🔥 Excerpt

“I’ve grossed over $2.5 billion in sales—but the real pitch is believing in yourself when the world tells you you’re not enough.”

⚡ TL;DR

Dr. Forbes Riley joins Rick Meekins to deliver a masterclass in mindset, sales, and surviving the odds. From a horrific bus crash in Iceland to building a fitness empire, Forbes unpacks the psychology of pitching, the cost of not healing your past, and what it takes to dominate your space—at any age. This isn’t a fluffy motivational talk. It’s straight fire for founders who are tired of excuses and ready to win.

📄 Show Notes

Let’s be honest—most people can’t sell to save their life. But what if the pitch isn’t about products, services, or even strategy... but about owning your story?

In this high-impact episode, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Forbes Riley—TV host, author, speaker, and sales phenomenon who’s generated over $2.5 billion in revenue. But she didn’t get there without scars. Literally.

Forbes shares how a life-threatening tour bus accident, childhood trauma, and years of rejection in Hollywood forged her ability to connect and convert like no one else. She breaks down why most people pitch wrong, how to get someone to want what you have, and why your story—not your resume—is what sells.

We talk about resilience, raising million-dollar kids, finding love at 57, and why practicing your pitch is like mastering the piano—no shortcuts, no fluff.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, or service provider trying to break through the noise, this conversation is a blueprint for leading with belief, not bravado.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Pitching is not a talent—it’s a muscle. You have to practice it like a concert pianist.
• No one buys what they need—they buy what they want. Your job is to reframe desire, not push features.
• Your story is your credibility. Most founders miss this. People buy people.
• Survival is a sales strategy. Forbes’ transformation post-accident proves that commitment trumps circumstance.
• Rejection leaves scars—but it also leaves clues. Self-belief isn’t arrogance, it’s earned.
• You can’t save everyone—but you can change someone. Focus on impact, not applause.
• Practice with precision. Filler words, bad assumptions, and one-size-fits-all pitches are killing your sales.

🧭 Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Forbes Riley's Journey
• 04:00 Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Change
• 10:01 The Power of Belief and Self-Discovery
• 14:00 Mentorship and Its Impact on Lives
• 17:13 Transitioning from Acting to Business
• 23:55 Innovative Ventures and the Spin Gym
• 25:56 The Art of Pitching: A Personal Journey
• 28:48 Evolving Sales Techniques in a Changing Market
• 29:06 Mastering the Elevator Pitch
• 33:22 The Power of Relatability in Sales
• 36:24 Understanding Intangibles in Sales
• 40:58 The Importance of Personal Development
• 44:39 Finding Love and Purpose in Life
• 54:13 New Chapter

👤 Bio

Dr. Forbes Riley is a globally recognized TV host, author, and business strategist who’s generated over $2.5 billion in sales through infomercials, QVC, and online platforms. A pioneer in the world of fitness, sales psychology, and personal transformation, Forbes is also the creator of SpinGym and the author of Pitch Secrets. She teaches entrepreneurs how to communicate with confidence and convert with clarity. She’s also a mother, mentor, and unstoppable force for personal reinvention—especially after surviving a traumatic accident that nearly ended her life.

Get Forbes Riley’s Ultimate Pitch Starter Kit—Free

If this episode lit a fire under you, don’t let it burn out. Forbes Riley is offering The Relentless Pursuit of Winning listeners exclusive access to her Ultimate Pitch Starter Kit—a no-fluff, high-impact bundle to sharpen your message and start closing deals like a pro.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• The Pitch Secrets PDF – A concise guide to the core principles that have helped Forbes generate over $2.5B in sales.

• Free Invite to Her Live Sunday Masterclass – Join Forbes in real time as she breaks down the art of influence, connection, and conversion at PitchSecretsMasterClass.com.

• Bonus Access: Elevator Pitch with Forbes – Learn the single most important pitch you’ll ever master—and why most people get it dead wrong. Visit ElevatorPitchWithForbes.com to start leveling up.

