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Private equity is the most secretive industry in finance, and Lee McCabe says that secrecy is now its biggest weakness. Kyle Matthews sits down with the founder of Claymore Partners, a former leader at eBay, Expedia, Facebook, and Alibaba, to talk about how PE firms ran for 20 years on Outlook, Excel, and cheap debt, why about 70% of private equity's value creation came from leverage, and what the firms that win next will do differently. They also cover why most businesses still aren't built on data, the three numbers every CEO must know, where AI is working today and why it still lacks judgment, the Rotten Strawberry Award and 007 work culture at Alibaba, and Lee's upcoming book, The Trick Is Not Minding That It Hurts. Follow Lee McCabe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemccabe/ Learn More About Claymore Partners: Website: https://claymorepartners.com Learn More About Not Very Private Equity: Website: https://notveryprivateequity.com Get Lee's Book: The Trick Is Not Minding That It Hurts (May 2027) Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Private Equity's Excel Problem 01:18 Meet Lee McCabe 02:37 What Claymore Partners Does 03:18 Why Businesses Skip the Data 05:41 Your Business on One Page 08:56 The Industries in the Sweet Spot 10:02 Who Actually Hires Claymore 12:19 Leaving Small-Town England 15:28 Joining eBay Before Anyone Knew It 17:44 Data Is the Math of Business 20:58 Expedia and the Job After Next 23:01 The Harvard MBA Problem 25:40 Joining Facebook in 2011 28:18 Done Is Better Than Perfect 29:44 Six Friends and You're Hooked 32:42 The Best and Worst First Job 33:26 Going to Alibaba 34:16 The Rotten Strawberry Award 37:00 Lazy Foreigners and 007 38:54 What Great Leaders Share 41:26 How He Found Private Equity 45:41 PE Ran on Outlook and Excel 48:14 Private Equity's Secrecy Problem 51:07 VC Creates, PE Reduces 54:11 Inside a Claymore Engagement 55:18 I Just Happen to Sell Roofs 59:26 AI Is Not a Magic Wand 01:01:54 What AI Still Can't Do 01:02:53 The Trick Is Not Minding That It Hurts 01:05:15 Work and Life Are the Same Thing 01:06:45 Three Numbers Every CEO Must Know 01:09:48 The AI CRM He Swears By 01:11:28 Advice for Future Founders 01:13:02 Not Very Private Equity 01:15:29 Closing Thoughts

Kyle Matthews interviews performance coach and author Alan Stein Jr., who spent over 15 years in elite basketball and now helps businesses improve performance, culture, and execution. Stein explains his book Next Play and the core idea of letting go of what happened to focus on what is, responding thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally. Drawing lessons from Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, he emphasizes mastering fundamentals during "unseen hours," setting high standards, and using consistency as a controllable superpower. They discuss how entitlement, poor decisions, and the wrong inner circle derail talented athletes, and how in business elite basics include active listening, preparation, process focus, and clear definitions of "winning." Stein also outlines leader-driven accountability that becomes team-led, avoiding blame/complaints/excuses, detaching self-worth from outcomes, and protecting daily energy through strong morning and evening routines. Follow Alan Stein Jr.: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alansteinjr X: https://x.com/alansteinjr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alansteinjr Learn More About Alan Stein Jr.: Website: https://alansteinjr.com Get Alan's Book: Next Play Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Blame, Complain, Excuses 00:58 Meet Alan Stein Jr. 02:09 The Next Play Mindset 03:47 From Sports to Life 05:08 Becoming a Performance Coach 06:42 Breaking into Elite Rooms 08:10 Coaching People, Not Basketball 09:33 Kobe and the Basics 13:01 Why We Leave the Basics 15:42 Early Career Humility 17:31 Persistence vs Stubbornness 20:13 How to Earn Opportunities 22:09 What Sets Kevin Durant Apart 25:03 Talent Wasted by the Wrong Circle 28:08 Listening as a Fundamental 28:51 One Shot, a Thousand Times 34:53 Steph Curry's Standards 36:50 The Math Behind the Process 39:58 When Talent Fails 40:42 Entitlement Kills Growth 42:26 Train Before You Have To 43:22 From the Gym to Keynotes 46:07 Accountability as Love 51:50 Sports Rules vs Office Rules 54:05 If You're Early 56:42 The Unseen Hours 01:01:19 Sustaining Elite Performance 01:04:05 Next Play After a Mistake 01:07:13 Self-Led Accountability 01:09:25 Getting Unstuck 01:12:40 Leading by Serving 01:14:37 Rapid Fire 01:17:52 Closing Thoughts

