In this special CG Live episode from our Q4 CEO & Premier event, I sit down with keynote speaker Ben Nemtin, #1 New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of The Buried Life. Ben delivers a powerful message about purpose, burnout, and what really matters when success isn't enough. He challenges us to ask the deeper questions: What's on your bucket list? What would you regret not doing? And how can pursuing those things actually make you a better leader?

Ben's keynote wasn't just inspiration—it was activation. He had over 200 high-level investors in the room writing down their dreams, sharing them for accountability, and reconnecting to what lights them up outside of business. In this episode, we explore how that personal purpose becomes rocket fuel for leading teams, scaling companies, and living without regret.

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside with Ben Nemtin following his keynote presentation

[1:06] – Why purpose outside of work is the secret to sustainable leadership

[2:16] – The "Two Lists" exercise and how it sparks action and accountability

[3:34] – Why we wait for trauma to find clarity—and how to shortcut that

[4:32] – Purpose-driven leadership and building deep connection with your team

[5:11] – How CG's culture of honesty and vulnerability mirrors Ben's core message

[6:18] – Ben's origin story: pressure, breakdown, and the start of The Buried Life

[7:20] – The road trip that launched a movement: dreams, connection, and momentum

[8:40] – Helping others achieve their dreams turned out to be the most meaningful

[9:30] – Energy-driven living and what it means to align with your true self

[10:17] – Work-life harmony and small shifts that create real momentum

[11:04] – It's not selfish—it's service. The science behind doing what lights you up

[12:11] – Make your list. Choose one. Share it. Build accountability around it

[13:28] – Why accountability is king and how to create it for your purpose goals

[14:18] – Tracking KPIs for life and health the way you track business metrics

[15:07] – Achieving without fulfillment? Many CG members are facing the "what's next?"

[16:12] – Ben's favorite bucket list moment: playing basketball with President Obama

[18:07] – Living out of alignment creates stress—and shortens your life

[19:23] – The root of depression and why expression is the antidote

[20:31] – Protect your energy: start small, be consistent, and stay true

1. Purpose Isn't a Luxury—It's Leadership Fuel Reconnecting to what excites you outside of work makes you a better boss, parent, and human.
2. If You Don't Track It, It Won't Grow: Apply the same accountability to your personal goals as you do to your KPIs.
3. Alignment Extends Life: Living out of sync with your true self creates stress and burnout. Get real and get aligned.

• Website: https://www.bennemtin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennemtin
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If this conversation lit a spark for you, don't let it die out. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and visit https://www.explorecg.com to connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs building lives they don't need to escape from.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with who I call the ultimate utility player in our industry—Benmont Locker. If there's anyone uniquely positioned to talk about what's working right now for real estate investors, it's Benmont. From operations and growth strategy to sales training and talent development, he's been in—and built—nearly every seat that matters.

We dive deep into why 2026 is a year of stabilization, not reckless scaling, and why the operators winning today are the ones obsessing over fundamentals: leads, sales, people, and execution. Benmont shares his journey from retail and consulting into real estate, how his partnership with Eric Brewer evolved, and how ventures like RAMP REI and CG Elevate were born out of real, in-the-trenches necessity—not theory. This episode is a blueprint for building durable businesses, developing elite talent, and executing relentlessly in any market.

