In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Ian Beacraft, a futurist, AI expert, and CEO of Signal and Cipher.

You'll hear about the journey of an entrepreneur who has carved out a unique path through persistence, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From an intense early business experience that tested the limits of endurance to later navigating the fast-evolving landscape of innovation, the discussion highlights the mindset and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Sean and Ian explore how unconventional career paths often lead to groundbreaking opportunities, emphasizing the value of embracing uncertainty and taking risks. A powerful analogy suggests that if a path is clearly visible, it may not be the right one—true growth comes from forging ahead into the unknown. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, the episode paints a picture of success as a series of calculated leaps, rather than a predetermined route.

This episode will leave you with a sense of anticipation, as well as an eagerness to explore what’s on the horizon.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Ian's journey from music major to pre-med to entrepreneurship, influenced by his College Works experience.
• The challenges of working in a large marketing agency, including the overwhelming nature of meetings with large teams.
• The importance of embracing emotions like fear and anger as tools for self-improvement.
• Ian's experience of speaking at South by Southwest and the challenges of creating unique and impactful presentations.
• The transformative nature of entrepreneurial experiences and their long-term impact on one's career.
• And much more...

Resources:

Ian's LinkedIn

Signal and Cipher

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nate Douglas, who is a medical device sales professional, a real estate investor, and a former College Works alumni and one of the few individuals to summit Mount Everest, and all 7 summits.

You'll discover the personal journey that led Nate to push boundaries and tackle challenges that few would even consider. The story weaves through moments of triumph, vulnerability, and the mindset required to conquer daunting feats. 

Go behind the scenes of an intense training process and the sacrifices made to achieve extraordinary goals. With humor and candidness, Nate reflects on their college experiences and the unexpected lessons learned from balancing personal ambitions with an intense work ethic. This theme of choosing the hard road becomes a central part of their narrative, illustrating the broader implications of perseverance and adaptability.

With a mix of adventure, business insight, and practical wisdom, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in pushing their limits, whether in business or life.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How the College Works internship shifted Nate's career path from pre-med to business and sales. 
• His career progression in medical device sales, including roles at Johnson & Johnson and Belmont Medical. 
• The value of calculated risks and the impact of climbing achievements on Nate's personal and professional life.
• The balance between Nate's professional responsibilities and his passion for mountain climbing.
• The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and influential people.
• And much more...

Resources:

Nate's LinkedIn

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by R.T. Custer, founder and CEO of Vortic Watch Company, an American watch manufacturer.

During the conversation, R.T. shares insights on a journey that combines passion, creativity, and a relentless drive for success. From the beginnings of a dream to the challenges faced along the way, the discussion dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with great people and focusing on one’s strengths.

You'll discover a core lesson in leadership and building a business that goes beyond just selling a product. R.T. explains how cultivating a brand that resonates deeply with people can be as important as the product itself. The advice offered is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and those who are navigating the often-turbulent waters of business ownership, with a focus on the creative problem-solving involved in turning an idea into a reality.

Whether you're in engineering, business, or another sector, this episode provides timeless insights into how to thrive in your career and personal life.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of pivoting and facing hard things to achieve success.
• R.T.'s transition from corporate jobs at Procter and Gamble and Walmart to founding Vortic Watch Company.
• The necessity of systems and processes for organization and the role of the visionary in a company.
• The value of having a strong network of friends, advisors, and mentors to provide support and guidance.
• The secondary American dream of creating opportunities for others and the satisfaction of seeing employees succeed.
• And much more...

Resources:

R.T.'s LinkedIn

Vortic Watch Company

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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...