VEL Institute Podcast - Inspiring stories from Veterans, Entrepreneurs and Leaders.

Ryan Hawk is a keynote speaker, author, advisor, and the host of an internationally known podcast, The Learning Leader Show, which Forbes called “the most dynamic podcast around” and Inc. magazine recognized as “one of the 5 podcasts to help you lead smarter.” The show has millions of listeners in 156 countries worldwide.

Ryan runs the leadership advisory practice at Brixey & Meyer. A regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies, he has worked with teams and players in the NFL, NBA, and NCAA. His focus is on inspiring excellence, developing leaders, and striving for continuous improvement. Through his workshops, keynotes, and online courses, Ryan has taught leaders from all over the world how to make a positive impact on the lives of the people they lead, starting with themselves.

Ryan is a 2019 winner of Dayton Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award. His business experience includes being an award-winning sales professional, sales manager, and vice president of a national sales team in a multibillion-dollar multinational company. Prior to his corporate career, Ryan played quarterback collegiately at Ohio University, and professionally in the Arena Football League.

[2:13] – Sustained Excellence.

[4:45] – Ryan’s podcast with Jim Collins.

[7:27] – Rain on handling getting people on his podcast.

[10:38] – Being an influence on your children.

[12:32] – Deciding to go on a journey of learning.

[16:33] – Feedback from listeners of Ryan’s podcast.

[18:32] – Fear.

[24:03] – In Search of Excellence & The River of Doubt.

[27:36] – Ryan writing his book.

[28:34] – Generalist vs. Specialist.

[32:17] – The importance of getting feedback.

[36:10] – Symbols to think and prepare.

[40:00] – Preparing to give a speech.

[44:06] – Ryan’s favorite learning techniques. 

[48:00] – Where should people start Ryan’s podcast?

[50:18] – Henry Cloud.

[52:24] – Ryan’s favorite keynote to give.

[54:57] – Focusing on the now.

[57:24] – Ryan’s book.

[1:00:18] – Find Ryan.

JP Lane is one of the most inspiring humans alive. In 2011, JP was serving as a Combat Engineer with the U.S Army. While deployed to Afghanistan, JP was blown up by a 200 Lb. IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He lost both his legs, his right arm snapped in half, he lost his four front teeth, his pelvis snapped in half, his spine dislocated from his pelvis, and everything in his torso was destroyed by shrapnel except for his heart and left lung. His journey of recovery and what he is doing today is an awe-inspiring story that will truly inspire you.

JP’s mission is to inspire and encourage everyone to “Never Give Up, Never Surrender”. JP Lane has spoken and sang at over 250 events all over the world with a sole purpose of motivating others to live with no excuses.

[3:47] – American Idol.

[7:48] – JP Lane’s Story.

[14:25] – When did JP’s positive attitude start?

[17:15] – JP deciding to inspire people.

[19:53] – Door’s that have opened for JP.

[27:56] – Singing the National Anthem for an NBA game.

[29:12] – JP’s Iron Man leg.

[33:26] – Deciding not to hide the scars and prosthetic legs.

[37:00] – JP’s using his situation as a gift.

[47:00] – JP’s book.

[51:53] – What’s going on in JP’s life ten years from now.

[59:15] – JP’s shirt.

Daryl Jones was a St. Louis Cardinal’s 2005 3rd round draft pick. He had a 7 year period of pro baseball with the Cardinals & Reds organizations. As one of the Cardinals Top 5 Prospects, and being known for his raw athleticism and speed, Baseball America rated him as the St. Louis Cardinals “Best Athlete” and “Fastest Baserunner”. In his post MLB career,Daryl has continued to thrive as a community leader by coaching, teaching, and equipping young athletes to maximize their abilities on and off the field. In 2016 he became a Published Author of the book “God Cares About Sports.” Daryl’s goal is to use his experience and ability to speak publicly about the challenges and triumphs of what it takes to make it in the Big League to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in others.

[2:43] – Daryl’s favorite cartoon as a kid.