Alex Smereczniak explains why raising capital is only worth it when speed is critical, trading equity for faster, higher-quality execution, and the value of investor introductions, governance, and choosing the right partners. He shares how he bought WakeWash in college using seller financing, sold it for about 10x, and how that experience led him to leave Ernst & Young to co-found 2ULaundry and LaundroLab, scaling into a venture-backed national franchise platform while grinding long hours and living scrappily. Alex discusses COVID-era board-driven decisions, raising tens of millions including secondary liquidity, and stepping back after burnout amid family and personal crises. He then details launching Franzy, an AI-powered marketplace and resource hub to make franchise ownership more transparent, address broker incentives and lack of regulation, and help people find the right franchise fit. Follow Alex Smereczniak: X: https://x.com/AlexfromFranzy Learn More About Franzy: Website: https://franzy.com Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Speed, Quality, Cost 01:39 Meet Alex Smereczniak 02:56 Buying a Business in College 03:07 Seller Financing the Deal 04:54 Lessons from Early Ownership 06:16 Choosing the Right Partners 08:24 What Franzy Does 10:10 Buying vs Starting a Business 11:48 Why Parents Push the Safe Job 14:35 Quitting EY for Laundry 15:57 Selling WakeWash 17:41 EY Reality Check 18:48 Starting 2ULaundry 21:05 No Work-Life Balance 24:31 Scaling and Hiring 26:37 Lessons from Techstars 26:52 Why Raise Capital 29:06 Equity vs Freedom 30:26 Investor Fit and Intros 32:35 The Value of Board Governance 33:32 Planning Through the COVID Shock 35:43 The Layoff Calls 37:04 Secondary Liquidity and Burnout 39:28 A Crisis at Home 43:52 The Sabbatical 49:35 The Franzy Idea 50:33 The Trouble with Franchise Brokers 53:44 What Franzy Lists 55:14 The Good, Bad and Ugly 57:30 Why Franchisee Fit Matters 58:49 From Validation to Scale 01:00:32 Respecting Franchise Owners 01:02:21 Red Flags in Due Diligence 01:03:31 The Quiznos Cautionary Tale 01:05:44 Nature vs Nurture 01:08:37 Loving the Work 01:14:32 Hard Lessons on Hiring 01:15:28 Execution Beats Ideas 01:18:32 Taking the Leap 01:21:18 Defining Success at Franzy 01:25:00 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Michael Brennan, Chairman and Managing Principal of Brennan Investment Group, co-founder and former CEO of First Industrial Realty Trust, and one of the most accomplished operators in industrial real estate. Mike's argument is that industrial is the rare property type technology has helped rather than hurt. E-commerce built the warehouses. Data centers absorb land. And robotics and automation are pulling manufacturing back onshore, because once low-cost labor stops being decisive there is less reason to be in Mexico or China. As he puts it, the best news for industrial may still be ahead. He has earned the right to a view. Mike bought his first building at 22, in October of 1979 — a six-flat and warehouse on the South Side of Chicago for $53,000, with effectively nothing down. He collected rents weekly and was his own janitor. Fifteen years later he helped take First Industrial Realty Trust public and delivered 40 consecutive quarters as its CEO. After leaving in 2008 over a disagreement with the board he started again, and Brennan Investment Group is now the second largest privately held industrial real estate company in the country. The conversation also covers how Brennan picks markets, why he watches tenants instead of forecasts, where he sees rates going, and how his company ended up as the single stock inside Warren Buffett's wallet. Topics covered in this episode: - Why industrial benefited from technology while office and retail suffered - Data centers, e-commerce, and the reshoring of American manufacturing - Buying his first building at 22 with effectively no money down - The Chicago fireman father who pointed him toward real estate - Taking First Industrial Realty Trust public in 1994 - Delivering 40 straight quarters and the pressure that comes with it - Why he stepped down from First Industrial in 2008 - Launching Brennan Investment Group at the bottom of the market - The five industrial facility types and how Brennan picks markets - Why he watches tenants rather than forecasts to choose locations - The single trait shared by every great professional he has worked with - Where he sees interest rates going and what would move them - The stock in Warren Buffett's wallet, and the phone call that followed - Sacrifice, work ethic, and what he would tell his 22-year-old self Mike also explains why he considers the company his only in trust, and why the point of building something is to hand it to the people who helped build it. Whether you're a commercial real estate professional, investor, entrepreneur, broker, or someone building a business over the long term, this conversation offers lessons from more than four decades