From Struggle to Significance: Madean Gilzene on Building a Legacy of Impact

Some people wait for the right conditions before they start building. Madean Gilzene builds the wave herself.

In this episode of Waves of Success, I sit down with Madean Gilzene — founder and CEO of Extraordinary Kids Foundation, Echelon Executive Suites, Aura Studio, and Madean Gilzene Global — for a conversation about turning hard beginnings into fuel rather than limitation. Madean shares how she's navigated the demands of building multiple ventures at once, what it means to lead with purpose across philanthropy and business, and why she believes circumstances don't get to define your future — you do.

We talk about the discipline of scaling without losing sight of mission, the power of community and partnership in Palm Beach and beyond, and what it looks like to lead as a woman building something built to outlast her.

If you've ever felt like your start doesn't match your vision, this episode is your reminder: the wave doesn't care where you paddled out from — only where you're willing to ride it to.

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George Hines opened his first George's Music store in Spring City, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1977. Since then, George's Music has grown to a 7 store chain, making us the largest musical instrument retailer in the greater Philadelphia area.  What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur and leader. We dive into the principles of excellent leadership and having a growth mindset.   For more information on George's Music:  https://www.georgesmusic.com/about-georges-music-33.html 

The principles of being a business owner, CEO, or entrepreneur. What does it take to be successful. 

Having founded The Human Capital Group in 2003, Roy's mission is to help executives and entrepreneurs through the creating of customized strategies and corporate training plans that are roadmaps to building a life and career they love. As an Executive and Life Coach, Roy provides his clients with guidance that will help them to unleash hidden potential, eliminate roadblocks and capitalize on unique talents in order to maximize personal and professional success. 

On the thirteenth episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Mara Schainuck Benjamin, 1st VP Morgan Stanley, PGA Office. David and Mara discuss how to navigate the world of investing, the importance of giving back, and work/life balance. 

On the twelfth episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Diane Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

David and Diane discussed the importance of first interactions that set the stage for patrons and how she has continued to establish the Kravis Center as a high-quality theater.

On the eleventh episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Jennifer Parker, Nutritional Private Chef and Owner of Evolve Health.

David and Jennifer discussed the importance of nutrition, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and how to start creating a nutritional meal plan for those who lead busy lives. 

On the tenth episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Lou Shapiro, Chief Executive Officer and President of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

David and Lou discussed the art and science of establishing a working environment that fosters talent, leadership, and a culture that allows all to perform their best.

On the ninth episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Gopal Rajegowda, Executive Vice President & Partner of Related Southeast.

On the eighth episode of Waves of Success, David interviews Katie Woo, Staff Writer for the St. Louis Cardinals @ The Athletic, and Marlene Rocks, Founder of CL Rocks Corporation.

This week’s episode of Waves of Success features Jimmy Burg, Owner of Square Grouper Tiki Bar on the Jupiter Inlet.

Connect with the host David McClymont - Chief Executive Officer of the Palm Beach Symphony https://www.palmbeachsymphony.org/about/chief-executive-officer https://www.instagram.com/wavesofsuccess/ https://www.instagram.com/dmcclymont/ 

The Waves of Success Podcast is sponsored by: IYC Yachts: https://iyc.com/, Chervo: https://www.chervousa.com/, Square Grouper: https://squaregrouper.net/