👉 Claim your free kit now at FreeGiftfromForbes.com. Spots for the live training fill fast—don’t miss your shot to get real-time coaching from one of the best in the game.

🔥 Excerpt

"Punishing yourself doesn’t get you to the goal faster. It’s not a strategy. It’s self-sabotage disguised as discipline."

⚡ TL;DR

Mental health isn’t just a subplot in entrepreneurship—it’s part of the main storyline. In this episode, I sit down with Bradley Rausch, consultant and mental health advocate, to talk about navigating anxiety, panic, and self-doubt while building a business. We unpack his “CRAFT” method for building confidence without proof, how to tolerate discomfort without spiraling, and why therapy should be considered a baseline resource for founders, not a luxury. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between burnout and drive, this episode is your invitation to recalibrate.

📄 Show Notes

Let’s be real—entrepreneurship will push you to your emotional edge. It’s not a question of if; it’s a question of when. In this raw, deeply personal episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I talk with Bradley Rausch, a founder who built a business not in spite of his mental health challenges—but alongside them.

Bradley walks us through his early struggles with panic disorder, his breakthrough moments in therapy, and why he believes every founder should have access to mental health support as part of their business toolkit. He shares how frameworks like neuroplasticity and his own CRAFT method helped him move from paralysis to purposeful action—and why personal excellence requires more than hustle.

We also get into the mechanics of burnout, rebuilding self-trust after setbacks, and the difference between punishment and respect when you miss your mark. If you’ve ever felt like mental health was the part of your business plan nobody warned you about, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Pain is part of life. Suffering is optional—and often self-inflicted.
• Neuroplasticity isn’t woo-woo—it’s how we rewrite mental patterns and beliefs.
• CRAFT Method: Commit to a time horizon, Reveal your action steps, Act with curiosity, Frame if/then plans, Tolerate short-term discomfort.
• Burnout happens when either your goal or your method is misaligned—not just when you’re “tired.”
• Your ability to trust yourself when there is no plan is more important than any strategy.
• Therapy isn’t a last resort—it’s leadership hygiene.

🧭 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Entrepreneurship

02:30 Bradley's Journey with Panic Disorder

05:19 Understanding Pain vs. Suffering

07:50 The Role of Therapy in Healing

10:31 Neuroplasticity and Changing Thought Patterns

13:08 Building Confidence with the Craft Method

21:43 The CRAF Method: A Framework for Resilience

24:01 Building Your Support Circle: Accountability and Relationships

26:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

31:16 Identifying Burnout: Signs and Solutions

34:15 Overcoming Failure: Shifting from Punishment to Respect

37:54 Rewriting Your Understanding of Pain and Anxiety

👤 Bio

Bradley Rausch has worked with over 250 solo-preneurs and consultants within the past five years. Now he runs Level Up Influence, working with coaches and consultants in a CMO/COO capacity to help double down on profit through brand-building, operations and client success. He's also passionate about working with fellow entrepreneurs on how to navigate life's hardest moments through tactical frameworks and step-by-step mindset shifts.

🔥 Excerpt

“When you're ambitious and unfulfilled, it’s not a productivity issue—it’s a clarity issue. You’re climbing fast... but is it even the right ladder?”

⚡ TL;DR

Former McKinsey partner turned transformation coach Nicolai Nielsen joins me from Italy to talk about what happens when the success you’ve built no longer fits the life you want. We dive deep into how high performers sabotage themselves with unchecked ambition, why clarity trumps speed, and how to rewire your identity from the inside out. This one’s not about building a business—it’s about building a life worth living.

📄 Show Notes

Ever feel like you're crushing it on paper but coming up short in real life? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of Mastering the Pivot: Boardroom to Business Owner, I sit down with Nicolai Nielsen, leadership advisor and founder of Potential Academy, to explore the messy middle between external success and internal alignment.

Nicolai shares his personal story of walking away from the corporate fast track at McKinsey to pursue a life that actually made sense to him. We unpack the real cost of conventional success, the hidden traps of overachievement, and why most ambitious people are one hard question away from a breakthrough.