in industrial real estate, investing, and leadership. Follow Michael Brennan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbrennan Learn More About Brennan Investment Group: Website: https://www.brennanllc.com Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation 01:19 Meet Michael Brennan 02:31 What Is Brennan Investment Group 04:01 Five Facility Types Explained 05:11 Key Markets and Strategy 07:04 First Building at 22 10:03 Finding and Financing the First Deal 13:51 Early Career Work Ethic 17:45 Meeting His Future Wife 20:27 Jesuit Education and Character 25:18 Scaling to First Industrial 26:34 The RTC Days 30:00 Going Public in 1994 36:02 Public vs Private Life 38:26 Stepping Down as CEO 41:04 Starting Brennan Investment Group 44:21 Market Selection Strategy 45:37 Learning From Tenants 47:03 Scaling Brennan Investment Group 49:20 Building the Team 50:21 The Trait That Matters Most 52:14 LP Appetite and Product Types 54:05 Strategic Plan and Operations 58:54 Real Estate Cycles 01:04:30 Interest Rates and Technology 01:07:09 Sacrifice and Work Ethic 01:12:50 Building Brennan's Legacy 01:14:27 His Daughter's Husband Joins 01:16:21 Parental Influence and Motivation 01:19:52 Character and Painful Moments 01:20:48 Teaching Work Ethic 01:22:07 Advice to His Younger Self 01:24:16 Reading Recommendations 01:26:01 The Stock in Warren Buffett's Wallet 01:31:39 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Jennifer Fisher, founder and Chief Brand Officer of Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, founder of Maedyn, and author of Trust Your Gut. The New York Times called her the Queen of Hoops. Jennifer spent ten years as a wardrobe stylist, starting out on commercials, before making a single piece for herself — a gold tag with her son's name on it, created after years of fertility setbacks because nothing on the market felt like her. She wore it on set, made one for Uma Thurman, and Uma chose to wear it on the cover of Glamour without telling her first. She has lived with a desmoid tumor, a soft tissue sarcoma, since she was 30, at a point when nobody was certain how to treat it. Twelve rounds of chemotherapy shrank it. Turning 50 and living with Hashimoto's, she later read her way into an anti-inflammatory approach to food that became her signature salts, her cookbook, and Maedyn, the lifestyle and media platform she now runs alongside the jewelry business. The conversation also explores bootstrapping for almost 20 years before taking on Centric Brands, a roughly $3 billion licensing company, as a manufacturing partner; the surge in demand COVID produced; how she gets her jewelry onto the people who wear it; and what gold prices and tariffs are doing to the business right now. Topics covered in this episode: - The New York Times naming her the Queen of Hoops - Ten years styling commercials before she made any jewelry - Making the first gold tag for her son after years of fertility setbacks - Uma Thurman wearing her piece on the cover of Glamour - Living with a desmoid tumor since the age of 30 - Twelve rounds of chemotherapy while building the business - Why she wants people in the office rather than remote - Bootstrapping for almost 20 years before any outside partner - Why COVID created a surge in demand for the brand - Partnering with Centric Brands to scale manufacturing and wholesale - How she approaches getting jewelry onto celebrities - Hashimoto's, inflammation, and rethinking how she eats - Where the name Maedyn came from, and what it is now - What rising gold prices and tariffs mean for a jewelry business - Her husband coming in to run the company - How her family, and the tumor, still shape what drives her Jennifer also explains why the biggest decisions in her career came from listening to herself rather than the people telling her to go another way, and why she kept going through the stretches when nothing went to plan. Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, creative, or someone interested in fashion, branding, health, or building a consumer business, this conversation offers a close look at the decisions behind Jennifer Fisher Jewelry and the woman who built it. Follow Jennifer Fisher: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferfisherjewelry Learn More About Jennifer Fisher Jewelry: Website: https://jenniferfisherjewelry.com Learn More About Maedyn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maedyn Get Jennifer's Book: Trust Your Gut Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Rihanna Walks In 01:01 Meet Jennifer Fisher 02:35 A Day in the Life 03:57 Remote Work vs the Office 11:24 Work Ethic From Family 14:10 Money Loss and Anxiety as Fuel 18:13 Living With a Desmoid Tumor 21:46 The Jewelry Origin Story 24:24 Queen of Hoops 25:59 The Anti-Inflammatory