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"What is this challenge preparing me for?" In this focused "Golden Nuggets" highlight, we dive into the most powerful moments from our conversation with David Cooks, CEO of David Cooks Enterprises. David has spent over 40 years in a wheelchair, but his greatest test came this past year: a broken femur, a battle with E. coli, and a life-saving surgery performed by—miraculously—a former student. We’ve stripped away the fluff to bring you the core framework David used to transition from paralysis to purpose. If you are an entrepreneur in the "Trough of Sorrow" or someone facing a personal health crisis, these insights are your blueprint for resilience. The Nuggets You’ll Uncover: (1) Refinement vs. Limitation: Why David views his wheelchair not as a cage, but as a fire that refines the soul like gold. (2) The Law of the Harvest: A stunning real-life example of how a seed of kindness planted decades ago returned as a life-saving blessing. (1) Gratitude as Multiplication: The counter-intuitive secret to shifting from scarcity to sufficiency in business. (3) Faith as a Foundation: Why "internal resolve" must always be greater than "market volatility." (4) Finding Your "Why": How to maintain your mission when your "How" (your strategy or physical ability) gets stripped away. Featured in this Episode: David Cooks: Author of Getting Undressed and resilience expert. David Mansilla: Host and advocate for faith-based leadership. Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MPhj5kAKZs #BusinessInsights #GoldenNuggets #Resilience #DavidCooks #Entrepreneurship #FaithAndWork #OvercomingObstacles #Shorts https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

Does AI already know your password? 🤖🔒 Your identity is your most valuable asset, yet it's being sold for pennies on the dark web. In this critical episode, CEO Eva Velasquez reveals why even savvy entrepreneurs are vulnerable to id theft and the one frozen secret that could safeguard your life's work. She discusses the dangers of AI tools in perpetrating identity fraud and the crucial role of robust cyber security and data privacy measures. Don't wait until you're the next victim; listen now to understand how to protect your information security from hackers. We sat down with Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, to break down: 👉 Why common passwords like "monkey" or "123456" are still in the top 10 (and how AI exploits them). 👉 The "Frozen Pie" method: The #1 step to block new accounts in your name. 👉 Why biometrics and "passkeys" are the only way to stay one step ahead of automated fraud. Don't wait until your life's work is targeted. Watch the full episode now to reclaim your digital defense. https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/ #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CyberSecurity #IdentityTheft #BusinessGrowth #CEOInsights #DigitalPrivacy #Resilience #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #ITRC #EvaVelasquez

Join host David Mansilla and Freestar CEO Kurt Donnell for an unscripted, powerful conversation about the true cost of success and the non-linear path to the top. Kurt Donnell breaks down the complex world of digital ad monetization, revealing how his company runs over a billion ad auctions daily—operating like a high-frequency trading firm in the ad space. What You Will Learn:The Ad Tech Black Box: How ad space is sold in real-time auctions within milliseconds, and the wild flow of platforms involved.The Career Lattice: Why ditching the traditional "career ladder" for a "career lattice" is essential for lifelong growth, including sideways and even downward moves.The A+ Strategy: Kurt's counter-intuitive advice: Stop focusing on improving your weaknesses (B to C) and dedicate your energy only to the things that take you from an A to an A+.The CEO's Real Job: Why the majority of a CEO's time is spent on the "3D puzzle of people" (HR) and finance.The Emotional Cost of Success: Donnell opens up about his high-powered law career, the resulting unhappiness that led him to therapy, and the painful lessons learned from watching his kids grow up "horizontal". This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur or leader seeking honest wisdom on strategy, people management, and balancing ambition with personal well-being. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CareerAdvice #CEO #AdTech #WorkLifeBalance https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, David Mansilla interviews Matt Clark, President and CEO of Core Centric, a global leader in Procurement, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable solutions. Matt shares his incredible 20+ year journey rising from an early role to the top leadership position at the financial technology company. Key Takeaways You'll Learn: (1) Removing Friction in B2B: How Core Centric's founding mission was to streamline and digitize processes in the B2B space, starting with the truck transportation sector. (2) The Path to CEO: The single, high-stakes project that served as the catalyst for Matt's promotion by demonstrating his ability to "execute at a high level". (3) Fighting Bureaucracy: Why Matt's first goal as CEO was to balance Core Centric's organizational structure by pulling back from a "bureaucratic culture" to maintain agility. (4) Crisis is Opportunity: How the company used macro cycles—like the 2008 recession and COVID-19—to focus on self-improvement, positioning them to "thrive, not just survive," as the market recovered. (5) The Guiding Principle: Matt's ultimate core value: why simply "doing the right thing" is often the hardest, but most crucial, business and personal decision. Subscribe to the Break Free Podcast for more interviews with business leaders! #LeadershipLessons #CEOInterview #FintechLeader #B2B #CoreCentric #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCulture #DigitalTransformation #CrisisManagement #DoTheRightThing https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

