In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Ann Kaplan Mulholland. Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, author, and television personality, to explore how bold vision, adaptability, and unapologetic ambition drive success across business, media, and life. Ann shares her unconventional path to building influence and impact, revealing how resilience, reinvention, and strategic risk taking became the foundation of her career.

From navigating high stakes industries to building personal brand credibility in the public eye, Ann unpacks what it takes to lead with confidence while staying grounded in purpose. She discusses the realities of modern entrepreneurship, the pressure of visibility, and why owning your narrative is just as important as executing your strategy.

Together, they dive into leadership in a fast moving world, how identity shapes decision making, why clarity and conviction matter more than perfection, and how adaptability becomes a competitive advantage. The conversation blends business insight with personal reflection, offering lessons on growth, reinvention, and showing up fully in every arena you choose to play in.

This isn't just a conversation about success or visibility. It's a blueprint for building influence with intention, leading boldly through change, and creating a career that reflects who you are, not just what you do.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Ann Kaplan Mulholland built a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, executive, author, and television personality -Why owning your identity and narrative is essential in business and public life -How resilience and reinvention create long-term relevance -The realities of leadership under visibility and public scrutiny

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:06 – Building a career across industries: Ann opens up about her unconventional journey, while Charles reflects on how adaptability creates opportunity across different arenas. 04:48 – Reinvention as a leadership skill: Ann explains why growth often demands change, while Charles highlights how identity evolves alongside ambition. 09:35 – Owning your narrative: Ann discusses the importance of controlling your story, while Charles explores why clarity of self builds confidence and trust. 14:22 – Leadership in the public eye: Ann shares the pressure of visibility and criticism, while Charles examines how leaders stay grounded under scrutiny. 19:14 – Confidence without perfection: Ann breaks down why waiting to be "ready" holds people back, while Charles reinforces the power of decisive action. 24:37 – Adaptability in fast-moving markets: Ann reveals how staying flexible fuels longevity, while Charles ties adaptability to competitive advantage. 30:02 – Balancing brand and execution: Ann explains how credibility is built through results, while Charles emphasizes alignment between message and action.

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Chris Van Dusen—investor and managing partner at Solyco Capital—to explore how disciplined thinking, long-term vision, and operational focus drive enduring business value. Chris unpacks his journey into private investing, sharing how Solyco Capital partners with founders and management teams to scale companies with intention, not hype.

From evaluating opportunities beyond surface-level metrics to building businesses that can withstand market cycles, Chris explains what truly separates sustainable growth from short-term wins. He dives into the mindset of patient capital—why alignment, leadership, and execution matter just as much as financial engineering—and how the right partnerships unlock exponential outcomes over time.

Together, they examine the realities of modern investing, the importance of capital stewardship, and how operators and investors can work in harmony to build companies that last. The conversation reframes success as more than just exits or returns—it's about creating resilient organizations with strong fundamentals, clear strategy, and values that scale.

This isn't just a conversation about capital allocation. It's a blueprint for building durable businesses, making smarter investment decisions, and creating long-term value that outlives market cycles.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Van Dusen built his investing philosophy around discipline, patience, and long-term value creation -Why sustainable growth matters more than short-term returns or hype-driven wins -How Solyco Capital partners with operators to scale businesses through alignment and execution -The difference between financial engineering and real operational value

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:08 – Inside the mindset of patient capital: Chris explains how his early experiences shaped his long-term approach to investing—while Charles reframes investing as partnership, not prediction. 05:12 – Beyond the numbers: Chris breaks down why metrics alone don't tell the full story—while Charles highlights the importance of leadership, culture, and execution. 09:47 – What makes a great operator-investor partnership: Chris shares how alignment creates scale—while Charles explores why trust and shared vision unlock value. 14:33 – Financial engineering vs. real growth: Chris explains the danger of chasing leverage—while Charles emphasizes building businesses that last. 19:26 – Capital stewardship and responsibility: Chris discusses the role investors play beyond capital—while Charles reflects on accountability and long-term thinking. 24:58 – Scaling through fundamentals: Chris unpacks how strong systems and processes protect companies during downturns—while Charles connects fundamentals to resilience. 30:41 – Navigating market cycles: Chris explains how patient investors prepare for volatility—while Charles reinforces why timing matters less than durability.