He breaks down the framework of self-mastery—from taking your mind off autopilot to building resilience for when the wheels inevitably come off. If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Is this it?” or felt like your ambition was running the show, this conversation will hit home.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Direction is enough to get started. You don’t need the full map to make your first move.
• Self-mastery is a leadership strategy. The more clarity you have internally, the better you lead externally.
• Ambition is both rocket fuel and a wrecking ball—learn to manage it or it’ll manage you.
• Your business is a vehicle—not the destination. Build it to serve your life, not the other way around.
• Resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about how fast you return to center.
• Don’t wait for a breakdown. Mini resets and structured introspection can keep you aligned.

👤 Bio

Nicolai Nielsen is a Danish-Chinese leadership advisor and the founder of Potential Academy. A former associate partner at McKinsey & Company, he’s spent his career helping high-achieving professionals navigate personal transformation and sustainable ambition. Nicolai is the co-author of three books, including “Return on Ambition,” and is passionate about helping individuals master the inner game of leadership so they can thrive personally and professionally.

📬 Contact Info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaicn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolaicnielsen/

Twitter: https://x.com/nicolaicnielsen

Website address: www.potentialacademy.org

Other Links: www.nicolainielsen.com

🔥Thot

“If you develop a practice that makes your health and prosperity your number one priority, you radically increase the odds of getting everything you want out of life.”

⚡TL;DR

Serial entrepreneur Jon Sabes joins Rick Meekins to unpack the science and strategy behind longevity, prosperity, and sustainable success. From gene expression to journaling, this episode redefines what it means to win the long game.

📄 Show Notes

Most entrepreneurs are masters of the hustle—but what if winning the long game required less grind and more intentional alignment? In this episode, I sit down with Jon Sabes—serial entrepreneur, longevity expert, and author of Healthy, Wealthy & Longevity—to talk about what it really means to thrive as a founder.

From Wall Street to Baja, Jon’s journey is proof that success and fulfillment don’t have to be at odds. We dig into the science of epigenetics, building a purposeful life, and the surprising power of shaping your environment. He also shares practical tactics for managing stress, rewiring your mental models, and creating systems that actually support your health and prosperity—without slowing your drive.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your pace is sustainable or wondered how to make it all mean something, this one’s for you.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Longevity isn't just lifespan—it's healthspan. The goal is to live well, not just long.
• Self-care is a leadership strategy. Prioritizing health amplifies your capacity to lead, serve, and scale.
• Shape your environment. Success is easier when better choices are the default.
• Journaling is a strategic weapon. It aligns your intention and attention—your most valuable assets.
• Happiness is built backwards. Plan today for the person you want to be at 80.
• Don't reconcile ambition and peace—integrate them. Flow comes from alignment, not avoidance.

👤Bio

Jon is a serial entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in financial services and innovation. Author of Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: A Formula for Living the Dream. Advocate for intentional living through health, financial literacy, and mindset mastery. Built and sold multiple companies; now focused on longevity as a life asset. Lives in Baja, Mexico, fulfilling a lifelong dream with his wife of 31 years.

🎁Giveaway

Jon Sabes is giving away a free copy of his book "Healthy, Wealthy & Longevity" along with his custom-designed prompt journal to the first 10 listeners who reach out.

These tools are designed to help founders build a daily practice that aligns health, prosperity, and purpose—without the overwhelm. If you’ve been looking for a simple, powerful way to reset your mindset and take control of your longevity, this is your chance.

Here’s how to get it:

1. Follow Jon Sabes on your preferred social platform (LinkedIn, Instagram, or X).
2. Send him a direct message with the phrase: “I heard you on the RPOW Podcast—I’m ready to live Healthy, Wealthy & with Longevity.”
3. Be one of the first 10 to message him, and Jon will personally send you the book + journal bundle.

👉 Find Jon at JonSabes.com or search @JonSabes on your favorite platform.