Shift 28:10 Styling Career and Hustle 30:53 Founder Mom Tradeoffs 35:32 Raising Hardworking Kids 38:35 Always-On Sacrifices 40:36 Bootstrapping, Then Partners 42:19 The COVID Demand Surge 44:58 Scaling With Systems 48:15 The Celebrity Seeding Strategy 51:04 Trusting Her Gut 53:45 New Lines and Menswear 54:13 The Maedyn Origin Story 58:03 Adversity and Mindset 01:01:00 Advice for Starting Out 01:02:09 Being a Female Founder 01:04:45 Mentorship and Giving Back 01:08:50 Defining Success 01:10:07 The Nicest Thing Anyone Did 01:11:00 Praise From Anna Wintour 01:12:40 Fashion Favorites 01:13:56 Her Husband as CEO 01:16:11 The Rihanna Amex Story 01:18:13 Gold Prices and Tariffs 01:21:09 Trends and Lab Diamonds 01:23:32 The Long-Term Vision 01:27:16 Family, Motivation, Perspective 01:30:50 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Andre Martin, organizational psychologist and Chief Experience Officer at LEAD3R, to break down why even talented executive teams struggle to align and what separates teams that consistently perform at a high level. Andre explains the idea of "collective confidence," the shared belief that a team can succeed together, and why that confidence often needs to exist before the results show up. Drawing from his experience coaching CEOs and executive teams and working at companies including Google, Nike, Target, Mars, and Disney, Andre shares what he has learned about trust, leadership, culture, hiring, and team performance. The conversation explores why executive teams lose alignment, how self-interest can undermine trust, and why leaders need precise, shared language around strategy and priorities. Andre also explains how companies can avoid the "telephone game," where a clear strategy at the executive level becomes increasingly distorted as it moves through an organization. Topics covered in this episode: - Why executive teams struggle with alignment - What "collective confidence" means and why it matters - How Andre coaches CEOs and executive teams - Lessons from working at Google, Nike, Target, Mars, and Disney - Why trust is the foundation of high-performing teams - How self-interest can weaken executive team performance - Why leaders need precise, shared language around priorities - How the "telephone game" distorts strategy inside organizations - Andre's "Wrong Fit, Right Fit" framework - How to tell the difference between a hard season and the wrong job - Why companies should hire for how people work, not just what they have accomplished - Common hiring mistakes and better questions to ask candidates - Why belief can come before a team's winning streak - How leaders can intentionally build collective confidence - Using low-stakes wins to create momentum - "Borrowed brilliance" and learning from the strengths of others - Identifying and using each person's "zone of genius" - Why teams should train and develop together - Common blind spots for CEOs and executive teams - Why leaders may need to "re-recruit" their teams as strategies change - The importance of modeling culture through everyday behavior - Why leaders should recognize the process, not just the outcome - How to escape a victim mindset and take ownership Andre also shares why great teams are not built simply by putting talented individuals in the same room. Alignment, trust, belief, and clarity have to be developed intentionally, especially when an organization is changing direction or navigating a difficult period. Whether you're a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, manager, or someone trying to build a stronger team, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, organizational culture, hiring, trust, and creating teams that believe they can win together. Learn More About Dr. Andre Martin: Website: https://www.wrongfitrightfit.com Books: Collective Confidence Wrong Fit, Right Fit Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and newly named Deputy Governor, to break down why Tennessee has become one of the country's most competitive destinations for businesses, jobs, and investment. Stuart gives an inside look at how Tennessee recruits companies, supports existing businesses, and competes with other states for major economic development projects. From taxes and regulation to workforce development, infrastructure, logistics, and quality of life, he explains what companies are actually looking for when deciding where to invest billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs. The conversation also explores the growing push to bring manufacturing and critical supply chains back to the United States, why economic development has become increasingly tied to national security, and how Tennessee is positioning itself for the next generation of American growth. Topics covered in this episode: - Why companies