Advertise on podcast: Insights To Live By

How do you become the architect of your own life? Guiding the way is Hilary Porta global speaker, identity architect and the executive advisor clients come to know as the Velvet Hammer. Her thesis lands early and hard: strategy scales a business, but identity scales the founder. And founders don't plateau on strategy; they plateau on identity. Along the way Hilary explains why external success never equals the inner masterpiece and what that "shadow work" actually requires. She takes us inside that world with discretion intact. TOPIC TIME CODES00:34 – Introduction01:00 – Fangirling Over the Book01:54 – MindRev's First Advisory Board Member02:48 – Strategy Scales the Business, Identity Scales the Founder04:13 – When the Founder Becomes the Bottleneck05:11 – External Success Isn't an Inner Masterpiece07:00 – The $400 Million Exit Who Wept07:54 – What They're Actually Miserable About08:47 – Who Are You Without It?10:34 – Case Study: Brilliant and No Emotional Intelligence11:00 – No Peer Space at the Top12:44 – The Mass Exodus14:32 – Disengagement as the Ultimate Disrespect15:24 – Culture Comes from the Top Down16:49 – Slaying Dragons While the Family Falls Apart18:34 – Getting to the Root20:25 – "I Got My Husband Back"23:55 – Identity Architecture25:16 – Why She Went So Deep27:01 – Where Anyone Starts: Know Yourself28:22 – The Band-Aid and the Shadow Work31:31 – Insights about Hilary35:17 – Dying is a rebirth36:39 – Hilary’s Insights to Live By43:03 – Subtract to Add45:22 – Closing Thoughts SOURCE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryporta/hporta.com

What is the essence of humanity that no machine can replace? Tackling it is Joe Topinka, three-time CIO of the Year, founder of CIO Mentor, and author of the new book Beyond the Algorithm: Lead What Machines Can't. Joe makes the case for intentional relationships as the trust multiplier most leaders neglect until the moment they need it. He shares his own lessons learned, including a relationship he never built that ultimately cost him his job. Joe also reveals what he calls emotionally expensive behaviors that can drag down an entire team and the rules of engagement he teaches as a highly sought CIO mentor. TOPIC TIME CODES00:32 – Introduction01:55 – Three-Time CIO of the Year (and the Off Years)02:54 – Beyond the Algorithm03:21 – Watching 80-Year-Olds Use AI04:43 – We've Attached Human Emotion to AI05:40 – A Book Still Selling a Decade Later07:54 – Why Humanity, and Why Now10:07 – Intentional Relationships: the Trust Multiplier11:26 – Why the C-Suite Doesn't Have Your Back12:22 – Don't Start Networking the Day You Need It14:34 – Finding the Gaps, Making the Deposits15:03 – The Relationship That Cost Him His Job16:31 – Personal Accountability: the Four Pillars17:30 – Resilience Is a Mental Game18:53 – Emotionally Expensive Behaviors20:11 – Waiting in the Car to Avoid Him20:38 – The Nine Box, and What It Misses21:59 – When Leaders Let It Persist23:54 – Rules of Engagement24:21 – Stop Judging, Start Helping24:49 – No BMW Driving26:12 – What Second City Taught Him26:41 – "Yes, And"27:13 – Assume Positive Intent: the Human API27:46 – Facts Before Stories28:39 – Making the Rules Stick30:26 – How It Changed His Career33:45 – Influential Relative (Wheel of Insights)36:02 – Teenage Job (Wheel of Insights)37:00 – Insight #1: Hold the Mirror Up38:23 – How Many Leaders Actually Do It?40:11 – "I Could Have Been More Successful Had I Not Been That Way"41:34 – Insight #2: Build the Network Before You Need It42:05 – Friday Afternoon Coffees43:25 – Insight #3: Enjoy the Journey45:14 – Get a Mentor46:08 – The Third Book: The System Nobody SeesSOURCE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetopinka/CIOmentor.com