“Extraordinary isn’t some pedestal reserved for celebrities. It’s just ordinary—with extra effort. Most people never tap into their potential—not because they don’t have it, but because they never define it. That’s the real tragedy.”

TL;DR

Jacob Lawson, founder of Extraordinary Flooring and author of Make It Extraordinary, joins Rick Meekins to explore mindset, resilience, leadership, and the difference between stress and strength. Discover how to unlock your purpose and live beyond the ordinary.

SHOW NOTES

Most people live their lives on autopilot—doing what’s expected, settling for good enough, and calling it ambition. Jacob Lawson isn’t most people.

In this episode, I sit down with Jacob—entrepreneur, author, and founder of Extraordinary Flooring—to unpack what it actually takes to live, lead, and build in an extraordinary way. We go deep on mindset, purpose, partnership, and how to bounce back from failure without wearing stress like a badge of honor.

Jake's not preaching theory. He’s built his life—business, body, mindset, and mission—on the back of hard-earned lessons and straight-up hustle. We talk about his early ventures (like a record label in his 20s), how a name change rewired his business trajectory, and the turning point that redefined his purpose as becoming “a conduit for personal evolution.”

If you're a founder trying to break free from burnout, align your team, or simply tired of playing small—this one's for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Extraordinary isn't exclusive. It’s simply ordinary with extra effort—and anyone can access it.
• Stress is inevitable. Wearing it is optional. Jake explains how he separates pressure from paralysis.
• Your team determines your freedom. If your business can't run without you, you don’t own a business—you own a job.
• Your purpose is fuel. Find it, name it, and use it to drive decisions, relationships, and resilience.
• You don't need to be on stage to lead. Ordinary people with extraordinary discipline change lives—starting with their own.

Chapters

00:00 Living an Extraordinary Life

03:34 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

08:38 Lessons from Partnerships

14:25 Managing Stress and Finding Balance

16:11 The Evolution of Extraordinary Flooring

18:38 Transforming Ordinary into Extraordinary

20:52 The Journey of Personal Development

24:57 Defining Purpose and Its Impact

29:00 The Call to Write: Sharing Life Lessons

33:04 The Four Pillars of an Extraordinary Life

37:27 The Extraordinary Life Checklist

39:29 The Impact of Personal Growth on Business

“The supply chain doesn’t care about your plans. It cares how fast you can pivot when the port shuts down, the costs spike, or the bridge collapses. My job? Stay calm and find a way through it.” — Kerim Kfuri

TL;DR

In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, Kerim Kfuri, CEO of The Atlas Network, shares strategic insights on managing global supply chain disruptions, building resilience as a founder, and leading with optimism in volatile markets.

SHOW NOTES

When the global supply chain feels like it’s on fire, Kerim Kfuri doesn’t flinch—he grabs his fireman’s coat and gets to work. In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, we sit down with the President and CEO of The Atlas Network to explore the unpredictable world of global logistics and what founders can learn from operating at that scale.

Kerim doesn’t just talk strategy—he lives it. From dealing with dock worker strikes and natural disasters to navigating tariffs and rerouting shipping lanes, his perspective is rooted in experience, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in human ingenuity.

We also talk entrepreneurship, failure, and fulfillment. Kerim shares how his dot-com venture in the music industry crashed during the bubble burst and why walking away from a soul-sucking corporate role became a defining moment in his journey.

If you're a founder wrestling with instability, unsure how to pivot when the unexpected hits, or simply seeking a shot of optimism in a turbulent business environment, this episode delivers.