[3:45] – If you could be a superhero who would it be?

[4:25] – Early life athletics. 

[8:03] – What kept Daryl in sports.

[10:43] – Learning to have a positive attitude and confidence.

[13:56] – How important is visualization.

[19:15] – What is visualization like for Daryl?

[20:49] – Daryl’s journey being a professional athlete.

[30:44] – What’s the environment in Major League Baseball?

[35:47] – The day Daryl was drafted.

[38:49] – Coaches and influencers.

[45:56] – The power of what others tell us and we tell ourselves.

[52:13] – The transition from being a professional baseball player.

[1:00:56] – What is Daryl passionate about?

[1:02:17] – The inspiration behind Daryl’s book.

[1:06:15] – Daryl being a speaker.

[1:08:19] – Leadership that Daryl follows.

Daryl Jones’ Instagram

Andy and Elizabeth Greever are what you might call a power couple. They are the founders of EverSan Cooper, a real estate investment company in Texas. They are both also great community leaders. Andy is currently raising money for the YMCA through Dancing for A Cause and Elizabeth has been nominated for Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Greevers share about how entrepreneurs can impact their community significantly through leadership and caring for others.

[2:00] – A power couple.

[3:14] – Favorite cartoon as a kid.

[5:13] – Why did Andy & Elizabeth choose teaching.

[9:31] – The catalyst for starting EverSan Cooper. 

[18:19] – The moment the catalyst clicked.

[20:40] – Being passionate in the community.

[23:40] – Inspired Leaders.

[25:32] – How important is collaboration?

[27:00] – Elizabeth being passionate about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

[30:08] – Andy being a dancer.

[33:57] – Challenges in building a business.

[41:10] – Preparing for challenges.

[45:44] – Having an abundance mindset.

[47:55] – Being lifelong learners.

[49:14] – How Andy & Elizabeth stoke their fire.

[51:22] – Andy & Elizabeth’s podcast.

[56:30] – Advice to new entrepreneurs.

Josh Cherry, CEO of Delta Life Fitness franchising, served as a U.S. Marine for 13 years, and is a Texas A&M graduate. Josh earned 9 air medals, a Navy achievement medal with valor, and a combat aircrew designation. He was selected for the enlisted to commissioning education program where he completed flight school with a perfect score and 1st in his class. He then served as a Captain leading Marines for an additional six years. Josh has dedicated his adult life to innovation in the fitness industry. He and his team have successfully launched 30+ Delta Life Fitness gyms across the United States.

[2:30] – What is Josh Cherry like?

[5:21] – Passions that fuel Josh.

[7:56] – Delta Life Fitness 45 second pitch.

[8:48] – Josh’s passion for Delta Life Fitness.

[12:13] – How important is it to have your ideal customer figured out?

[15:15] – Favorite show and game system as a kid.

[16:38] – Favorite memory as a kid.

[17:57] – Vidor, Texas.

[19:12] – Joining the Marine Corps.

[21:45] – Being a Helicopter Door Gunner.

[23:33] – Biggest obstacles during boot camp.

[25:20] – The culture of the Marine Corps.

[29:43] – Pivotal moment in the Marine Corps and in War times.

[34:08] – Fire power of the guns.

[35:00] – Pivotal moment in the Marine Corps and in War times. (cont.)

[46:04] – Greatest lessons learned in the Military.

[51:20] – Nine Air Medals.

[54:10] – Pursuing the entrepreneurial dream.

[59:20] – The progression of Delta Life Fitness.

[1:08:20] – What to say to new entrepreneurs who say they are too busy.

[1:10:10] – Can you be successful alone?

[1:13:35] – How important is it to have a tribe?

[1:17:14] – How does Delta Life Fitness not become a Curves Fitness?

[1:21:06] – Becoming a public speaker early on.

[1:24:27] – Josh’s mindset and always growing.

[1:26:22] – Visualizing success.

[1:31:25] – Having gratitude.