[0:00] – Why "stabilize growth" is the real theme of 2026

[2:30] – Benmont as the ultimate utility player in real estate

[4:45] – From family retail business to operations and consulting

[6:40] – Learning to execute ideas, not just create them

[7:45] – Exposure to startups across multiple industries

[9:30] – First real estate experiences—and learning what not to do

[11:00] – How Eric Brewer identified and recruited Benmont

[13:00] – Talent recruiting as a long-term strategy, not a reaction

[15:00] – Becoming the filter for a visionary without killing innovation

[17:00] – The evolution from operations to Chief Growth Officer

[19:00] – Why experimentation must live outside the core business

[21:00] – Creating career paths instead of job ceilings

[23:00] – Building partners, not just employees

[24:45] – The biggest lesson: commit fully or don't start

[27:00] – Why dabbling kills momentum

[28:30] – The origin of RAMP REI: solving internal sales problems first

[31:00] – Turning internal IP into an external platform

[33:00] – Avoiding guru culture by staying actively in the business

[35:00] – What RAMP REI actually helps operators fix

[37:00] – CG Elevate: bridging the gap from operator to business owner

[39:00] – Watching members scale, promote, and change their lives

[42:00] – What's working right now: simplify and execute

[44:00] – Why most struggles are really sales and lead problems

[45:30] – "Vicious execution" as the edge in today's market

[47:30] – Momentum as the most overlooked KPI

[48:30] – How to connect with Benmont

1. Stabilize Before You Scale – Sustainable growth starts with fundamentals, not expansion.
2. Talent Is Recruited, Not Found – Elite operators proactively identify and develop people.
3. Sales Fix Everything – Most business problems are really sales process problems.
4. Commit or Don't Start – Dabbling kills momentum; full commitment creates breakthroughs.
5. Execution Wins Markets – Simplify, focus, and execute with urgency—especially now.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• RAMP REI – Sales systems and training for real estate teams: https://ramprei.com/

Benmont's story is a reminder that the businesses winning today aren't doing more—they're doing the right things, better, with discipline and urgency.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who wants to execute at a higher level in this market.

In this CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Craig Filek, founder of Purpose Mapping, for a powerful conversation about identity, burnout, and what lies beyond business success. If you're at that stage of life where you've hit your revenue goals, built the systems, and delegated the day-to-day—but still feel restless or stuck—this one's for you.

Craig breaks down his "Two Mountains" framework and explains why so many high-achieving entrepreneurs find themselves burned out, drifting, or trapped in the golden hamster wheel. We explore what it really takes to transition from building a business to building a legacy, and how reclaiming your authentic self can reignite fulfillment in both work and life.

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside—introducing Craig Filek and Purpose Mapping

[1:06] – Burnout, midlife, and why high achievers can't power down

[2:16] – Cortisol, coffee, and workaholism—the hidden addiction behind hustle

[3:52] – The 3-to-5 year itch and why dopamine keeps entrepreneurs chasing

[4:34] – Craig's "Two Mountains" framework—success vs. fulfillment

[5:45] – Midlife pitfalls: the golden hamster wheel, the retirement drift, and the Vegas spiral

[6:54] – The dark forest between mountains—what happens when purpose dissolves

[7:52] – Reclaiming authenticity from childhood to ignite the second mountain

[8:33] – Why legacy isn't built in your 80s—and how to start now

[9:11] – Facing the "unlived life" and the cave you fear to enter

[10:06] – What happens when the business runs without you—identity crisis at the top

[11:20] – The power (and fear) of asking: what do I do when I don't have to do anything?

[13:19] – Building paths for your second-in-command to avoid the same burnout

[14:24] – Where to find Craig and how to access his free Purpose AI tool for CG members

1. Success Is Only the First Mountain
2. True fulfillment—and legacy—start when you descend from the peak of achievement and climb with purpose.
3. Workaholism Is a Hell of a Drug
4. Burnout isn't a badge of honor. Learning how to rest and reclaim identity is key to sustainable leadership.
5. You Have to Go Into the Cave
6. Facing the parts of yourself you've sidelined is often the path to deeper impact and peace.

• Website: https://www.purposemapping.com
• Purpose AI Access for CG: https://www.purposed.ai/cg
• Instagram & YouTube: @purposemapping
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Craig's message hit you in the gut—or gave you a glimpse of the next chapter—you're not alone. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with purpose-driven leaders scaling more than just businesses.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Adrian Hernandez for a powerful conversation on vision, belief, and what it really takes to scale a real estate business without losing yourself—or your family—in the process. Adrian's story is one of clarity from a young age, relentless energy, and the courage to burn the boats when it was time to go all in.

We talk about Adrian's journey from starting as a real estate agent at 19 to building a dominant wholesale and fix-and-flip operation across Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Adrian shares the hard lessons from running a brokerage, shutting it down, rebuilding from scratch, and ultimately discovering that scale doesn't come from more people—it comes from better people, better systems, and the right rooms. This episode is a masterclass in mindset shifts, inbound marketing, lean teams, and putting family first while still building something great.