Bonus: Kerim is giving away a free copy of his book Supply Chain Ups and Downs at kerimkfuri.com.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Supply chain success isn’t about control—it’s about communication, agility, and relentless problem-solving.
• Political and environmental disruptions are constant. Founders must learn to pivot, forecast, and adjust without losing momentum.
• Not all costs can be absorbed. In thin-margin industries, passing price increases to consumers may be the only option.
• Emotional resilience matters. Entrepreneurship without fulfillment leads to burnout—even with a steady paycheck.
• A global mindset isn’t optional in today’s economy. Cross-cultural understanding is a competitive advantage

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Supply Chain Dynamics

02:40 Kareem Kfuri's Journey and Background

05:33 Navigating Challenges in Global Supply Chain

10:59 Adapting to Market Changes and Tariffs

15:43 Communication and Customer Relations in Supply Chain

18:45 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Supply Chain Management

21:37 The Journey Begins: Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit

24:20 Lessons from Failure: The Dot Com Experience

27:46 Emotional Challenges: Finding Fulfillment in Work

31:47 Global Mindset: Embracing International Business

35:28 Balancing Trust: The Entrepreneur's Dilemma

“When I saw that grocery cart drifting in my rearview mirror, I realized—I was still a hypocrite. You can’t live one way at work and another at home and expect anyone to take you seriously.”

TL;DR

Kyle McDowell joins The Relentless Pursuit of Winning to reveal how his 10 principle-based “We” leadership model transforms toxic teams into high-trust cultures. Learn how to lead with authenticity, drive performance, and build a company that wins—without losing your soul.

Show Notes

Hey, it’s Rick Meekins, and in this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I’m sitting down with Kyle McDowell—former corporate exec turned bestselling author of Begin with WE. Kyle didn’t just climb the ladder—he built ladders for others, leading organizations of 15,000+ people and managing multi-billion dollar P&Ls. But somewhere along the way, success stopped feeling like winning. That’s when he asked the question that changed everything: Is there a better way?

Kyle walks us through how apathy, dysfunction, and a failing marriage forced him to flip the script—not just on leadership, but on life. He didn’t write another book of theory. He codified a movement—10 simple (but not easy) principles that reshape how we lead, live, and win.

We unpack why trust is a product of authenticity and relatability, how “We Challenge Each Other” redefines accountability, and why striving for excellence beats chasing perfection every time. If you lead a team, a company, or just yourself—this episode is a blueprint for transformation that starts with you.

Key Takeaways

• Principles beat platitudes: The 10 “We’s” aren’t corporate fluff—they’re a daily, repeatable standard for high-performing cultures.
• Trust = Authenticity + Relatability: If you're not living it, don’t expect others to follow it.
• Challenge isn’t conflict: “We Challenge Each Other” builds excellence—not egos.
• Perfection is failure in disguise: Aim for progress. Reward it. Build momentum.
• You don’t need permission to lead: You can be the spark—even without the title.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kyle McDowell and His Journey

02:56 The Awakening: From Corporate Success to Apathy

05:58 The 10 Principles of Leadership

08:29 Challenging Each Other: A New Leadership Paradigm

11:19 Striving for Excellence Over Perfection

14:14 Overview of the 10 Principles

17:01 The Importance of Accountability and Support

19:56 Embracing Challenges in Leadership

21:12 The Power of Obsession with Details

23:27 Implementing Principles in Organizations

25:56 Leading by Example: Building Trust

28:55 Transforming Organizational Culture

31:24 Creating Momentum for Change

33:33 Strengthening Client Relationships

35:19 Practical Steps for Individual Change

38:35 Vision for a Movement Beyond Work

45:43 New Chapter

Bio

Kyle McDowell, a former Fortune 10 executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach, is on a mission to transform organizational cultures and reignite leaders' passion. With nearly 30 years of experience leading tens of thousands at some of America’s largest firms, Kyle’s philosophy centers on his trademarked 10 WEs principles, emphasizing the power of "WE" over "I" to tackle dysfunction and inspire excellence.

His Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With WE, explores the root causes of workplace dysfunction and provides a practical framework for cultural transformation. Through empowering leaders and driving change, Kyle challenges organizations to prioritize collaboration and shared accountability. His insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine, and he’s a sought-after speaker at top institutions.

About Kyle Company Name: Kyle McDowell Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyleMcDowellInc

“There’s no such thing as job security anymore—only career security. And that’s something you have to build for yourself.”