Thom Bolsch is a graduate of Pace University in New York where he earned a BBA in business management. After graduation, Mr. Bolsch was selected for a position with the US Secret Service (USSS) and entered into the training academy in 1989. Thom’s 25-year career with the Secret Service has allowed him to protect and serve four U.S. Presidents, to include President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George Bush and President Barack Obama. After retirement, Thom raised capital & founded Saddle River Range a 33,000 square foot gun range that has been compared to a country club. Thom is an innovator and servant leader in business and the community.

[2:20] – 25 Years in the Secret Service

[11:57] – Having a Career That Gives Back

[13:17] – Where Did Thom’s Desire to Give Back Originate? 

[16:45] – President George H. W. Bush

[22:40] – Different Decision Making Abilities of Presidents

[25:22] – President Bill Clinton

[27:22] – When Public Opinion Turns

[31:44] – President George W. Bush & 9/11

[39:04] – Lessons Learned as a Secret Service Agent

[44:25] – Air Force One

[47:15] – 10 Criteria of Being a Great President

[51:38] –  Thom’s Admiration for Abraham Lincoln

[54:42] – Starting & Running Saddle River Range

[1:04:18] – Guntry Clubs

[1:06:07] – First Time Gun Purchasers

[1:08:45] – Why Does Thom Like Teaching People?

[1:11:58] – Saddle River Range Details

[1:15:05] – Advice for People Who Want to Start a Business

Debra Myers is Big Cheese & Chief Excitement Officer (AKA CEO) of Enfusia, a premium bath products company that manufactures and distributes everything from Bath Bombs to CBD infused oils nationwide. Debra started Enfusia in her bathroom and has built it into a company that sells products in major retailers like Kroger, Whole Foods and fine hotels. Debra is a champion of people and has a mission to hire people who might not have the opportunity to enjoy the dignity of making progress. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and leadership. She is a guest lecturer at The University of Houston and she volunteers her time for the Prison Entrepreneurship Program.

[2:18] – Early stages of Enfusia.

[4:37] – Starting Enfusia & helping others.

[9:02] – Debra’s passion for her business.

[11:11] – Why bath products?

[13:06] – Where does Debra’s determination come from?

[15:24] – Learning to problem solve.

[18:10] – How important is leadership in growing a company?

[20:56] – Learning from mistakes made.

[22:53] – Caring about your employees.

[27:26] – Debra’s understanding of the marketplace.

[31:52] – Are challenges part of success?

[34:25] – Challenges that have helped her as a leader.

[38:44] – Debra’s role as a CEO

[40:50] – Tactics, routines, & habits.

[45:41] – Advice for new business owners.

[52:52] –  Continuing to personally grow.

[55:48] – Debra’s book recommendations.

[57:32] – People Debra follows.

[58:39] – Encouraging others to pursue leadership roles.

[1:01:41] – Is it harder for women to be a leader or business owner?

[1:04:43] – Debra’s words of wisdom.

Dr. Todd Dewett is one of the world’s most popular leadership personalities, authenticity experts, and he is one of the most engaging public speaker today. Todd is a superstar in online education with over ten million happy users of his LinkedIn Learning courses.  He is a bestselling author, a TEDx speaker, and an Inc. Magazine Top 100 leadership speaker. All his info can be found at drdewett.com; we hope you enjoy this wild ride of a conversation with Dr. Todd Dewett.

[2:27] Why Todd gives back & the luck factor

[4:05] Are leaders made or born?

[7:20] Why Todd writes and speaks about authenticity  

[10:15] Todd on fear and sacred cows!

[13:00] All tatted up and why…and stereotypes

[16:08] Why Todd calls himself a recovering a college professor

[18:20] Why Todd educates and is passionate about it

[19:10] Defining clear values…that strip club in Mexico

[21:13] Emotional intelligence and lessons learned

[25:20] A leadership oath in the bathtub

[28:32] How Todd continues to pursue learning

[31:36] What it takes to be a world class speaker  

[36:23] Todd’s big hairy audacious goal

[39:08] A scientific idea on favor

[40:02] How to produce a best selling book or not?