[0:00] – Adrian's infectious energy and why positivity attracts success

[2:30] – Starting in real estate early and writing a vision at 16 years old

[4:00] – Family influence, immigrant work ethic, and early exposure to success

[6:45] – Learning business fundamentals as a kid through real estate

[8:00] – Knowing early what he wanted to do—and the 2008 market crash

[9:30] – Trying firefighting and realizing real estate was the calling

[11:00] – Holding 22 jobs and mastering the art of interviewing

[13:00] – Becoming a top-producing agent by age 24

[15:00] – Moving markets and opening a brokerage in Orange County

[17:00] – Lessons learned from building (and struggling with) a brokerage

[19:00] – First flip, joint ventures, and wholesaling before it had a name

[21:00] – Hiring Nick Ramirez and finding off-market deals

[23:00] – Shutting down the brokerage and burning the boats in 2019

[25:00] – Early struggles: hiring without systems and pure hustle mode

[27:00] – The breakthrough moment: discovering inbound marketing

[29:00] – Realizing cold calling alone wouldn't get them to $10M+

[31:00] – Joining Collective Genius and the mindset shift around scale

[33:00] – Running lean: cutting down to 5 full-time employees

[35:00] – Why smart people + systems outperform big teams

[37:00] – TV marketing: the long game and why patience pays

[39:00] – Hiring with cognitive testing and upgrading talent

[41:00] – Scaling inbound marketing while staying disciplined

[43:00] – Handling uncertainty and pushing through the "winter"

[45:00] – The biggest shift: family first, business second

[47:00] – Social media, branding, and evolving content strategy

[49:00] – Where to connect with Adrian and closing thoughts

1. Vision Comes First – Adrian knew where he was going long before the results showed up.
2. Inbound Changes Everything – You can't scale to $10M+ relying on hustle alone.
3. Lean Beats Bloated – Five A-players with systems outperform 15 average hires.
4. Patience Pays – TV, PPC, and brand marketing take time—but compound massively.
5. Family First Wins Long-Term – True success is building a business that supports your life, not replaces it.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community

Adrian's story is proof that when you combine clarity, belief, the right people, and the right rooms, scale becomes inevitable—and fulfillment comes with it.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's ready to grow their business and their life the right way.

In this special CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Chris Porter, Senior Vice President at John Burns Research & Consulting, for a data-driven look into what's ahead for the housing market. Chris shares powerful insights into the demographic and economic trends that are shaping the next decade—and what investors must prepare for heading into 2026 and beyond.

From immigration policy to housing affordability, construction labor shortages to rental market shifts, Chris breaks down how real-time data helps decode the future of real estate. If you're looking for a crystal ball grounded in research (not guesswork), this episode delivers the macro perspective that investors can't afford to ignore.

[0:00] – Kicking off CG Live in Oceanside with 300+ investors and Chris Porter in the hot seat

[1:11] – Why demographics are the most powerful (and overlooked) driver of market trends

[2:16] – A preview of Chris's presentation to CG CEOs on housing outlook for 2026

[3:26] – How immigration policies and demographic shifts are reshaping labor and housing

[4:14] – 28% of construction labor born outside the U.S.—why that's a big deal

[4:57] – The post-2008 labor drop and its long-term impact on housing inventory

[6:17] – Rising college costs, return on investment, and the push for trade jobs

[7:15] – "Adulting delays" and the median age of first-time buyers hitting 40

[9:01] – Intergenerational wealth transfer: boomers are helping younger buyers now

[10:36] – Inventory shortages aren't going away—why that's the long game for investors

[11:26] – Buyers spending 40%+ of income on housing—what that means for demand

[12:44] – Renting is rising and renters are aging—welcome to the new normal

[13:34] – The cost to own is now double the cost to rent in many markets

[14:12] – Mortgage rates are staying above 6%—the "higher for longer" reality

[15:32] – The 5.5% mortgage rate "magic number" and why we won't hit it soon

[16:10] – If rates drop, prices jump: the inventory squeeze won't ease for long

[18:29] – Life-stage events still drive buying behavior—regardless of rate

[19:10] – Using frameworks to anticipate consumer demand after black swan events

1. Demographics Are Destiny: Understanding population trends, labor flows, and generational shifts gives investors a massive edge.
2. Inventory Is the Real Bottleneck: Even with rates fluctuating, the housing shortage—and construction labor gap—isn't going anywhere soon.
3. Renters Are Here to Stay: With affordability challenges and lifestyle shifts, long-term rental demand will continue to rise.