Join David Mansilla as he interviews Ron Felix, the CEO and President of Moeller Aerospace, a company that manufactures high-precision components for gas turbine engines in commercial, military, and space applications. Ron shares his incredible 40-year journey in aerospace and the unique challenges of leading a company built on 100% reliability. Discover the leadership mindset required to thrive in an industry where products last decades and the focus is on execution over rapid growth. In this episode, you will learn: The Industry’s Longevity: Why an average engine serial number flies for 25 to 40 years.Limits of Innovation: Ron's take on why commercial jet engine technology is reaching its physics limits, pushing the focus to alternate fuels and military hypersonics.The Toughest Problem: Why the biggest business problems are "usually human generated," often resulting from selfish economics and a fear of confronting the truth.Courageous Leadership: How Ron approaches challenges by eliminating politics and "betting that I could do this" at the risk of personal loss.The Billboard Message: Ron's single, most critical piece of advice for success in any field: "Believe in yourself". Subscribe to the Break Free Podcast for more wisdom from leaders who are making a difference!  https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/ #Aerospace #CEOWisdom #LeadershipDevelopment #FinTech #MoellerAerospace #AviationSafety #MoralFortitude #ExecutiveCoach #EntrepreneurialMindset #BelieveInYourself

Are you ready to take your podcasting game to the next level? 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Paul Colligan—a true pioneer in the podcasting space, author, and entrepreneur—who has been shaping the industry since 2004. Paul shares powerful lessons on how to thrive in today’s fast-changing digital world: ✅ Lesson #1: The Right Kind of Pressure Will Move You into Action Discover how setting attainable goals and creating positive pressure can keep you accountable and invested in your journey. ✅ Lesson #2: The Internet Will Always Kill the Middleman Learn why businesses that fail to adapt to new technology risk becoming obsolete, and how you can harness innovation to stay ahead. ✅ Lesson #3: How to Cut Through the Noise With so many podcasts out there, Paul reveals the four critical questions you must answer to make your show stand out with purpose and clarity. Whether you’re a business leader, content creator, or aspiring podcaster, this episode is packed with insights to help you take action, adapt, and succeed. 👉 Don’t just start a podcast—start one with impact. ✨ If you enjoy this conversation, make sure to subscribe for more interviews with top entrepreneurs and leaders. 👍 Like, share, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway! #Podcasting #Entrepreneurship #DigitalInnovation #PaulColligan #Leadership https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this inspiring episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla sits down with Moshe Popack, a third-generation real estate investor who turned one of the worst economic downturns into the foundation of a thriving real estate empire. From buying foreclosures at rock-bottom prices to building a portfolio of over 5,000 multi-family units and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, Moshe shares how resilience, strategy, and the courage to act when others hesitate can create life-changing success. You’ll hear: How Moshe turned job loss into a multi-million-dollar businessThe mindset needed to see opportunity when others see riskWhy patience and location are key to real estate successHow he’s making a lasting community impact through the YMP Family Foundation Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or someone looking for motivation, this episode is filled with valuable lessons you can apply today. 🔗 Connect with Moshe Popack: Website: https://moshepopack.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mpopack Podcast: Common Denominator (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #BreakFreePodcast #MoshePopack https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla sits down with Lavelle E. Bridges, Founder and CEO of London Bridge Group, to unpack five decades of wisdom from a career built on excellence, resilience, and strategic leadership. With over 50 years of experience in tax, business consulting, and entrepreneurship, Lavelle shares how he built and sustained a thriving financial firm, navigated the 2008 mortgage crash, and continues to mentor the next generation of leaders. This conversation is packed with actionable insights on: Staying relevant in a changing marketTurning crisis into opportunityBuilding a business that outlasts trendsLeading with purpose, discipline, and long-term vision🎧 Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, Lavelle’s story will motivate you to lead boldly and build with intention. #BreakFreePodcast #LeadershipJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessWisdom #LavelleBridges #FinancialStrategy #BusinessGrowth https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this impactful episode, David Mansilla sits down with Brent Brodeski, the visionary founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management—a nationally recognized, fee-only advisory firm that’s reshaping the financial industry with values-driven leadership and smart business strategy. Brent shares how he scaled Savant from a local practice to a powerhouse in wealth management by putting people before profits, aligning culture with growth, and focusing on what really matters: improving lives through financial clarity. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✅ Why values-based leadership is the ultimate competitive edge ✅ How to scale a business with systems and purpose ✅ The power of culture and team alignment ✅ Lessons learned from 30+ years in entrepreneurship ✅ Why legacy isn’t about wealth—it’s about impact 📌 Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or aspiring founder, this episode will leave you inspired to build something that lasts. 🔔 Subscribe for more transformational business stories every week. #BreakFreePodcast #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BrentBrodeski #SavantWealth #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDriven https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla welcomes Luis Scott — attorney, author, entrepreneur, and founder of 8 Figure Firm Consulting. Luis shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional athlete to leading a multi 8-figure law firm and ultimately launching a business that helps other law firms scale sustainably. Learn how Luis transitioned from law to leadership, why he believes impact multiplies through service, and what it takes to grow a firm with predictable, lasting success. Whether you're in law or any industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on leadership, mindset, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode if it inspired you! 🔗 Learn more about Luis Scott: https://luiscottjr.com #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #LuisScott #LawFirmGrowth #BreakFreePodcast #FaithInBusiness #BusinessConsulting #MindsetMatters https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

What happens when business meets purpose? In this powerful episode, Rick Russell—President & CEO of Hospice of Northwest Ohio—shares his transformational journey from oncology nurse to the helm of one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit hospice organizations. With over 35 years in healthcare and leadership, Rick opens up about what it means to lead with heart, build trust through servant leadership, and prioritize mission over margin. Discover how his team rebuilt after the pandemic, why nonprofit care matters more than ever, and how true impact is measured in lives touched—not profits gained. This isn’t just a conversation about healthcare. It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, culture-building, and leading through crisis with unwavering integrity. 🌟 Whether you're a founder, executive, healthcare professional, or aspiring leader—this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define success. #RickRussell #HospiceCare #ServantLeadership #Entrepreneurship #MissionDriven #LeadershipPodcast #BreakFreePodcast #PurposeDrivenBusiness https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In this episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla sits down with Brian D’Andrea, President and CEO of TechSource Inc., a visionary leader whose career spans the U.S. Navy, SAIC, and some of the most critical programs in government and defense. Brian shares his inspiring journey from Naval Flight Officer to CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm, revealing the leadership principles that fueled TechSource’s growth and cultural success. His message is clear: people are not just part of the business—they are the business. 💼 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How servant leadership transforms company culture ✅ Why people-focused leadership outlasts profit-first models ✅ How to build agile teams and scale sustainable operations ✅ The power of faith, humility, and vision in business ✅ Strategies for navigating government programs and high-stakes industries 🚀 Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring executive, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with purpose, prioritize people, and build lasting impact. 🛠️ “If you serve your people well, they will serve your mission well. That’s how you build something that lasts.” – Brian D’Andrea 📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real conversations with high-impact leaders. #BreakFreePodcast #BrianDAndrea #LeadershipMatters #ServantLeadership #BusinessGrowth #TechLeadership #PeopleDrivenSuccess #FaithInBusiness #StrategicLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

