In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nelma Maddox, a regional vice president for a major pharmaceutical sales company.

Nelma discusses her journey to carve a unique path in a competitive and demanding industry. With a blend of hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities, you'll learn how she navigated various career shifts and leadership roles. Her story reveals how personal values, a strong work ethic, and a focus on community engagement helped them rise to positions of influence, leaving a lasting impact wherever they went.

Nelma reflects on the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and making decisions that align with one’s moral compass. She also shares insightful thoughts on the interconnectedness of career success and personal fulfillment, offering valuable advice on how to maintain integrity while striving for excellence.

This episode offers an empowering message about how life's twists and turns can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling outcomes, all the while staying true to oneself and helping others along the way.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Nelma's background in management development and the influence of Simon Sinek, Malcolm Gladwell, and EQ (Emotional Intelligence).
• How her leadership skills developed through various roles in high school and college.
• The challenges and growth Nelma experienced in her early sales roles, including customer service and data entry. 
• The training and development programs that helped her advance in the pharmaceutical industry.
• The importance of giving back and helping youth find the right leadership path.
• And much more...

Resources:

Nelma's LinkedIn

Corcept Therapeutics

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Gage Ward, College Works alumni and Account Manager for Engineered Sales Inc.

Gage reflects on overcoming initial struggles and adapting to the demands of a high-pressure field, all while embracing a mindset focused on growth and learning. Matt and Gage discuss the importance of resilience, noting how persistence in the face of setbacks can lead to eventual success.

You'll hear about the value of taking risks, sacrificing short-term comforts for long-term gains, and developing critical skills not typically taught in school. Gage recounts key moments where making tough decisions—like reducing work hours to focus on a specific opportunity—paid off significantly, highlighting how such sacrifices shape future outcomes.

This episode offers insights into the unique dynamics of industrial sales, emphasizing the importance of communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building in achieving professional excellence. Discover the strategic decisions that propel someone toward success, both in their career and in life.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The inevitability of failure and the importance of learning from failures to achieve success.
• The importance of attending career fairs and networking with faculty to stand out in the job market.
• Gage's time in the College Works program, which allowed him to trial run his own business and gain practical experience.
• The sacrifices Gage made during college, such as taking fewer hours at his job to focus on his internship and missing out on social activities.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Engineered Sales

Gage's LinkedIn

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Steve Tchejeyan, President of Island, an enterprise browser maker.

During the conversation, Matt and Steve explore the challenges and lessons learned from navigating high-pressure environments, where success hinges on adaptability and forward-thinking. Steve shares personal experiences of realizing the importance of maintaining momentum, even when things seem to be going well. A moment of panic serves as a turning point, underscoring the necessity of planning ahead and ensuring that opportunities don’t dry up unexpectedly.

You'll hear about the long-term impact of early career sacrifices. Hard work and relentless commitment often come at a personal cost, yet they shape the foundation for future success. Steve opens up about the emotional weight of reflecting on years spent grinding, particularly the realization of time lost with loved ones. 

This episode serves as both a reflection on past hardships and a testament to the lasting impact of unwavering determination.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of balancing work and education, and why Steve wishes he had found a better balance during his high school and college years.
• Steve's transition from inside sales at a software company to leadership roles and his involvement in private equity and startups.
• The significance of self-reflection and understanding one's interests to achieve long-term success.
• Some of the toughest challenges Steve has faced in his career, including taking a company private during COVID-19.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Island

Steve's LinkedIn

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, guest host Sean Phelps is joined by Eric Rose, a former Procter & Gamble executive, now the founder and CEO of Sprints Running Apparel.

During the conversation, Eric shares the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, balancing the demands of a high-profile corporate career with the drive to build a personal brand from the ground up. Navigating the challenges of scaling a business while managing the complexities of an established company, he reflects on pivotal moments that shaped their approach to business and leadership.

You'll hear about the critical lessons learned early in Eric's career, highlighting the importance of sales, execution, and P&L management. Drawing from experiences that span both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, he shares how a mix of hard work and learning from failure can fuel success.

From fitness routines to setting clear priorities, this episode reveals how Eric's day-to-day practices contribute to his ability to lead effectively and manage his growing brand.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Eric's early career at Procter and Gamble, starting during the financial crisis, and the opportunities he had to work on various brands. 
• The challenges of managing a small brand, including limited buying power and the impact of COVID-19.
• The benefits and challenges of being an entrepreneur, including the ability to create a culture and the need for constant learning.
• The impact of the College Works program on Eric's career, including the friendships and mentorship he's gained.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Sprints Running Apparel

Eric's LinkedIn

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Grayson Bierling, a former member of the College Works program.

During the conversation, Grayson shares his journey of returning to a familiar industry with a fresh perspective, embracing the challenges of learning the trade from the ground up. Rather than taking shortcuts, he immerses himself in the intricacies of operations, regulations, and problem-solving, recognizing that true leadership comes from firsthand experience.

You'll hear how he’s developed a sharp eye for identifying inefficiencies, drawing from past roles where quick thinking and strategic execution made all the difference. Grayson explores the importance of analyzing a business’s long-term viability, asking the hard questions about sustainability and evolution.

This conversation will leave you with a thought-provoking perspective on what it truly means to build something lasting—whether in business, leadership, or personal development.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of high intention and the choices Grayson has made to set himself up for success. 
• His initial struggles with sales in the College Works program and how he persevered and improved with help.
• Grayson's return to the family business after completing the College Works program, as well as the value of innovation in finding ways to grow the business.
• The importance of knowing the business inside and out to make informed decisions and drive growth.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ellen Pais, Executive Director of Pretend City Children's Museum.