Closing out this four-part series on entrepreneurship is an inside look at the investment side of startup funding. Guiding the way is serial entrepreneur Chris Halligan, co-founder of Good Human Investment Partners. He breaks down what angel investors look for in early-stage companies and why founder character can matter as much as metrics. Then he turns the tables on Matt and puts him and MindRev to the test. Chris also shares stories from his early days of Dell, along with practical guidelines for making meetings matter and several sage Insights to Live By. Here you'll find a sharp, human conversation packed with practical gems. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:29 – Introduction 01:20 – The Mindset Man 03:03 – An OG of the Ecosystem 04:04 – Origin of Good Human 08:35 – Investment Criteria: product, market, distribution, team 10:25 – What Constitutes an “Unfair Advantage” 18:05 – A Future Self (Wheel of Insights) 19:10 – Family Matters 22:15 – Making Meetings Matter (Dell Roots) 25:00 – Identities in the C-Suite 28:50 – Vibe Coding 32:10 – Favorite Queen City Spot (Wheel of Insights) 34:20 – Big Break (Wheel of Insights) 35:10 – Inside Dell 38:00 – Insight #1: Time and the River Flowing 40:10 – Insight #2: …Hoops of Steal 43:40 – Relationship Matters 44:35 – Insight #3: The Real Cycle You’re Working On 48:15 – Challenging Oneself 50:40 – Advice to Your Younger Self (Wheel of Insights) 52:30 – Self-Kindness 55:10 – Closing Thoughts SOURCE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishalligan/

Launching a new company is among life’s greatest challenges. It demands resilience, decisiveness, adaptability, vision and resourcefulness. The founders who succeed know they cannot do it alone. This is where a strong startup ecosystem can make all the difference. Here to unpack those forces and share a ground-level view of Charlotte’s entrepreneurial landscape is Juan Garzón. He is the Managing Director of Innovate Charlotte, Head of Innovation-Led Entrepreneurship for the City of Charlotte and Executive Director of PitchBreakfast, the Queen City’s premier startup pitching event. Join the conversation for a fascinating inside look at everything from ecosystem building and raising capital and to the art of the pitch and the mindset that separates founders who survive from those who thrive. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem maturity and resource gaps 01:37 – Innovate Charlotte’s role and Global Entrepreneurship Week overview 06:07 – Pitch Breakfast history and structure 07:48 – How founders benefit from real investor feedback 09:40 – Quality of pitches increasing and YouTube library of 500–600 past pitches 17:48 – Founder programs: Product Jam, Growth Jam, mentoring initiatives 21:40 – Capacity limits and demand for deeper founder support 22:15 – Evolution of Innovate Charlotte from media to nonprofit ecosystem engine 22:48 – Angel investing realities in the Southeast 24:36 – Funding gaps for early-stage founders who lack traction 26:07 – Need for local innovation funds and current microloan-driven landscape 28:57 – Founder mindset: fall in love with the problem not the solution 31:44 – Storytelling as a competitive advantage in pitching 34:00 – Founder true north: aligning work with deeper purpose 36:47 – Community building as a core strategy not a sideshow 38:48 – The importance of “intentional serendipity” for founders 40:29 – Involving family in ecosystem building and the next generation 41:37 – Upcoming events: monthly Pitch Breakfast and Seed the South 2026 SOURCES: InnovateCharlotte.org PitchBreakfast.com SeedTheSouth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgarzon/