• John Burns Research & Consulting: https://www.realestateconsulting.com

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If this episode helped you think differently about the housing future, make sure you're in the room where conversations like this are happening. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and head to https://www.explorecg.com to apply for CG.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Casey Gregerson, who returned to the stage as a Premier-level CG member just three years after attending his very first event as a brand-new investor. From getting laid off days before his first CG meeting to building a powerful brand in a niche market, Casey's story is a blueprint for how to go all in and win.

Casey shares how he turned a remote investing model into a thriving business by dominating the Wyoming market from Houston, building a trusted local team, and investing relentlessly in brand building. He also reveals how that brand helped him scale every part of his business—from raising millions to recruiting team members to simplifying deal flow. This episode is packed with tactical takeaways and powerful perspective shifts.

[0:00] – Casey returns to CG, now a Premier member, sharing his journey from W-2 to full-time entrepreneur

[1:11] – Laid off days before his first CG event—and committed 100% to making it work

[2:32] – Choosing Wyoming over Houston and why remote investing made sense

[3:54] – Finding a niche market and leveraging it for higher margins

[4:28] – Getting mentorship in CG and learning to "milk the niche"

[5:40] – Early deals off the MLS led to direct mail—and $40–$50K spreads

[6:17] – Proof of concept: $5K mailer yielded three profitable deals

[7:02] – What Casey's presentation covers: building a brand that solves everything

[8:04] – How brand made raising capital, hiring, and lead gen easier

[8:37] – Brand is the common thread among top performers in a tough market

[9:18] – In a trust recession, people buy from brands they recognize and relate to

[9:55] – What else clicked in Select? Finally implementing real business operations

[10:43] – EOS, KPIs, and learning to actually run a company

[11:25] – Ditching the hustle and leveling up the systems

[11:44] – Casey's "Revive Summit" and passion for leading others through transformation

[12:32] – Where to follow Casey and how to stay in touch

1. Brand Solves Everything: From raising capital to finding deals, Casey's journey proves a powerful brand makes business easier at every level.
2. Remote Success Is Possible With the Right People: Building trust and leadership on the ground allowed Casey to scale in Wyoming while living in Houston.
3. You Don't Just Hear It—You Have to Do It: Implementing EOS and KPIs took time, but transformed his hustle into a real, scalable business.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseygregerson
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Casey's story lit a fire under you—if you're tired of the grind and ready to build something lasting—rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to get in the room with investors who've walked the same path, head to https://www.explorecg.com and apply to join us.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member Andrew Newlon out of Springfield, Missouri, for a deep conversation on what real scale actually looks like—especially in smaller Midwest markets. Andrew's journey is a masterclass in patience, focus, and learning the hard lessons that most entrepreneurs only understand after going through them.

We talk about Andrew's evolution from military service to real estate, the rise and fall of partnerships, nearly breaking the business by scaling too fast, and how rebuilding with intention completely changed his trajectory. From adopting a "better, not bigger" philosophy to becoming a true local authority through social media, Andrew shares how discipline, profitability, and purpose—not ego—are what create long-term success.

[0:00] – Andrew's market overview: Springfield, Missouri and a Midwest strategy

[3:00] – Building a business around wholesaling, flipping, and rentals

[4:45] – How market cycles forced shifts in exit strategies

[6:00] – Military background and early exposure to real estate

[7:30] – First deals: lease options, credit cards, and late-night rehabs

[9:00] – Lessons learned from early partnerships

[10:45] – Why most partnerships eventually break

[12:30] – The three non-negotiables for partnerships: purpose, values, goals

[14:15] – Why partnerships need a "prenup" from day one

[16:00] – Andrew's first exposure to Collective Genius

[18:00] – Walking into a room of operators far ahead—and staying anyway

[21:00] – The biggest early mistake: scaling too fast, too wide

[22:45] – Hiring too many people, expanding markets, and breaking the business

[25:00] – March 2020: running out of money as the world shut down

[26:30] – COVID as a second chance to rebuild the business

[29:00] – The shift to "better, not bigger"

[30:30] – Cutting expenses by 60% and rebuilding profit-first

[32:30] – Why lean teams outperform bloated org charts

[34:00] – Hiring generals, not specialists

[35:30] – Becoming a local authority through social media

[37:00] – Building trust, credibility, and brand awareness locally

[38:45] – How social media drives sellers, buyers, and private money

[41:00] – Why local presence still wins in real estate

[43:00] – Adding a retail arm once the wholesaling business stabilized

[45:30] – Creating more solutions for sellers without inflating overhead

[47:30] – Goals for 2026: responsible growth and family time

1. Better Beats Bigger – Profitability, focus, and sanity matter more than vanity metrics.
2. Partnerships Require Alignment – Purpose, values, and goals must stay aligned—or the partnership won't last.
3. Scale Responsibly – Growing revenue without growing expenses is the real definition of scale.
4. Local Authority Wins – Social media isn't about going viral; it's about building trust in your backyard.
5. One Thing at a Time – Sustainable growth comes from focus, not stacking shiny objects.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community

If Andrew's journey resonated with you, it's likely because you're at a crossroads between growth and discipline. Remember—real scale isn't about doing more; it's about doing the right things, better.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's building a business for the long haul.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Jason Reynolds, a former pro baseball player turned real estate investor, who joined CG in January and has already tripled his business in under a year. This is a masterclass in action-taking—from construction bottlenecks to team building, Jason walks us through how the right conversations at the right time completely reshaped his company.

He shares how moving project management in-house saved him tens of thousands per deal, how mentoring from other members like Phil Jackson helped him fast-track solutions, and why transforming as a leader—not just a hustler—has been the key to scaling his business and his life. If you've ever felt stuck wearing too many hats or unsure how to build a team you can trust, this episode is your blueprint.

[0:00] – Jason joins CG in January and hits the ground running

[1:46] – Doubling the business? No—tripling it

[2:05] – Based in Allentown, PA—75% fix and flip, 25% wholesale

[3:52] – The first CG event and how it delivered immediate clarity

[4:14] – Struggles with GCs led to an in-house project management breakthrough

[5:00] – Saving $15K–$20K per project after implementing advice from other members

[5:35] – Shoutout to Phil Jackson for helping map out the hiring plan

[6:11] – Bigger team, better systems: the move from doer to leader

[7:12] – Weekly 1:1s, team goals, and building real buy-in

[8:28] – Why pouring into your people builds more than just profit

[9:06] – The "Roger Bannister" effect—seeing what's possible in this room

[9:45] – Fundraising session takeaways: not ready for a fund, but building for it

[10:13] – Investor updates and strengthening capital relationships

[11:27] – Day one CG insight: becoming less of a micromanager, more of a leader

[12:12] – Creating culture and consistency to drive long-term growth

[13:01] – The power of taking action and building high-value relationships

1. The Right Conversation Can Save You $20K: Jason's decision to bring project management in-house came directly from CG connections—and paid off immediately.
2. You Don't Build a Business Alone: Learning to lead and develop others is what took Jason from hustle to scale.
3. Be in the Room Where the Growth Happens: Real transformation happens when you learn from those already doing what you're trying to do.

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Jason's journey inspired you—if you're done flying solo and ready to scale with the help of leaders who've been where you're going—rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to get in the room, head to https://www.explorecg.com and apply now.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Dustin Singer out of Pittsburgh for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. Dustin's story is a real-time example of what happens when personal growth finally catches up to business ambition—and how everything changes when it does.

We unpack how Dustin doubled his revenue, doubled his team, and expanded into commercial real estate in a single year—not by working more hours, but by rebuilding himself as a leader. From losing 50 pounds and reclaiming his discipline to implementing simple KPIs, building the right team, and running his business like a pilot flies a plane, this episode is proof that business growth follows personal growth every time.

[0:00] – Dustin's background and diversified investing business in Pittsburgh

[2:45] – Why commercial real estate became his new focus

[4:00] – Doubling revenue and contract volume year over year

[5:30] – The turning point: prioritizing health and personal discipline

[7:00] – Losing 50 pounds and rebuilding energy, focus, and confidence

[9:00] – Why leadership starts with how you treat your body

[11:00] – The first 90 days: regaining momentum and decisiveness

[12:30] – Reinvesting energy into hiring and team growth

[14:00] – The first key hire: lead management

[15:30] – Building the right team instead of spending more on marketing

[17:15] – How physical discipline transferred into business discipline

[18:30] – Treating health like a business KPI

[20:00] – "Life is a sport": training for longevity, not just aesthetics

[21:30] – Creating vision, cadence, and accountability for the team

[23:30] – The 7 KPIs Dustin tracks to run the business

[25:00] – Daily huddles, weekly syncs, and monthly reviews

[27:00] – Why data—not stories—drives better decisions

[28:45] – Learning from CG and implementing one thing at a time

[31:00] – Expanding into commercial real estate with the right team in place

[33:00] – Buying a $3.2M commercial property

[35:00] – The pilot analogy: KPIs as flight instruments

[37:00] – How autopilot systems free you to think bigger

[38:45] – How to connect with Dustin

1. Personal Growth Precedes Business Growth – When Dustin rebuilt his health, everything else followed.
2. Energy Is a Leadership Tool – You can't lead people well if you're exhausted and undisciplined.
3. Hire People Before Spending More on Marketing – Team leverage unlocked real scale.
4. Simple KPIs Win – A small set of metrics tells you exactly where the business is breaking.
5. Run the Business Like a Plane – Systems, checklists, and instruments create safe, scalable growth.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• Connect with Dustin – https://www.facebook.com/dustin.singer.33

If Dustin's story resonated with you, it's probably because you know something needs to change—personally or professionally. Start with one thing, build discipline, and let the momentum compound.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's ready to grow, lead, and scale at the next level.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Pittsburgh investor and longtime CG member Dustin Singer, who delivered one of the most vulnerable and impactful talks of the event. Dustin pulls back the curtain on how he turned a season of burnout, depression, and disconnection into a full-blown transformation—personally, physically, and professionally.

From losing 50 pounds to completely overhauling his leadership style, Dustin shares how a single CG presentation inspired him to get out of survival mode and start leading with intention. He also walks us through the "flight plan" framework he used to align his life and business, the mindset shifts that sparked team growth, and why scaling your people is more powerful than scaling your numbers.

[0:00] – Dustin reflects on presenting after a keynote—telling his own story calmly and confidently

[1:45] – Introducing his "flight plan" metaphor and what sparked his personal and business changes

[2:54] – Transformation numbers: 50 pounds lost, 12% body fat, major business turnaround

[3:22] – The CG moment that triggered it all: Jeremiah's health-focused talk in January

[4:14] – "I was lazy, unmotivated, undisciplined, lacking purpose"—Dustin's raw self-assessment

[4:36] – The realization that chasing deals was no longer enough to keep going

[5:17] – Leading himself first—then using that momentum to build up his team

[6:11] – When Dustin saw his team leading without him for the first time

[6:41] – Why the flight training model mirrors great business building

[7:30] – Plans, metrics, checklists, and emergency procedures—how flying and leading align

[8:19] – Leveraging CG resources to fix blind spots instead of flying solo

[9:08] – What Dustin's focusing on next: sustaining momentum in a tough market

[9:53] – Flipping in Pittsburgh: longer days on market, new underwriting strategies

[10:38] – "You don't build a business. You build people. And people build the business."

[11:46] – A real-life example of leadership: how his ops manager handled a crucial conversation

[12:30] – Final reflections on transformation, consistency, and paying it forward

1. Lead Yourself First: Personal transformation unlocks professional growth. Start with your own discipline and mindset.
2. Your Team Can Fly the Plane: When you develop leaders—not just employees—you build a business that runs without you.
3. Frameworks Matter: Dustin's "flight plan" shows how structure, metrics, and emergency processes help businesses navigate turbulence.

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Dustin's story reminded you that it's never too late to turn things around—physically, mentally, or professionally—then take the next step. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with real leaders making real change.