TL;DR:

Fired after 23 years in corporate? Lyndsay Dowd turned that gut punch into a leadership revolution. Hear how she built Heartbeat for Hire, became a sought-after speaker, and now drives transformation as CRO at Intry. This episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning is your roadmap to career reinvention, powerful leadership, and building resilience that actually works.

Show Notes:

Let’s get real: getting fired sucks. But for Lyndsay Dowd, it was the wake-up call that sparked a complete reinvention—and a career built on leading with heart, smarts, and unapologetic boldness.

In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I sit down with Lyndsay—founder of Heartbeat for Hire, host of a powerhouse podcast, keynote speaker, and now CRO of Intry—to unpack what it really takes to rise after a fall. We talk about navigating layoffs, creating “career security” in a volatile market, and building modern leadership cultures that actually work.

Lyndsay doesn’t just preach transformation—she lived it. From 23 years at IBM to launching a leadership platform that blends humanity with high performance, she’s redefining what effective leadership looks like.

We dive deep into how Intry is shaking up the job seeker space with its career accelerators, the underestimated power of mental health support during layoffs, and why building community isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. This one’s for the founders, the builders, the misfits, and anyone who’s ever had to start over stronger.

Key Takeaways:

• Career Security vs. Job Security: Build a personal brand that outlasts your title.
• The Myth of “Safe” Jobs: Even 23 years at one company isn’t protection from layoffs.
• Outplacement Done Right: Real impact comes from personalized, human-first support.
• Leadership is not Micromanagement: Autonomy breeds accountability—and results.
• Storytelling is Sales: Learn to talk about your work like a human, not a resume.
• Community Is Your Insurance Policy: The right people in your corner change everything.

Bio:

Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host, and Disruptor. She is an accomplished leader, decorated seller and has successfully managed large, diverse, high-performing sales teams over the last 25 years. 23 of those years were spent climbing the ranks at IBM. Lyndsay was also a Featured Guest Lecturer at Harvard University.

In creating her company, Heartbeat for Hire, she has devoted her career to transforming leadership through building irresistible culture and modern leadership practices to get the best results from their teams. She has been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.Com, Authority Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX and more than 90 podcasts. Lyndsay is a 2 time author for both "Top Down Culture" and a contributing author to the anthology "Voices of Women." She also hosts the top 5% globally ranked podcast, Heartbeat for Hire, and is a frequent guest speaker on live and recorded shows.

Today she is the Chief Revenue Officer for Intry where they are merging the best of technology with the best of humanity to help job seekers and those in transition land the jobs of their dreams.

Giveaway:

We are offering a 2-month complimentary trial to Career Compass. Below is the link to access. This is designed to be a one-stop shop for Career Coaches and Resume Writers to manage their business.

Intry's Career Compass stands at the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Technology, and Human Connection. Our platform seamlessly weaves these elements together to empower career professionals and their clients.

Access here: https://www.intrycareers.com/services/intry-coaches

Please enter this code: CC2MONTH

Contact Lyndsay:

Company Name: Intry Careers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdH4H

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9asGvE8Ks4XjR2UNwNmKDw

“Your altitude is someone else’s floor. Learn from the best, start where they left off—and stop trying to figure it all out alone.” - Carl Sharperson

In this episode, Rick Meekins interviews Carl H. Sharperson, Jr., Marine pilot turned leadership coach, to unpack how adversity, discipline, and feedback form the foundation of authentic leadership. Learn how to lead with purpose, build trust, and create high-performing teams that thrive through challenge.

Leadership isn’t about barking orders or having all the answers—it’s about knowing when to shut up, when to step up, and who to listen to. In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I sit down with Carl H. Sharperson, Jr.—Naval Academy grad, former Marine Corps pilot, corporate exec turned coach, cancer survivor, and the author of Sharp Leadership.

