michelle will share:

• What it really takes to push past fear and self-imposed limits

• How her experience as a fighter pilot shaped her views on leadership, teamwork, and resilience Why starting before you're ready is one of the most powerful moves you can make

• Practical strategies for turning uncertainty and doubt into confidence and action

Whether you're facing a major life transition, career challenge, or simply looking to elevate your mindset, this conversation with Michelle "MACE" Curran will leave you feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to take your next steps forward.

About Michelle "MACE" Curran: Michelle "MACE" Curran is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and lead solo for the Thunderbirds. In early 2022, Michelle left active duty military service to found Upside Down Dreams, a company which empowers people to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure. She travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Through keynotes, courses and workshops, she empowers individuals to shift how they view fear, overcome self-doubt, and build trust in high performing teams. Over the last few years, she's shared her story from over a hundred stages and taken it to the page. Her debut non-fiction book, The Flipside, became a USA Today Top 20 Bestseller and has been featured on CBS Mornings, The Next Big Idea, and in Fast Company. She has also written two children's books Upside Down Dreams and What's Your Callsign?, both picture books for children with big dreams looking for a real-world heroine. She loves inspiring others, both young and old, to chase their dreams and achieve their true potential.

What if the key to ending poverty in Africa isn't more aid but more freedom? In this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and thought leader Magatte Wade to challenge some of the most deeply held assumptions about Africa, capitalism, and human flourishing. Born and raised in Senegal, Magatte shares her firsthand experience of a culture rich in dignity, community, and tradition, yet constrained by limited economic opportunity. From her early years in West Africa to her current work spanning Austin, Texas and the African continent, Magatte explains how governance, regulation, and economic freedom, not charity, shape prosperity.

As Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, Magatte makes a compelling case for free markets as the most effective tool for lifting people out of poverty. She discusses why youth unemployment remains high even in stable democracies, how excessive regulation stifles entrepreneurship, and what it would take for Senegal, and Africa more broadly, to become a beacon of economic freedom. The conversation also tackles controversial topics head-on: the legacy of colonialism, the failures of post-independence leadership, and why Magatte has famously called foreign aid "poison." She explains why she believes aid often does more harm than good, what real freedom looks like for Africa's future, and how dignity, purpose, and enterprise can restore hope to disillusioned young people.

About Magatte Wade: Magatte Wade is a Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, the leading organization of African free market think tanks. She was listed as a Forbes "TWENTY Youngest Power Women in Africa," a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and a TED Global Africa Fellow. Magatte is the bestselling author of "The Heart of a Cheetah," and the host of "The Magatte Wade Show." Magatte's passion for the role of free markets in overcoming poverty and the power of enterprise to tackle social issues and promote entrepreneurial education make her a sought-after speaker and thought leader at major conferences, events, and universities around the world. She's spoken at the United Nations, Aspen Institute, Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and the TED mainstage and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Fast Company, Fortune, and many other well-regarded media outlets.

In this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with award-winning journalist and author Vicki Larson to explore love, independence, aging, and the evolving landscape of journalism.

Vicki shares insights from her latest book, LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work, explaining what it means to pursue committed relationships while maintaining separate households and why this approach is growing in popularity. She also discusses her acclaimed book, Not Too Old for That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging, and offers empowering perspectives on how women can embrace later life as a time for growth, independence, and self-discovery.

Throughout the conversation, Vicki reflects on her decades-long career in journalism, the challenges and joys of reporting with curiosity and compassion, and how societal norms around marriage, relationships, and aging are evolving. Listeners will gain practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and inspiration to define life on their own terms, no matter their stage of life.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on courage, curiosity, resilience, and the freedom to live differently.

About Vicki Larson: Vicki Larson is an award-winning journalist who has spent her career asking questions that challenge long-held assumptions about marriage, aging, and what it means to live a fulfilling life on our own terms. She is the author of "LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work." Her book "Not Too Old for That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging" was named Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead and earned praise from former supermodel and pro-aging activist Paulina Porizkova. Vick is also the coauthor of "The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists, and Rebels," which was named the Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar.