Advertise on podcast: Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Matt Melvin is the author of Bullied Behind Bars and a speaker who shares hard-earned lessons about accountability, resilience, and the human cost of the justice system. Raised feeling like an outsider, Matthew struggled to find belonging from an early age. As a young adult working at a car dealership in Vermont, a single impulsive decision—made while feeling wronged and unheard—led to a criminal conviction and an 18-month prison sentence. What followed would profoundly change his life. While incarcerated in general population, Matthew faced extreme isolation, bullying, and violence. As a gay man with an adult autism diagnosis, he learned quickly how unforgiving and unsafe prison environments can be for those who don't fit in. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Matthew emerged determined to take responsibility for his actions while also speaking honestly about systemic failures, mental health, and human dignity behind bars. Today, Matthew uses his story to help others understand the real consequences of poor decisions, the importance of accountability, and the resilience required to rebuild after loss. His work focuses on lessons learned, personal growth, and the belief that even after the darkest chapters, change is possible.

Eddie Speed is a nationally recognized note-investing educator and the founder of NoteSchool, one of the leading training platforms for buying and selling mortgage notes. With decades of experience in the note business, Eddie has been involved in tens of thousands of note transactions, giving him rare, real-world insight into how the industry actually works. Rather than focusing on theory, his approach is rooted in practical execution, risk management, and understanding how to structure deals that work in real market conditions. After seeing how confusing and inaccessible note investing was for most people, Eddie created NoteSchool to simplify the process and educate investors at every level. Through structured courses, live training, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of students learn how to evaluate notes, avoid costly mistakes, and build sustainable investing strategies without owning physical properties. Today, Eddie continues to teach, mentor, and advocate for smarter financial education, emphasizing discipline, ethics, and long-term thinking. His work focuses on empowering everyday investors with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and build lasting wealth.

Dan Sullivan is the founder of MatchShot, a platform designed to simplify and modernize the way athletes connect with coaches and opportunities. With firsthand experience in the challenges of sports recruiting, Dan built Matchshot to remove friction from the process and create clearer pathways for athletes to be seen, evaluated, and matched with the right programs. His work focuses on transparency, efficiency, and giving athletes better control over their recruiting journey. Today, Dan continues to build Matchshot with a mission to level the playing field in recruiting by using technology to create smarter matches, save time for coaches, and open doors for athletes who might otherwise be overlooked.

With a lifetime of experience in the pet industry, Michael is a business executive who is passionate about creating and growing brands that make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners. As the CEO & Chairman of EarthWise Pet Franchise, he oversees the development of the corporate vision and the nationwide expansion efforts of all of their EarthWise Pet family of brands. Michael's core competencies include strategic brand management, cause-driven business strategy, franchise development, and franchise sales. He has successfully led the transformation of EarthWise Pet from a small regional chain to a national franchise system with over 200 locations and a robust pipeline of new stores. He has also established a strong reputation for EarthWise Pet as a socially responsible and environmentally conscious company that supports local communities and animal welfare causes. Michael's passion is platforming established franchise systems as well as franchise systems with high-growth goals, and empowering franchisees to achieve their dreams of owning and operating their own pet businesses.

Rick is an exceptional business coach with a remarkable track record of guiding companies and individuals to unparalleled success. With his extensive and eclectic business experience and coaching expertise, Rick empowers his clients to turn their visions into actionable strategies, propelling them towards their goals and milestones. As a serial entrepreneur, Rick has scaled businesses across various industries, creating a multimillion-dollar company that serves clients in 80 countries, including top hotel chains and Fortune 500 companies.   With over 40 years of experience in diverse sectors such as accounting, IT, talent, and Oil & Gas, Rick is a seasoned veteran in the business world. His formidable presence in Vietnam is evident through his involvement in numerous organisations and his status as one of the longest-serving expats in the country. Rick is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader, covering topics like talent, technology, digital transformation, and Vietnam inward investment. With his passion for coaching and an impressive array of certifications, Rick is a visionary leader who combines business acumen with coaching and mentoring skills to help others achieve extraordinary success.

Athena Brownson is redefining what it means to thrive in the real estate industry. A former professional skier who endured nine knee surgeries and two neck operations.   Athena's initial impression of real estate was far from positive, viewing REALTORS as dime-a-dozen salespeople. But a life-changing mentorship and her own unstoppable drive transformed her skepticism into passion.   Over the last decade, Athena has risen to become one of Colorado's most trusted and top-performing REALTORS, blending sharp market insight, unmatched negotiation skills, and a creative eye for design that unlocks the true potential of every property. What sets Athena apart isn't just her professional expertise; it's her remarkable story of resilience. After being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, Athena faced debilitating challenges that could have ended her career. Instead, she turned adversity into her superpower, rebuilding her business with even greater focus and purpose.

Pav Lertjitbanjong is the founder of Layoff Ready, a program that helps people prepare for job loss before it happens. She guides professionals in building financial security, confidence, and peace of mind so they can face change without fear.   After experiencing major shifts in her own career and life, Pav saw the importance of being prepared. She turned these lessons into a mission to help others turn layoffs into opportunities for growth.   Through Layoff Ready, Pav shares simple tools and clear steps to manage money, stay resilient, and plan for the future. Her goal is to help people feel secure, confident, and truly ready for what comes next.