In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, culture strategist, author, and former Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Amp, to explore how values, leadership, and intentional culture drive sustainable performance in modern organizations. Jessica unpacks what workplace culture really is, challenging the idea that it's about perks or slogans, and revealing how shared behaviors and belief systems shape everything from engagement to execution.

From helping companies navigate rapid growth and change to decoding why culture breaks down during moments of pressure, Jessica shares what it takes to build environments where people actually thrive. She explains how leaders can translate values into daily actions, create trust at scale, and align teams around a clear sense of purpose, without sacrificing accountability or results.

Together, they dive into the future of work, why culture must evolve alongside technology, how transparency and feedback fuel high-performing teams, and why leadership today is less about control and more about connection. This conversation reframes culture as a strategic advantage, not a "soft" concept, and shows how the strongest organizations are built from the inside out.

This isn't just a conversation about company culture. It's a blueprint for building workplaces people believe in, contribute to, and choose to stay part of.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Jessica Kriegel became a leading culture strategist by turning data, behavior, and psychology into actionable workplace insights -Why company culture isn't about perks or slogans—but about consistent behaviors and shared beliefs -How leaders unintentionally break culture during periods of growth, pressure, or change -Why values only matter when they show up in daily decisions and actions

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:10 – What culture really means: Jessica challenges the idea that culture is about perks and slogans, while Charles reframes culture as the invisible system driving behavior, trust, and results. 04:55 – How leaders unintentionally break culture: Jessica explains how growth, pressure, and misaligned incentives erode culture, while Charles reflects on why leadership behavior sets the tone more than any mission statement. 09:42 – Values vs. behaviors: Jessica breaks down why values only matter when they show up in daily actions, while Charles emphasizes the gap between what companies say and what they actually reward. 14:28 – Culture as a strategic advantage: Jessica reveals how strong culture directly impacts performance and retention, while Charles explores why culture should be treated like any other core business system. 19:36 – Trust, transparency, and feedback: Jessica explains how open communication fuels engagement, while Charles highlights why feedback loops are essential for high-performing teams. 24:51 – Leadership in the modern workplace: Jessica discusses the shift from control to connection, while Charles ties this evolution to empathy, accountability, and clarity. 30:14 – Navigating change without losing alignment: Jessica shares how organizations can scale without cultural breakdown, while Charles reflects on the importance of consistency during uncertainty.

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue.

He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage.

KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business.

RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication

Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/

THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/

FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/

CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/

PODCAST: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast

---------------------------------

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.

He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025).

Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue.

He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage.

KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business.

RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication

Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/

THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/

FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/

CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/

PODCAST: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast

---------------------------------

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.

He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025).

Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

In this eye-opening episode, Charles sits down with Chris Naugle—former pro snowboarder turned wealth strategist and founder of The Money Multiplier—to unpack the unconventional mindset behind true financial freedom. From humble beginnings in Buffalo to building a career on Wall Street and beyond, Chris shares how a series of hard-won lessons led him to one radical idea: become your own bank.

Together, they break down how infinite banking works in plain English—why it's not about chasing crypto or timing the market, but about understanding how money actually moves. Chris reveals how he helps entrepreneurs, investors, and everyday people recapture control of their finances, earn uninterrupted compounding returns, and build wealth that's protected from market chaos.

They go deep into real estate investing, tax strategy, and the future of money—from cost segregation and private banking to how digital currency and policy shifts could reshape financial systems forever. Through it all, Charles and Chris challenge traditional beliefs about debt, risk, and what "security" really means.