Success doesn’t always come from a straight path—it often finds us when we least expect it. In this inspiring episode, we dive into the journey of Michele Veillon, a social worker turned CEO, who proves that resilience, faith, and purpose-driven work can lead to incredible achievements. 📌 In This Video, You’ll Learn: ✔ How unexpected opportunities can shape your entrepreneurial journey ✔ Why leadership is about learning, not having all the answers ✔ The importance of purpose over profit in building a business ✔ How faith and resilience fuel success in uncertain times ✔ Key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact Michele’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be an expert to start—you just have to start! Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a professional considering a career shift, or simply someone with a passion for helping others, this episode is packed with valuable insights. https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In a world constantly buzzing with information and distractions, breaking away from the hustle to achieve meaningful success can often feel like an unattainable goal. In a captivating episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla sits down with Ryan Crownholm, an inspirational entrepreneur whose journey from the military to becoming a business visionary is nothing short of remarkable. Their conversation dives deep into personal transformation, overcoming obstacles, and achieving genuine business success. This blog post captures the essence of their discussion, offering invaluable insights that can help anyone break free from the hustle trap. Here’s more about Ryan Crownholm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancrownholm/ Accomplished entrepreneur offering the expertise required to create, grow and manage prosperous niche businesses. Exceptional track record developing business models that deliver immediate and sustainable returns from modest capital investments. Able to help business owners to identify promising business concepts, build high-performing teams and create winning plans for attracting customers and maintaining bottom-line profitability. Direct hands-on experience driving the interrelated disciplines of business conception, creation and management. https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/

In the latest episode of the Break Free Podcast, David Mansilla hosts Todd Vande Hei, the visionary leader behind Stark, a successful healthcare business focusing on preventive medicine. They delve into how Todd's unique background in carpet manufacturing and his unwavering dedication to optimal health have shaped Stark's innovative approach. Get ready to explore a profound conversation about how skills and leadership principles can create impactful cross-industry results. Here’s more about Todd Vande Hei: “I once believed I was destined for a life of sickness. In my early 30s, seizures, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation were my constant companions. At a time when I should have been enjoying the relative freedom and ease of youth, I had instead resigned myself to the limitations brought about by illness. In a word, I was stuck… and I stayed that way until I reached a key realization: Health isn't something you're born with—it's a skill you can master. I’m Todd Vande Hei, and for the past 15 years, I've been on a relentless journey to crack the practices behind peak health. Through countless experiments, setbacks, and breakthroughs, I've discovered that true health isn't about fad diets, miracle products, or trending tips... It's about mastering the foundations of lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. As the founder of Stark Health, I have made it my mission to share what I've learned with the people who would benefit from it most. Together with my team of 80+ medical experts–including doctors, nutritionists, and fitness coaches–I help high-achieving professionals revolutionize their health and empower them to perform at their peak in both life and business. Our methods are backed by over a decade of clinical experience and millions of data points. We’ve seen transformations that defy conventional wisdom–like the fact that at 56 years old, I’m healthier, happier, and more vibrant now than I was at 25. Whether you're battling chronic issues, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply want to thrive at every stage and age of life, I'm here to show you that peak health is not just possible—it's within your reach. Follow me here and check out my podcast–”Health is a Skill with Todd Vande Hei”, out every Thursday–for strategic, action-based insights into how to start challenging your own status quo.“ Company description: Stark is a fully-integrated team of specialists helping you look amazing, move more freely & think more clearly. We primarily serve CEO's and other business leaders, professionals & veteran pro athletes with training, nutrition, chiropractic care, A.R.T., IV therapy and hormone replacement therapy. https://www.davidmansilla.com/ https://www.breakfreepodcast.co/