[44:15] Todd’s passion for speaking and his why for speaking

[45:18] Recommendation for authors or future authors

[50:48] The greatest thing Todd has learned from his education

[51:50] Why leadership is lonely and how to deal with it

[54:03] What Todd is working on now

[56:00] Advice to Veterans

Steve McKinney is a Texas A&M Graduate who played Offensive Lineman for the Fighting Texas Aggie Football team and in 2015 was voted onto the top 100 all-time greatest football players in Aggie history. In 1998 he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. From 98 – 2008 Steve played pro-football for the Colts, Seattle Seahawks and the Houston Texans! What Steve did after the NFL and continues to do is truly extraordinary. Steve is an entrepreneur who owns 10 McDonald’s franchises. He is fiercely competitive in business and he uses his success in business to serve and benefit others. Steve contributes time, talent and treasure to Veterans, Law Enforcement & First Responders, Elementary Schools, The Ronald McDonald foundation, and other community organizations while coaching five youth sports teams at the local YMCA.

[2:50] Becoming a Texas A&M Aggie  

[4:05] Setting goals and believing

[6:40] Achieving top 100 player in Aggie Football history

[9:10] Making a decision to play in the NFL

[13:00] The NFL draft & the hardest time in a players life

[17:20] Fulfilling a dream to play in the NFL

[20:25] Steve’s favorite NFL team to play for

[21:10] Playing college football versus playing for the NFL

[23:20] What makes Texas A&M special and cult like

[24:45] What made Peyton Manning special

[27:11] One of the biggest team turnarounds in NFL history

[28:35] Steve’s favorite coach

[31:57] Steve’s transition to business

[40:25] Making a decision to own a McDonald’s franchise

[44:15] Humble beginnings & making French fries

[47:15] Setting big goals and why it is important

[48:20] Skills that translate from sports to business

[49:55] You can’t be a fake leader

[52:45] Kneeling during the national anthem  

[57:30] The incredible power of focus and goals

[1:03:00] Steve’s daily tactics that help him grow

[1:07:23] Steve’s mantras that help push him

[1:10:45] Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right

[1:12:12] Why Steve gives back

[1:18:05] How hard should you push yourself

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Who Moved my Cheese

Lt. General Steven Hummer is a retired U.S. Marine Corps. 3 Star General. General Hummer served his country for 41 years. He began his service as an enlisted Marine then worked his way through the ranks over his military career. During his service, He lead over 150,000 troops through war, deployed on over 20 missions, served along side General “Mad Dog” Mattis, Secretary of Defense, Stanley McChrystal and many other top military leaders. General Hummer’s leadership and love for service is what makes him a leader and an example to thousands of men and women who have had the opportunity to know him.  

[5:22] Greatest lesson General Hummer learned from his father  

[11:15] Finding one’s passion and why it is important

[15:48] What drove General Hummer for 41 years as a U.S. Marine

[17:20] Setting priorities to succeed in life

[20:00] Setting goals and how to achieve them

[26:03] One of our greatest challenges in America

[30:50] General Hummer’s idea of being rich and successful

[35:20] Why is service so important and why go above and beyond

[40:25] The importance of faith in General Hummer’s military career

[41:58] General Hummer’s greatest accomplishment in the U.S. Marines

[46:38] Philosophy for getting people back on track through discipline

[48:37] The fundamentals of leadership, time, sacrifice, support  

[52:06] General Hummer’s leadership philosophy & favorite quotes

[55:50] Leaders must work harder for their people….

[1:02:50] General Hummer’s favorite scripture to live by

[1:04:50] General Hummer’s leadership manual

[1:17:40] The greatest challenge General Hummer faced

[1:25:05] How General Hummer continues to develop himself

[1:34:15] Where General Hummer wants to be 10 years from now

[1:37:58] General Hummer’s best book recommendations

[1:40:01] General Hummer on wisdom and understanding

Armitas Reintegration Program

Combined Arms

The Bible

A Purpose Driven Life

Tie Ins-for Life