This isn't just a conversation about money—it's a blueprint for reclaiming control, mastering cash flow, and building generational wealth that works for you, not against you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Naugle went from pro snowboarder to multimillionaire wealth strategist -Why the "infinite banking concept" can help you become your own source of financing -The difference between saving money and making money work for you -How to recapture interest you're giving away to banks and lenders

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:12 – From snowboarder to wealth strategist: Chris opens up about his early days chasing adrenaline on the slopes—and how a career-ending fall pushed him into the world of finance. Charles draws parallels between risk on the mountain and risk in money. 05:40 – Losing it all—and learning the rules of money: Chris shares how the 2008 crash wiped out everything he'd built—and how it became the turning point that led him to rethink everything he knew about wealth. 09:25 – The money multiplier mindset: Chris explains how he discovered the principles behind infinite banking—while Charles explores why most people never learn how money actually works. 14:18 – Becoming your own bank: Chris breaks down the strategy of using properly structured whole life insurance to create liquidity, control, and uninterrupted compounding—while Charles connects it to entrepreneurial freedom. 20:46 – Breaking the myth of debt: Chris challenges the belief that all debt is bad—while Charles highlights how strategic leverage can accelerate financial independence. 26:10 – The power of cash flow over net worth: Chris shows why it's not about how much you have, but how efficiently your money moves—while Charles dives into how mindset determines financial destiny. 31:33 – Creating generational wealth: Chris unpacks how families can pass down knowledge, not just money—while Charles emphasizes the role of discipline, education, and purpose.

In this candid and fast-moving episode, Charles sits down with Richard White—founder and CEO of Fathom AI, the top-rated AI note-taking platform on G2 and HubSpot—to unpack the truth behind the AI gold rush. Richard shares why only 5% of internal AI initiatives actually succeed, and what separates innovation from illusion in today's hype-driven market.

Together, they dig deep into the harsh realities of building and buying AI software—from skyrocketing failure rates and short model lifecycles to the "LLM treadmill" that forces companies to constantly rebuild just to keep up. Richard breaks down why most big corporations are struggling to adapt, how startups can outmaneuver them with speed and focus, and why the future of work will favor the few who learn to "think with AI."

The conversation stretches beyond business—exploring the coming social upheaval, the rise of one-person billion-dollar companies, and the ethical crossroads of automation, employment, and human creativity. Both Charles and Richard keep it honest, funny, and forward-looking as they challenge listeners to rethink what it means to lead, learn, and stay relevant in the AI age.

This isn't just another talk about artificial intelligence—it's a survival guide for entrepreneurs, employees, and visionaries navigating the most disruptive technological shift since fire itself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why the future belongs to those who learn to think with AI, not compete against it -How automation is paving the way for one-person billion-dollar companies -The ethical and human implications of an AI-driven economy—and how to stay grounded amid disruption -The mindset shifts needed to stay relevant, creative, and adaptable in the AI age

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:18 – The 5% reality check: Richard opens up about why 95% of internal AI initiatives fail—while Charles unpacks what separates companies that truly innovate from those just chasing the hype. 04:42 – From bootstrapping to breakthrough: Richard shares the journey of building Fathom AI into a top-rated platform—while Charles highlights the timeless lessons in execution, focus, and product-market fit. 08:15 – The LLM treadmill explained: Richard reveals how rapid model updates force companies to constantly rebuild—while Charles reflects on why adaptability is now the ultimate competitive edge. 13:28 – The illusion of enterprise AI: Richard breaks down why corporate AI projects struggle to deliver results—while Charles explores how small, agile teams can move faster and smarter. 20:04 – Thinking with AI, not competing against it: Richard discusses how humans and AI can complement each other—while Charles reframes the idea of "AI replacement" into one of "AI augmentation." 26:51 – The one-person billion-dollar company: Richard predicts a future where automation and leverage allow individuals to achieve massive scale—while Charles examines what this means for the workforce and leadership. 34:22 – Ethics, disruption, and the human future: Richard warns about the social impact of AI's rapid acceleration—while Charles challenges listeners to shape technology with purpose, empathy, and accountability. 41:10 – Staying relevant in the age of acceleration: Richard closes by sharing how curiosity and lifelong learning keep innovators ahead—while Charles reminds us that the real advantage isn't AI itself—it's how you use it.