North Carolina is becoming one of the fastest rising tech hubs in the country. Matt sits down with Brooks Raiford, CEO of NC Tech, to unpack the forces shaping the region’s innovation economy. They get into hiring trends, the truth about the AI skills gap, why non-tech companies now dominate tech hiring, and the surprising drop in computer science majors. Brooks explains how employers are navigating rapid AI transformation and why soft skills still matter. They also talk leadership, communication habits that elevate influence and the challenges start-ups face. It’s a grounded, wide-angle look at tech, talent and the future of work. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 – 06:06: NC Tech overview and annual programming 06:06: Membership composition and geographic breakdown 10:16: Small business presence, local HQ footprint, and non-traditional members 14:36: Hiring data and the monthly IT job trends dashboard 16:40: Top hiring companies and non-tech sectors driving demand 19:20: Talent supply concerns and the dip in CS degree applications 21:49: Why young people are confused about tech careers in the AI era 24:40: AI skills, stackable credentials, and the new baseline of competency 26:52: How employers are adapting hiring and upskilling strategies 29:30: AI risks, data privacy concerns, and community college upskilling 32:04: Soft skills, communication, and what really drives leadership success 34:12: Brooks’ three life insights and the “walking stick” communication metaphor 38:03: How better communication creates influence and opportunity 41:45: The 2026 Young Tech Professionals Network 42:03: NC Tech’s advocacy role and statewide collaboration 45:03: Early-stage funding challenges in the Southeast and startup relocation 46:39: Closing thoughts. SOURCES: NCTECH.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksraiford/

From perfectionism at age ten to coaching CEOs who quietly wonder if they belong, Gary exposes how comparison, credentials and hidden shame steal confidence. Join this lively conversation as Gary gets brutally honest about the sneaky scripts that fuel imposter syndrome. He also shares personal stories of betrayal, resilience and finding freedom through vulnerability, purpose and service. If self-doubt ever whispers you’re not enough, this episode gives you the means to silence it and step into who you’ve earned to be. TIME-CODED TOPIC GUIDE 0:00 — Matt intro and North Carolina series setup 02:30 — Who is Gary Frey, background, business history 06:10 — Defining imposter syndrome and where it came from 09:45 — Perfectionism, early childhood patterns, high achiever psychology 14:20 — CEO coaching, the silent epidemic among leaders 19:30— The Tana Green story and the power of admitting “I don’t know what I’m doing” 24:40 — Education, credentials, comparison, hiding flaws, internal shame 28:55 — Why sharing your story sets others free REMAINING TRANSCRIPT: Wheel of Insights – random fun questions for GaryGary’s Insights to Live ByFinal ThoughtsSOURCES: • GaryDFrey.com • LINKEDIN.COM/IN/GARYDFREY NOTABLE QUOTES: “I didn’t even know the term imposter syndrome until five years ago, but I’d been living it since I was ten.” “High achievers often think they’re the only ones who don’t know what they’re doing. That’s the great lie.” “The imposter wants you focused on how others perceive you. Freedom comes from focusing on serving others.” “Some of the most successful leaders I’ve coached whispered the same words: I don’t know what I’m doing.” “Realizing you’re not alone is a weapon. Shame loses power when it’s shared.” “Purpose always silences fear. When I’m focused on serving you, I don’t have time to worry about me.”

What does it take for an underdog to win their face-off against adversity? Former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup winner Mike Hartman joins the show to share his journey from house league long shot to professional athlete and how mindset made all the difference. Now as founder of the Healthy Mindset App, Mike is guiding both corporate and professional athletes to lead with purpose and mental toughness. He’s also trained an AI version of himself to deliver real-time coaching anytime, anywhere. With Matt also a lifelong player, the episode includes behind-the-scenes moments with Gretzky, leadership insights from Messier, and actionable habits for building resilience both on and off the ice. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 - Episode Intro and Underdog Setup 02:00 - Mike Hartman's NHL Journey and Mindset Roots 06:58 - Healthy Mindset App Origin and AI Coaching 13:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mark Messier 16:31 - How the Healthy Mindset App Works 20:37 - Content Development and Personal Investment 23:41 - How to Access the Healthy Mindset App 25:29 - Mindset and Simplicity in Speaking 26:14 - Charlotte Favorites and Coyote Story 28:19 - Best Hockey Skills and Habit Formation 30:35 - Insights to Live By: No Shortcuts 31:39 - Insights to Live By: Practice Your Habits 34:10 - Insights to Live By: Set Measurable Goals 36:40 - Insights to Live By: Be Where Your Skates Are 40:13 - Matt on His Mission and Favorite Thing to Do 43:09 - Closing Reflections and Attention to Detail 45:34 - Show Close SOURCES Website: HealthyMindsetApp.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/healthymindset

As the mind-boggling pace of AI continues, how can a self-respecting HR professional keep pace? More to the point, how can one find ways to thrive rather than just survive or, worse yet, become irrelevant? Joining the show for this powerful conversation, Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, co-founders of Thrive HR Consulting, unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from recruitment and workforce planning to learning and development along with the increasing role of AI for mental health support. We take on the rise of agentic AI and HR chatbots, job displacement and how professionals can stay ahead by leading, not lagging. This essential episode offers practical direction and a human-centered lens on what’s next and how to be there. TOPIC TIME CODES: 00:00 – Intro & HR Tech Throwbacks (White-Out & Typewriters) 03:45 – What Is Thrive HR AI 2.0? 05:15 – Managing AI as a Workforce Entity (Agentic AI) 09:50 – Staying Relevant: How HR Pros Can Adapt 11:40 – If HR Doesn’t Lead AI, Who Will? (The Cloud Analogy) 14:10 – Reskilling, Prompt Engineering & Certification Trends 15:40 – Can AI Be HR’s Ticket to the C-Suite? 18:20 – Jobs AI Is Replacing vs Jobs It’s Reshaping 20:45 – How to Keep Pace with the Flood of AI Tools 23:50 – AI in L&D: Adaptive Learning and AI Career Coaches 26:50 – AI in Shared Services: Ticketing, Escalation & Autonomy 28:30 – The Human's Role in an AI-Driven Workflow 30:50 – Making Room for HR to Evolve 31:30 – Final Thoughts: Overcoming Fear and AI Anxiety 32:20 – Wheel of Insights: Local Haunts, Self-Advice & Grace 35:00 – Insights to Live By: Giving Back and Life Isn’t Fair 39:30 – Mental Health Chatbots and the Future of Well-Being 42:50 – Try It Yourself: Using Thrive’s Chatbot to Explore MH Tools 44:00 – Closing Advice: Be Curious or Fall Behind SOURCE: https://thrivehrconsulting.com/

In this high-energy episode, award-winning speaker, TEDx powerhouse, and leadership igniter Heather Hansen O’Neill talks about how to stop letting fear run the show and start leading with fire through purpose, passion, and action. From literally flying on the trapeze to metaphorically helping leaders leap into their fullest potential, Heather shares her unconventional path to becoming a best-selling author, adventurer and creator of the Elements of Adventure framework. We explore how to build resilience through uncertainty, inspire teams in the face of apathy and reframe leadership as a human-first, joy-driven experience. Whether you're a team leader, entrepreneur, or someone trying to reconnect with your fire, this one’s a mindset masterclass. TOPIC TIME CODE SUMMARIES 00:00 – 01:50 Welcome + Guest Intro • Matt introduces the show’s theme: Where purpose meets profit • Intro of Heather: keynote speaker, four-time author, two-time TEDx speaker, NSA star • Story of how they met at an NSA retreat in South Carolina 01:51 – 02:30 Giving Back Through Speaking • Heather reflects on the importance of contributing back to the community that nurtured her growth 02:31 – 04:00 Thrill-Seeking as a Life Philosophy • Heather shares how her love of adventure (skydiving, fire-walking, flying trapeze) informs her leadership style and mindset training • Using discomfort as a rehearsal space for life's challenges 04:01 – 05:20 Thrill-Seeking: The Next Frontier • She's in search of her next big adventure and asks listeners for ideas • Highlights of her past thrills: trapeze, hang gliding, eating fire, sensory deprivation tank (least favorite) 05:21 – 06:30 Adventure vs Anxiety • Fun banter about problem-solving under stress (e.g., escape rooms) • Touch on Everest ambitions and thresholds of discomfort 06:31 – 08:40 From Adventure to Activation • Heather explains how her adrenaline-fueled adventures translate to her real superpower: helping others activate their goals • She breaks down how she turns personal instinct into teachable frameworks for leaders and teams • “You're not just a Nike commercial — people need steps to close the gap.” 08:41 – 09:15 Mutual Inspiration and Momentum • Matt reflects on how Heather’s message stirs his own thinking • Heather flips the lens: “Your next thrill? You’re already doing it.” 09:16 – 10:58 Purpose + Responsibility = Platform • Matt shares his sense of responsibility as a speaker and impact creator • Intro to Heather’s book Finding Humanity and her decision to donate 100% of proceeds to Alzheimer’s causes 10:59 – 12:47 Why Finding Humanity Matters • Heather opens up about her parents’ struggles with Alzheimer’s • The deeper motivation behind the book • Encouragement to listeners: find the thing that touches you deeply, then act on it 13:37 – 14:20 From Overwhelm to Impact • Heather shares a vulnerable realization: trying to change the world was overwhelming • Her pivot: help leaders change the world — the ripple effect is exponential. 14:21 – 16:02 Personal Loss to Global Insight • Heather moved to South Carolina to support her mom — who passed just six weeks later • This sparked a deep search for meaning, which led to spotting "moments of humanity" in daily life • That journey planted the seed for Finding Humanity — not directly about Alzheimer’s, but deeply rooted in it 16:03 – 17:05 The Book’s Core: Humanity Meets Business • While the book acknowledges Heather’s personal losses, its heart is about infusing humanity into sales • Matt invites her to dig into the book's core ideas and how purpose aligns with profit 17:06 – 20:12 How ‘Finding Humanity’ Became a Business Framework • Heather began sharing sunrise reflections online; they resonated more than anything she’d posted in 25+ years • Inspired by pandemic disconnection, she formalized the insight • Conducted focus groups and found clear data: companies that prioritize people, community, and care outperform • Humanity and profit are not opposites — they’re co-dependent 20:13 – 21:08 Loneliness and the Call for Real Connection • Matt reflects on the global loneliness epidemic and the universal desire to feel seen, heard, and valued • The challenge: how to align human needs with practical business goals 21:09 – 21:34 Daily Practice to Find Alignment • Heather’s advice: get quiet, listen to your heart, take one action a day toward what matters • Tiny steps can lead to massive ripple effects 21:35 – 23:10 Elite Sales Alliance: Activating the Gap • Heather explains her group cohort model: small, customized, cost-effective, and community-driven • The program helps participants identify where they are vs. where they want to be — and closes that gap through human-centered strategies • It’s the embodiment of everything she’s talked about — action, alignment, and human-first business 23:16 – 24:48 Wrapping Purpose + Profit • Matt confirms the segment is complete, Heather agrees: “I’m an open book” • Transition to the next segment: the Wheel of Insights 24:49 – 25:34 Surprise Segment: Wheel of Insights • Heather reacts with delight • The wheel lands on: “Teenage Job” 25:35 – 27:14 Teenage Job: Dancing Pro at 13 • Heather shares her unusual teen path: paid professional dancer performing at schools • Juggled three jobs to afford dance training: dancing, working at the studio, tutoring • She skipped traditional teen experiences to focus on her passion — an early sign of her self-driven path 27:15 – 28:14 Matt’s Teenage Job Throwback • Shares his own odd jobs: sticking address labels on newspapers (a penny per label), dough master at Pizza Hut • Fun nostalgia moment and a bonding pause 28:15 – 29:47 Big Break: The 13th Hole • Heather describes the pivotal moment on a golf course where a client told her: “You’re a fireball. Start your own company. I’ll be your first client.” • That moment launched her entrepreneurial journey • She didn’t come from an entrepreneurial family and had no prior plan — but she said yes and never looked back 29:48 – 30:45 The Power of Mentorship + Follow-Through • Matt emphasizes the ripple effect of mentors • Heather adds the full-circle moment: she lost touch with her mentor but eventually tracked him down to thank him • Moral: if someone impacted you, reach out and say thank you — it matters 31:12 – 32:15 Insights to Live By: #1 — Say It Now • Heather’s first pearl of wisdom: Life is short • Don’t wait to say “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you” — these are the emotional regrets people carry most • She emphasizes regret avoidance over fear of rejection 32:16 – 33:28 Insight #2 — Prioritize What’s Important • Heather shares her past habit of starting her day with email and Facebook scrolls • Realized she was living by others’ priorities, not her own • Now starts her day with beach walks, meditation, journaling — a routine that serves her energy and clarity 33:29 – 36:37 Reinforcing Healthy Routines + Practical Presence • Matt adds a real-time reflection about habit loops and using presence to reclaim mornings • Mentions his involvement with Positive Intelligence coaching pods and how small changes (e.g. mindful face washing) can shift entire habits • Powerful tip: change your routine to change your response 36:38 – 39:00 Insight #3 — Simple, Not Easy • Heather’s third principle: Be present • True connection happens when you listen without planning what to say next • Shares a story of building an indoor amusement park during a snowstorm — a moment her kids still cherish • Clients echo the same thing: “You listened to me.” 39:01 – 41:18 Final Thoughts: Being Human First • Heather and Matt reflect on authenticity, being genuine, and how true bonds start with real questions like: “How are you… really?” • Heather underscores her brand’s essence: Finding Humanity starts by being human 41:19 – 42:15 Closing Message — You’re Already Enough • Heather’s final encouragement: “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Strive forward from abundance, not lack.” • Embraces the paradox: self-acceptance and ambition can coexist 42:16 – End Gratitude + Sign-Off • Matt expresses appreciation and closes the show with a warm reminder to connect SOURCES: https://heatherhansenoneill.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1m1WB4dTmU