are relocating and expanding in Tennessee - What Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development actually does - How states compete to land major economic development projects - Why Tennessee's tax and regulatory environment attracts businesses - The importance of workforce development and access to talent - How site selection consultants influence corporate relocations - The role incentives play in attracting new companies - Why existing business expansions matter just as much as relocations - Starbucks' plans to create approximately 2,000 jobs in Nashville - LG Chem's $3.5 billion investment in Clarksville - Orano's $4 billion nuclear fuel project in Oak Ridge - Korea Zinc's $6.5 billion investment and the importance of critical supply chains - Why bringing manufacturing back to America is becoming a national security issue - Infrastructure, power, water, roads, and TVA's role in economic development - The opportunities and misconceptions surrounding data centers - How Tennessee coordinates across government agencies to move projects forward - What happens when Tennessee loses a major business deal - Stuart's transition from venture capital and business into public service - The values behind Tennessee's continued population and economic growth - Why Stuart believes one word defines what people are searching for when they move to Tennessee: hope Stuart also shares the realities behind the headlines of billion-dollar economic development announcements, including the years of planning, infrastructure investment, negotiations, and collaboration required to turn a potential project into real jobs and economic growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, investor, real estate professional, or simply interested in why companies and people continue moving to Tennessee, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategy behind one of America's fastest-growing business environments. Learn More About Tennessee Economic & Community Development: Website: https://tnecd.com Follow Stuart McWhorter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mcwhorter Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Daryl Gioffre, board-certified chiropractor, gut health and longevity specialist, and bestselling author of Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar. Dr. Gioffre shares how his career evolved from chiropractic care into a deeper focus on gut health, inflammation, nutrition, and longevity. After his father's battle with esophageal cancer and his own health struggles involving root canal infections and mold exposure, Daryl began searching for the underlying causes of chronic health problems rather than simply treating symptoms. The conversation dives into the gut microbiome, acid reflux, sugar addiction, chronic stress, mold toxicity, inflammation, and the everyday habits that Dr. Gioffre believes can have a major impact on long-term health. Topics covered in this episode: - Why Dr. Gioffre believes gut health is foundational to overall health - His father's esophageal cancer diagnosis and how it changed his career - The common misconceptions surrounding acid reflux and stomach acid - Why chronic stress can have such a significant impact on digestion - The "acidic lifestyle" and how anxiety, chemicals, inflammation, and digestive stress affect the body - Dr. Gioffre's "WMD" framework for foods he believes can negatively affect gut health - Breaking the cycle of sugar addiction - How to identify hidden sugars and problematic ingredients on food labels - Dr. Gioffre's personal experience with mold toxicity - Root canal infections and the health issues he experienced - Symptoms that may be connected to poor gut health beyond digestive problems - Why he believes in "test, don't guess" when addressing gut issues - Probiotics, yogurt, kombucha, and supporting the microbiome - Hydration, minerals, and choosing the right water - Why timing your meals can matter, including avoiding food before bed - Detoxification and building healthier daily habits - The "less is more" approach to improving your health - The story behind Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar - Purpose, motivation, and creating lasting lifestyle changes Dr. Gioffre also explains why he believes quick fixes rarely address the root cause of chronic health problems and shares practical strategies people can use to become more intentional about nutrition, hydration, stress, sleep, and gut health. Whether you're interested in gut health, longevity, nutrition, acid reflux, reducing sugar, or simply improving your everyday habits, this conversation offers a deeper look at Dr. Gioffre's approach to understanding what is happening inside the body and making sustainable changes. Follow Dr. Daryl Gioffre: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdarylgioffre Get Off Your Acid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getoffyouracid Learn More About Dr. Daryl Gioffre: Get Off Your Acid: https://www.getoffyouracid.com Dr. Daryl: https://www.drdaryl.com Use code MATTHEWS15 for 15% off all Get Off Your Acid products at: https://www.getoffyouracid.com Get 15% off gut testing kits at: https://www.drdaryl.com/labs Use code: MATTHEWS15 Get Dr. Gioffre's Books: Get Off Your Acid Get Off Your Sugar Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