In this powerhouse episode, Charles sits down with Setema Gali—former NFL Super Bowl champion turned elite coach, speaker, and entrepreneur—to unpack the raw truth about what it really takes to win in business, leadership, and life.

Setema shares his transformation from professional athlete to purpose-driven mentor, revealing how the same mindset that wins championships also builds unstoppable leaders. He dives deep into the "dragon-slaying" philosophy—facing hard truths, confronting excuses, and building habits that create sustainable success across every area of life.

From calling out toxic comfort and fake positivity to breaking down the power of radical accountability, Setema and Charles strip away the fluff and expose the realities of high performance. Together, they explore the price of true transformation—why most people never achieve it, and how those who do build unshakable confidence, discipline, and integrity through consistent, uncomfortable action.

This isn't motivational talk—it's a masterclass in mental toughness, ownership, and the psychology of winning long after the game ends.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Setema Gali transformed his identity from Super Bowl champion to world-class coach by redefining what real winning means -Why true greatness isn't about talent or trophies—but about integrity, consistency, and inner mastery -The power of "dragon slaying": confronting your fears, excuses, and self-sabotage to unlock purpose and power -How to lead yourself before leading others—through discipline, accountability, and emotional control

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:05 – From the NFL to a new mission: Setema shares his journey from Super Bowl champion to transformational coach—while Charles highlights how reinvention begins when identity no longer depends on titles or trophies. 04:28 – Redefining what it means to win: Setema breaks down the difference between external success and internal fulfillment—while Charles reflects on how chasing validation keeps many high achievers stuck. 08:15 – The power of personal standards: Setema explains why discipline and integrity are the true markers of greatness—while Charles connects this to how leaders create culture through consistency, not charisma. 12:40 – Slaying the internal dragons: Setema reveals his framework for confronting fear, pride, and self-sabotage—while Charles notes how facing your "dragons" becomes the path to freedom and clarity. 16:10 – Leading yourself first: Setema emphasizes that leadership starts with self-mastery—while Charles points out that emotional regulation and humility separate good leaders from exceptional ones. 20:30 – Sustaining success through structure and spirit: Setema discusses how faith, family, and focus form the foundation of lasting achievement—while Charles ties it to the balance between grind and grace. 25:45 – Legacy over lifestyle: Setema closes with a call to pursue impact over image—while Charles reminds listeners that real success is measured not by what you gain, but by who you become.

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Jennifer Edwards—executive coach, speaker, and author of Bridge the Gap—to explore how curiosity, connection, and psychological flexibility can transform both leadership and life.

Jennifer unpacks the power of showing up "clean" in every interaction, revealing why most people fail to connect not because of others—but because they haven't first connected with themselves. She shares practical tools for breaking out of "sleepwalking" routines, disrupting ego-driven patterns, and creating conversations that open doors instead of closing them.

Together, they dive into what it really takes to bridge divides in today's polarized world: the discipline of asking better questions, the courage to hold space without judgment, and the humility to prioritize impact over looking smart. From tactical daily practices like mindful mornings and walking meditations, to high-level leadership strategies for building trust and community, Jennifer shows how anyone can cultivate connection in a disconnected age.