Carl shares powerful stories from navigating racism in rural Virginia, earning his wings when the odds were 6-to-1, and running high-performing plants at companies like Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive. He talks discipline, blind spots, and why listening is the most underused leadership skill in your toolkit.

From boardrooms to battlefields, Carl’s life is a masterclass in what it means to lead authentically—and why adversity may be the very thing that sharpens your edge.

• Feedback isn’t optional—it’s oxygen: If you're not actively seeking feedback, you're already losing.
• Discipline is about honoring your word: Do what you say, show up on time, and build trust through consistency.
• Adversity reveals leadership character: Carl’s cancer battle, combat training, and corporate challenges each shaped a mindset that refuses to quit.
• Great leaders are great listeners: You don’t need to have all the answers. You need to ask better questions.
• Diversity sharpens execution: Varied backgrounds create better decisions—but only if you build a culture that listens first.

Bio:

Carl Sharperson Jr. is a Leadership Innovation Strategist, author, speaker, and coach with a mission to elevate leaders from mediocrity to peak performance. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine Corps pilot, Carl blends military discipline, corporate leadership experience, and entrepreneurial insight into a transformative coaching approach. His book Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity has inspired countless leaders to embrace servant leadership and unlock their full potential.

With executive roles at Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, and Colgate-Palmolive, and consulting engagements with brands like BMW, Chick-fil-A, and Lockheed Martin, Carl brings deep experience in leadership development and operational excellence. As a cancer survivor, he speaks with passion about resilience, purpose, and character-driven leadership. Carl resides in South Carolina with his wife and is committed to mentoring the next generation through community and faith-based initiatives.

Giveaway:

Click the link below to get  access to the Sharp Leadership Toolkit, featuring the first two audio chapters of Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity. As a bonus, you’ll be entered to win a one-on-one coaching session to sharpen your leadership or navigate career hurdles with clarity.

Click Here

"Entrepreneurship isn't about building an empire. It's about building a life—and sometimes, knowing when it's time to hand over the keys. Eric Grafstrom shows us why exit planning is just as critical as your startup plan—and why your heart better be in it, or you'll never survive the journey."

TL; DR: Eric Grafstrom, founder of ExitGuide, joins Rick Meekins on The Relentless Pursuit of Winning podcast to talk about the hard truths of exit planning in small businesses, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and how faith plays a critical role in surviving the journey.

Show Notes: In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I sit down with Eric Grafstrom, founder of ExitGuide, to talk about the often-overlooked reality of exiting planning in a business—and why most small business owners are woefully unprepared for it. We dig into the differences between starting a business and launching a startup, the emotional (and sometimes brutal) rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and why faith and resilience are often the real engines behind success.

Eric pulls back the curtain on Silicon Valley myths, shares hard-won lessons about walking away from toxic opportunities, and offers a refreshing, no-BS look at what it really takes to build—and leave—a business on your own terms. If you're a founder who’s been too busy running the business to think about what happens next, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

Listen in as we talk about:  • The critical difference between building a job and building a company  • Why most small business owners won’t find a buyer unless they prepare early  • How faith, failure, and an unexpected hug became milestones on Eric’s journey  • What it means to lead with purpose instead of ego  • Practical steps for getting your business “exit-ready” now, not someday If you've ever wondered what it really takes to exit a business well—or if you're just trying to survive the daily grind—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:  • Entrepreneurship is a battle of resilience: Passion fuels the journey, but discipline and adaptability win the war.  • Fall in love with the problem, not your solution: Purpose-driven leadership beats ego-driven ambition every time.  • Most business exits fail because owners don't do exit planning: Knowing your numbers, telling your business story, and packaging your operation properly is essential.  • Faith can be a competitive advantage: Building a business is lonely. Building it with God brings clarity, strength, and realignment when human plans fall apart.  • You don’t have to start from scratch: Buying an existing business—or franchising—is a valid, entrepreneurial path that often carries less risk than launching from zero.

Contact Eric:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgrafstrom/ LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exitguide/ X.com: https://x.com/exitdotguide Company URL: https://exitguide.com/