n this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Payam Zamani, founder and CEO of One Planet Group, CEO of Buyerlink, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Crossing the Desert. Payam shares his incredible journey from fleeing religious persecution in Iran as a teenager to arriving in the United States as a refugee with just $75 in his pocket. Less than 11 years later, he and his brother had built an early online automotive marketplace and taken the company public at a $1.2 billion valuation. But Payam's story goes far beyond financial success. After navigating the dot-com crash, divorce, family illness, and the loss of much of his wealth, he began rethinking the relationship between business, purpose, faith, and fulfillment. Those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy of "spiritual capitalism," the belief that companies can pursue profitability while creating meaningful value for employees, customers, communities, and society. Topics covered in this episode: - Payam Zamani's escape from religious persecution in Iran - Being smuggled out of the country at 16 years old - Arriving in America as a refugee with $75 - Starting over and building his first technology company - Taking an early online automotive marketplace public at a $1.2 billion valuation - The dot-com crash and losing much of his wealth - Why money alone failed to create fulfillment - The philosophy behind spiritual capitalism - Building One Planet Group without outside capital - How Buyerlink connects consumers with automotive dealers and service providers - Turning around Inspirato by cutting roughly $45 million in expenses and reaching profitability - Leadership, humility, and putting people ahead of short-term profits - Work-life balance and the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship - Gratitude for America and the opportunities it gave his family - Concerns about social media, young people, and the loss of spiritual grounding - Writing his memoir, Crossing the Desert Payam also shares why he believes business can be a powerful force for good, why leaders should think beyond maximizing shareholder value, and how some of the most difficult periods of his life ultimately reshaped his definition of success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, executive, or someone navigating adversity in your own life, this conversation offers powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, faith, gratitude, and building businesses with purpose. Follow Payam Zamani: LinkedIn: Payam Zamani Learn More About One Planet Group: Website: https://oneplanetgroup.com Learn More About BuyerLink: Website: https://buyerlink.com Read Payam's Book: Crossing the Desert https://crossingthedesertbook.com Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 America as Hope 00:39 Meet Payam Zamani 02:32 Life and One Planet 04:02 Buyerlink Explained 06:30 Growing Up in Iran 08:38 Persecution and Survival 14:57 Decision to Escape 16:26 Smuggled Through the Desert 19:56 U.S. Embassy Breakthrough 22:42 Landing in America 27:56 Starting Over in California 30:03 First Tech Venture 32:23 Dot-Com IPO Reality Check 36:25 Crash, Divorce, and Faith 38:57 Work-Life Balance 42:17 Spiritual Capitalism Begins 43:13 Greed Versus Community 43:47 Spiritual Capitalism 45:09 One Planet Breakthrough 47:04 Unicorn Doubts 48:43 Writing Crossing the Desert 52:24 Memoir Truths Revealed 57:49 Inspirato Turnaround Playbook 01:04:20 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:07:26 Youth, Screens, and Faith 01:13:35 Closing and Daughter's Music