This isn't just a conversation about communication. It's a masterclass in building resilient relationships, leading with curiosity, and creating environments where people—and ideas—can truly thrive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why true connection starts with showing up "clean" and being grounded in your own values and presence -How to break out of "sleepwalking" through life by practicing curiosity and disrupting automatic patterns -The difference between reacting from ego vs. responding with humility and awareness -Practical tools—like mindful mornings, journaling, and walking meditations—that reset perspective and energy

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:18 – Showing up "clean" in conversations: Jennifer explains how being fully present and grounded changes the way people experience you—while Charles notes how leaders often underestimate this simple shift. 04:42 – Escaping life on autopilot: Jennifer describes the dangers of "sleepwalking" through routines without awareness—while Charles reflects on how intentional disruption sparks growth. 08:10 – Curiosity as a leadership superpower: Jennifer shares how asking better questions opens connection and trust—while Charles highlights how curiosity dissolves barriers in polarized environments. 12:35 – Ego vs. impact in decision-making: Jennifer unpacks why leaders often choose being "right" over being effective—while Charles points out the cost of ego-driven choices. 16:20 – Practical resets for daily clarity: Jennifer introduces mindful mornings, walking meditations, and journaling as tools to re-center—while Charles ties these practices to sustainable high performance. 20:55 – The power of psychological flexibility: Jennifer explains why adaptability and openness are essential for modern leaders—while Charles connects it to resilience in business and relationships. 25:30 – Building bridges that last: Jennifer closes with strategies to foster trust and belonging—while Charles emphasizes that true leadership is measured by the quality of connection you create.

In this high-energy episode, Charles sits down with Kris Dehnert—founder of Dehnert Media Group and the driving force behind Dugout Mugs—to unpack how creativity, resilience, and systems thinking can turn simple ideas into multi-million-dollar brands.

Kris shares the origin story of Dugout Mugs, where a concept sketched in a kitchen grew into $55M in sales, MLB licensing deals, and a brand loved by fans, athletes, and corporations alike. He breaks down the lessons from his entrepreneurial journey—from early wins in print-on-demand apparel to painful setbacks in restaurants, cannabis, and crypto—and why he believes you fail your way to lasting success.

Together, Charles and Kris dive deep into the mechanics of building lean but powerful organizations: how to scale with small teams, empower people through ownership, and leverage AI and systems to multiply output without multiplying overhead. Kris also reveals his personal philosophy—why fun, family, and reflection matter just as much as profit, and why firing yourself from the process is the real key to freedom.

This isn't just a story about baseball mugs. It's a masterclass in turning setbacks into systems, ordinary products into extraordinary brands, and entrepreneurship into a life you actually want to live.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Kris turned a simple idea—baseball bats turned into mugs—into a $55M brand with MLB licensing deals -Why failure in industries like restaurants, cannabis, and crypto taught him the resilience to build lasting businesses -The importance of systems and small, empowered teams to scale without unnecessary overhead -How "firing yourself" from the process creates freedom and long-term sustainability

Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.

KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From idea to $55M brand: Kris shares how a simple sketch of a baseball bat mug turned into Dugout Mugs with MLB licensing and millions in sales—while Charles highlights the power of turning passion into product. 05:10 – Failing forward through industries: Kris opens up about losses in restaurants, cannabis, and crypto—and why failure became the tuition that prepared him for future wins. 08:48 – Scaling with small teams: Kris explains how lean operations and empowered people drive efficiency—while Charles reflects on why bigger isn't always better. 12:30 – Firing yourself from the process: Kris discusses the art of stepping back, creating systems, and letting others take ownership—while Charles points out how this unlocks freedom for founders. 16:42 – Building brands with fun and family: Kris reveals why joy, reflection, and relationships matter as much as revenue—while Charles ties it back to building businesses worth living for. 20:25 – Leveraging AI and automation: Kris shares how AI and systems amplify impact without ballooning costs—while Charles notes how smart tech creates real leverage for entrepreneurs. 25:55 – Redefining entrepreneurship: Kris closes with his philosophy: entrepreneurship isn't just about profit—it's about lessons, ownership, and creating brands that people love—while Charles emphasizes the legacy of building with purpose.

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