During the conversation, Matt and Ellen discuss bold, unconventional approaches to solving community challenges, highlighting the power of creativity and collaboration. Ellen shares insights into how innovative thinking can drive real change, bringing people together in unexpected ways. 

You'll discover the complexities of leadership and the art of rallying support for meaningful initiatives. From securing critical funding to fostering deep relationships, the discussion sheds light on what it takes to turn big visions into reality. Ellen’s journey reveals valuable lessons about persistence, influence, and the importance of staying true to one’s mission, even when faced with obstacles.  

With an energetic and heartfelt exchange, the episode leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for the impact of bold leadership and the importance of investing in both community and personal growth.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The influence of nurture and nature on Ellen’s development and her commitment to advocacy from a young age.
• The significance of aligning one's career with personal values and the impact of making a difference in the community. 
• The responsibilities of an executive director, including managing the big picture, details, and the overall success of the organization.
• The unique approach of Pretend City in providing a hands-on learning experience for children, fostering social interaction and real-world skills.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Pretend City Children's Museum

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Bobby Bourguignon, an alumnus of the College Works program.

During the conversation, Bobby shares how they navigated the early stages of his career, experimenting with different paths before finding one that sparked genuine excitement. The discussion explores the importance of passion in professional growth, while also acknowledging that not every day will be easy—sometimes, perseverance through difficult seasons is what ultimately leads to lasting fulfillment.  

You'll hear about the impact of personal relationships and daily habits on long-term success. Bobby reflects on the difficult but necessary decision to change his social circle, surrounding Himself with individuals who inspire and challenge him. You'll also learn the critical role of health and self-discipline, emphasizing that personal well-being directly affects motivation, productivity, and overall happiness.

This episode offers a powerful metaphor about diving beneath the surface, encouraging you to embrace deeper conversations, take meaningful risks, and push yourself toward greater self-awareness.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Bobby's experience with College Works, a tough internship that taught him valuable lessons and that he calls the hardest year of his life, both physically and mentally.
• The challenges of working remotely and the impact on his mental health and substance abuse issues.
• The importance of choosing the right partners and having a clear value proposition.
• The lessons Bobby has learned from his challenges and how they have shaped his current mindset and approach to life.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Matt Hickman, a video content creator.

You'll hear Matt's compelling journey of discovery, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Faced with a crossroads in life, he embraced a bold challenge — venturing into the unknown with nothing but raw determination and an eagerness to learn. His story unfolds through moments of uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt, yet it is precisely these obstacles that fuel their relentless pursuit of success.

Gain insights into the mindset shifts and daily disciplines that separate dreamers from doers. Matt emphasizes the importance of taking action over endless preparation, learning by doing rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. He reveals how a simple yet strategic approach—leveraging persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to fail—opened doors they never imagined possible.

With lessons that apply far beyond one's own field, this episode serves as a reminder that success often comes down to one key factor: the willingness to show up and put in the work, every single day.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Matt's college journey, starting as a mechanical engineer and then switching to computer science. 
• How Matt started using a camera for fun and saw it as a potential business opportunity. 
• How an 'all-in' mentality helped him figure things out quickly and achieve his goal of making enough money to live in San Diego.
• The importance of consistency and effort in achieving excellence.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Hirad Emadi, co-founder and President of Innovative Construction Solutions.

During this engaging conversation, Matt explores the journey of a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a stable career to launching a thriving business. Hirad highlights the importance of identifying gaps in the market and consistently adding value, which can lead to repeat business and long-term success.

You'll discover the dynamics of partnerships in business, as well as the benefits and potential pitfalls of working with partners. Gain insights on how compromise and shared values are crucial for a successful partnership, and how different approaches can lead to various outcomes. 

This episode provides a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons for anyone interested in the entrepreneurial journey.

Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Why consistently adding value and addressing gaps in service can lead to repeat business and long-term success.
• The dynamics of business partnerships, including the benefits of compromise and shared values, and how different approaches can impact the success of a venture.
• Achieving balance between a demanding career and personal life, and the importance of family and community involvement.
• The value of developing essential skills like people skills and writing skills early in your career, and how these can contribute to long-term success.
• The concept that passion can emerge from hard work and success, even in areas you weren't initially passionate about, and the importance of staying open to new passions.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Hirad's LinkedIn

Innovative Construction Solutions

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brad Baldridge, certified financial planner, college funding consultant, and chief podcaster at Taming the High Cost of College.

Matt and Brad explore the multifaceted process of preparing for an important milestone that affects many families—paying for college. They discuss various strategies and options available to navigate this complex landscape, as well as the importance of understanding different types of support and how they can impact overall outcomes.

You'll discover the specific challenges faced by those in unique situations, such as owning a business or dealing with unexpected financial changes. You'll also find insights on how to leverage available resources and make strategic choices to optimize benefits.

Whether dealing with financial aid, merit-based awards, or other types of support, this episode provides valuable guidance for anyone facing this pivotal stage in life.

Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The differences between need-based aid and merit-based aid, and how to identify which type of aid you might qualify for.
• Why top-tier schools like Harvard and Yale often do not offer merit aid and focus solely on need-based aid, and how this can affect your financial planning.
• Specific strategies for business owners to manage their finances and maximize aid eligibility, including tax benefits and income management.
• The importance of finding a college where you will thrive, and how this decision can outweigh the prestige of attending a more expensive institution.
• Practical advice on leveraging available resources, doing thorough research, and making informed decisions to achieve long-term success in your educational journey.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Taming the High Cost of College

Baldridge College Solutions 

Brad's LinkedIn