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Alberto Crane, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, UFC veteran, entrepreneur, and author of All In. Before fighting in the UFC, Alberto made a decision that most people would never consider—he went more than $20,000 into debt to chase his dream. With no sponsorships, little money, and no guarantee of success, he moved to Brazil, immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and dedicated his life to becoming one of the best martial artists in the world. After years of setbacks, tournament losses, and relentless training, Alberto became a world champion, fought in the UFC, built multiple successful academies, and inspired thousands through his resilience. Later, an unexpected MRI led to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), forcing him to face an entirely new battle outside the cage. This conversation explores courage, discipline, entrepreneurship, mindset, and what it truly means to go all in on your dreams. Topics covered in this episode: Why Alberto went $20,000 into debt to chase the UFCMoving to Brazil with no money to train Brazilian Jiu-JitsuLosing tournaments before becoming a world championBuilding a career in MMA and earning a UFC contractThe pressure and reality of fighting inside the OctagonWinning, losing, and dealing with performance anxietyKnowing when it was time to retireBeing diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Why he chose movement, nutrition, and lifestyle over medicationThe philosophy behind TacFitWhy courage isn't the absence of fearLessons from writing his memoir All InBuilding resilience through adversity Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, martial artist, or someone facing a difficult challenge, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, sacrifice, discipline, and pursuing a life without regrets. Follow Alberto Crane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertocrane Website: https://www.albertocrane.com Learn More About TacFit: https://www.tacfit.com Get Alberto's Book: All In https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN1TCB5B?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Katie Eshuys, President of That's It., the fast-growing clean-label snack company on a mission to help people eat more fruit through simple, minimally processed foods. Katie shares how That's It. has built a nationally recognized brand around products with just two ingredients, expanded into schools and major retailers across the country, and continues to innovate with new products designed to improve nutrition without sacrificing simplicity or taste. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, nutrition, women in business, endurance sports, resilience, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven consumer brand in today's competitive food industry. Topics covered in this episode: How That's It. is changing the healthy snack industryWhy eating more fruit is one of the simplest ways to improve your healthThe philosophy behind clean-label food and minimal ingredientsNew products including Crunchables and FruttolaGrowing a national consumer packaged goods (CPG) brandExpanding into schools and food serviceKatie's journey from Australia to leading an American food companyThe leadership lessons that helped her become PresidentWhy advocating for yourself is critical for career growthThe differences between corporate leadership and startup cultureFiber, nutrition, and building healthier habitsTraining for endurance races and the mindset of resilienceRecovering from setbacks and maintaining a growth mindsetAdvice for women pursuing leadership roles Follow Katie Eshuys: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieeshuys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshuys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Learn More About That's It.: Website: https://thatsitfruit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsit Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and one of the pioneers of the modern gig economy. What began as a simple idea after running out of dog food during a snowy Boston night grew into a global marketplace that changed how millions of people outsource everyday tasks before being acquired by IKEA. Leah shares the incredible story of leaving IBM in 2008 to build TaskRabbit from scratch, bootstrapping the business, raising venture capital, scaling through the highs and lows of startup life, and ultimately selling the company to IKEA after discovering that furniture assembly dramatically increased customer purchases. The conversation also explores artificial intelligence, venture capital, founder resilience, women in technology, work-life balance, and why AI is creating one of the biggest entrepreneurial opportunities in decades. Topics covered in this episode: The story behind founding TaskRabbitHow a snowy night and a bag of dog food inspired a billion-dollar ideaLeaving IBM to become an entrepreneurBootstrapping before raising venture capitalThe realities of startup fundraisingThe physical and mental toll of building a high-growth companySelling TaskRabbit to IKEAWhy AI is transforming marketplaces and entrepreneurshipHow venture capital is changing in the AI eraWhat investors look for in successful foundersWomen in technology and leadershipBalancing entrepreneurship, investing, motherhood, and personal fulfillmentBuilding Precedent VC and investing in