What does it take to become a truly limitless leader? Joining the show is Dr. Mary Hemphill, a global leadership strategist and founder of The Limitless Leader. Mary shares game-changing insights about self-leadership, human-centered growth, and the courage to unlearn what no longer serves us. From conducting a “human audit” of your life to redefining the role of tech in personal well-being, she offers a powerful framework to help leaders thrive in all areas of life. 00:07 – Welcome & Guest Intro Matt welcomes listeners and introduces Dr. Mary Hemphill and her background. 01:22 – Setting the Tone Mary shares her energy and enthusiasm for the conversation. 02:24 – Career in Education & Leadership Roles Overview of Mary’s background as an educator, administrator, and public official. 04:36 – The One Minute Meeting Discussion about her leadership technique to connect with students, one minute at a time. 05:38 – Books & Leadership Content Matt highlights Mary’s published works and their focus on principal and collaborative leadership. 07:26 – Audience & Edupreneurship Mary defines her role as an edupreneur and describes the types of leaders she serves. 11:30 – What Is a Limitless Leader? Mary explains the mindset and character traits of limitless leaders. 17:30 – The Human Audit She introduces her signature practice of evaluating human and tech influences in life. 22:10 – Corporate Wellness Reimagined Why self-awareness comes before self-care, and how to build a wellness culture. 30:35 – Insight to Live By #1: Clarity is a Leadership Strategy Clarity in goals and choices as a guiding principle. 33:45 – Insight #2: Protect Your Peace Setting emotional boundaries and honoring personal integrity. 37:35 – Insight #3: Momentum Over Perfection Mary shares a personal lesson about starting, learning, and evolving through action. 42:40 – Final Thoughts: Leadership as Lifestyle Mary wraps with a powerful reminder that leadership shows up in every role we play. SOURCE: https://www.bealimitlessleader.com OVERVIEW At The Limitless Leader LLC, we specialize in public speaking, leadership development, and leadership consulting to help leaders at every level elevate their impact. Through transformational keynotes, immersive workshops, and strategic retreats, I empower individuals, teams, and organizations to amplify their leadership, sharpen their vision, and curate actionable strategies for lasting success.