John Dwyer started his career in the retail marketing world, working with major brands and becoming a National Marketing Manager in his twenties. He later launched his own agency, where he built a name for creating bold, direct-response campaigns that delivered serious results. He's now the founder of The Institute of Wow, best known for developing the Wow Strategy, a proven formula that helps businesses attract more customers using irresistible offers and clever incentives. His approach is all about cutting through the noise and getting real, measurable outcomes. Today, John helps business owners across industries grow fast with his plug-and-play marketing systems and "Wow Injection Packages," giving even small businesses access to big-impact strategies without huge budgets.

Jack Landry is a former Division I athlete and software engineer turned men's mindset and fitness coach. After working at companies like Fidelity and Amazon, he left the corporate world to pursue a more meaningful path—helping high-achieving men who feel unfulfilled create lives of purpose, discipline, and freedom. ⁣ Drawing from his own transformation through fitness, faith, and personal development, Jack now runs a thriving coaching business and creates inspiring content for his 70,000+ followers on Instagram. ⁣ His mission is to guide others in stepping into their God-given potential while building a strong foundation for their future—personally, spiritually, and professionally.

Amanda Olusanya is a conscious entrepreneur, speaker, and global traveler originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, now based in Vietnam. Her journey—from growing up with a single mother to selling everything at 40 and moving to Uganda—reflects a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and a deep desire for meaning. ⁣ With 15+ years of global travel under her belt, Amanda has built and exited multiple businesses, including a successful men's salon, and now empowers other entrepreneurs through coaching focused on clarity, leadership, and exit strategies. ⁣ Her life philosophy centers around living in 90-day cycles, embracing adaptability, and redefining success beyond material wealth. Amanda's work and lifestyle are grounded in values of personal growth, conscious living, and uplifting communities—especially across Africa. Through travel, entrepreneurship, and cultural immersion, she continues to inspire others to design purpose-driven lives rooted in simplicity, expansion, and impact.

Ricardo Viso is a resilience coach, speaker, and founder of the Joyful Living Lounge, a platform dedicated to helping people cultivate more joy in their daily lives. Born in Denver and raised in Mexico, Viso's life took a transformative turn after the loss of his mother at age 10, and again decades later with a cancer diagnosis. Instead of surrendering to fear, he chose to reframe his challenges into opportunities for meaning and growth. ⁣ A former executive in retail and e-commerce, Viso now focuses on emotional well-being, mindset, and intentional living. He developed the R.I.C. method—Recognize, Identify, Consciously create joy—and promotes a practical, flexible approach to wellness. ⁣ Viso also co-leads two wellness startups: Wildflow, a fitness platform for men over 45, and a restaurant industry wellness app aimed at supporting underserved workers. Through coaching, workshops, and storytelling, Ricardo empowers others to embrace joy, presence, and purpose—even in the face of adversity.

Dr. Julie Wilson is a family physician and visionary healthcare entrepreneur based in British Columbia. Originally focused on building a small, traditional clinic, she was propelled into large-scale innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⁣ Faced with soaring patient demand and systemic challenges, Julie transformed her practice by prioritizing workplace culture, doctor autonomy, and people-centered leadership. ⁣ She embraced modern tools like AI to improve efficiency, while fostering a respectful, flexible environment that attracted top medical talent. Today, she leads the largest integrated clinic network in B.C., with a mission to ensure every resident has access to a family doctor within the next decade.

Mitchell Osmond is a leadership coach, speaker, and host of The Dad Nation Podcast (34K monthly listeners), helping high-performing men win at home, in health, and in mindset—without sacrificing career success. ⁣ With over 15 years in senior leadership, he equips executives and entrepreneurs with the tools to lead powerfully in both business and family life. ⁣ Through coaching, speaking, and courses, Mitchell's mission is clear: to help men create unshakable confidence, thriving relationships, and a life worth imitating.

Jason Norris is the founder of YCAA, a boutique talent agency known for its hands-on, mentorship-driven approach to actor representation. Originally from Montreal and now based in Toronto, Jason began his career in advertising, crafting TV commercials for major brands. ⁣ Inspired by his daughter's brief foray into acting and disillusioned by the impersonal nature of traditional talent agencies, he made a bold pivot into talent representation. With a background in film production and a passion for storytelling, Jason launched YCAA in 2019 to provide actors with the guidance, preparation, and personal connection he felt the industry lacked. ⁣ Under his leadership, YCAA focuses on quality over quantity—educating and supporting a curated roster of clients in one of North America's most competitive acting markets. Looking ahead, Jason plans to expand YCAA's reach into Los Angeles while continuing to champion Canadian talent and homegrown stories.

Al Kushner is a LinkedIn strategist and AI enthusiast with a background in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Originally from Coney Island, Brooklyn, he studied at the High School of Art and Design and NYU before starting his career in telephone sales. ⁣ Al has been an early adopter of digital tools, leveraging LinkedIn since 2005 to build meaningful professional connections, especially within niche markets like CPAs, attorneys, and financial planners. He uses AI tools like ChatGPT daily to create targeted, value-driven content that helps others grow their LinkedIn presence authentically. ⁣ Through his company LinkVantage, Al offers training, profile optimization, and speaking engagements, and is the author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage, guiding professionals on integrating AI strategically and ethically for lasting growth. Now based in Florida, he remains deeply connected to his New York roots and continues to advocate for genuine, high-quality networking in the digital age.