BOOK CAPSULE: Richly authentic, deeply personal and highly motivating, Z-isms offers new ways to better ourselves, our experiences and our encounters. Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with readers, freely sharing his life experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caregiver and nonprofit founder with practical insights and ways to help navigate and overcome common challenges we all face. TRACKS BY CHAPTER: 00:17 - BACKSTORY 06:41 - INTRODUCTION 22:46 - EARNED CONFIDENCE 57:57 - BE AWARE OF SPIDERS 1:40:34 - A DOSE OF PREVENTION 2:22:44 - PERCEPTION IS 3:00:11 - MINDING THE MOOD SCALE 3:44:20 - MANAGING ENERGY 4:18:44 - BEING A LIFE ATHLETE 4:28:30 - THE ELEMENTS IN MOTION 5:03:39 - SWIM WITH THE CURRENT 5:40:14 - MAKING COINCIDENCES MATTER 6:23:17 - AMPLIFYING GRATITUDE 7:12:29 - INEVITABILITY 7:58:08 - WINNING THE BATTLE WITHIN PT.1 8:26:01 - WINNING THE BATTLE WITHIN PT.2 8:53:28 - EPILOGUE CRITICAL ACCLAIM: “Z-isms is one of the finest guides to discover our true self and stimulate personal and interpersonal growth." Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Reviewer“A highly personal and practical primer packed with anecdotes and life lessons. It’s also well-written, easy to understand, concise and often quite funny.” John J. Kelly, Detroit Free Press“Matt Zinman has provided each and every one of his readers with a blueprint for success, both in business and in life." Susan Keefe, Midwest Book Review

The show is BACK! Following a record hiatus, Matt reemerges to explain where he’s been, what’s happened since, what’s occurring now and what lies ahead. These include his relocation, progress with THE BRIGHT SIDE (newsletter for LinkedIn), two high-profile upcoming presentations, show plans for 2025-2026, and a special announcement in concert with Z-isms turning 5. The reveal: the audiobook is about to grace the podcast. 0:00 – The ITLB Sabbatical 1:30 – COVID Reflections 2:32 – The Queen City 4:20 – Looking on The Bright Side 6:43 – The Big Events 9:18 – Anniversary Announcement 10:25 – Matt’s Focus 12:49 – Future Episodes

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-bright-side-7153431826336759809/

Few professionals enjoy giving presentations. In fact, most people find public speaking to be anxiety-ridden, yet necessary to advance their career. Here to help make that happen is Shawn Doyle, a Certified Professional Speaker (CSP), Executive Coach and a prolific author of 24 motivational books. He is also a contributing writer for Inc. Magazine, The Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Shawn’s “Presentation Power” training program provides sage insights that embody his decades of experience in serving some of the world’s leading companies. If you speak, you’ll be glad you listened. TOPIC TIME CODES 0:50 – Introduction 3:35 – Prolific Content 4:36 – Achieving Full Potential 5:05 – Being a Better Presenter 12:55 – The 4 P’s of Presentation Skills 18:50 – Preparation / Audience Analysis 22:00 – Matt’s Early Career Presentation Story 24:00 – Nashville Blues 25:10 – Storytelling 32:25 – Insights about Shawn 36:50 – Shawn’s Insights to Live By 46:26 – Final Thoughts EXCLUSIVE OFFER: "Presentation Power" training program (only $97) regularly $199 Link: https://pages.shawndoyletraining.com/online-course Coupon code: PPP97SITE/SOCIALS: https://shawndoyletraining.com/ Instagram: @shawndoyletraining; Facebook: Shawn Doyle Training & Consulting; Twitter: @motiv8er; Pinterest: Shawn Doyle Training; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-doyle-executive-coach/ YouTube: @shawndoyle4661

The show takes an investigative yet practical slant in the heart of Mental Health Month. Joining the conversation is Dr. Alice Feller, author of the newly released book, “American Madness: Fighting for Patients in a Broken Mental Health System.” She’s seen it all through five decades of work within hospital wards, private practice, public clinics and beyond. Among that discussed: knowing when to act, medication management, telehealth and the importance of families. If you or a loved one are – or at some point may be – in need of care, you’ll find some essential answers here.