the next generation of AI startups Leah also shares lessons from nearly two decades in technology, discussing founder burnout, resilience, innovation, and why the next generation of entrepreneurs will have unprecedented opportunities because of artificial intelligence. Whether you're building a startup, interested in venture capital, exploring AI, or simply curious how one idea can transform an industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiring entrepreneurial lessons. Follow Leah Solivan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahsolivan X: https://x.com/leahsolivan Learn More About Precedent VC: Website: https://precedent.vc Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Will Harris, fourth-generation cattleman, regenerative agriculture pioneer, and owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia. What was once a conventional industrial cattle operation has become one of the most recognized regenerative farms in the world, raising 10 species of livestock across more than 3,200 acres. Will shares why he walked away from industrial farming in the mid-1990s, the animal welfare moment that changed his perspective forever, and how rebuilding his farm around nature's systems transformed the land, the business, and his community. Today, White Oak Pastures processes its own animals, ships premium meat directly to consumers nationwide, and has become a global model for regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores regenerative farming, soil health, carbon sequestration, food labeling, animal welfare, rural economic development, and why consumers have more power over the food system than they realize. Topics covered in this episode: Why Will Harris abandoned industrial cattle farmingWhat regenerative agriculture actually meansThe truth about industrial beef productionHow regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversityCarbon sequestration and the environmental impact of regenerative beefThe role of pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, and monoculture farmingWhy White Oak Pastures processes livestock on-siteThe economics of regenerative agricultureCountry-of-origin labeling and why it mattersHow consumers can reshape the food industryRevitalizing rural America through local agricultureWhite Oak Pastures' partnership with Silicon Ranch for solar grazingLessons from four generations of farmingWill's book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn Will also discusses the importance of transparency in food production, rebuilding local economies through agriculture, and why leaving the land healthier than you found it should be every farmer's goal. Whether you're interested in farming, sustainability, nutrition, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, or simply understanding where your food comes from, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of the most important conversations happening in agriculture today. Follow Will Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakpastures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakPastures Learn More About White Oak Pastures: Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com Read Will's Book: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn https://whiteoakpastures.com/pages/book Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with David Bakhtiari, two-time First-Team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest left tackles of his generation. Over 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, David protected Aaron Rodgers' blind side, helped lead the Packers to consistent playoff runs, and established himself as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen. David shares his incredible journey from being an overlooked high school recruit to earning a scholarship at the University of Colorado, declaring early for the NFL Draft, and eventually becoming a cornerstone of the Packers franchise. He opens up about draft day, earning Aaron Rodgers' trust, negotiating life-changing contracts, managing wealth, and the devastating ACL injury that ultimately changed the trajectory of his career. The conversation also explores player safety, artificial turf versus natural grass, mental resilience, identity after professional sports, and what it truly takes to compete at the highest level for more than a decade. Topics covered in this episode: David Bakhtiari's journey from Colorado to the Green Bay PackersProtecting Aaron Rodgers and life as an NFL left tackleWhat Aaron Rodgers told him before his first NFL startNFL Draft day, combine interviews, and falling to the fourth roundThe mentality required to become a First-Team All-ProOffensive line techniques, preparation, and consistencyNegotiating NFL contracts and building long-term wealthReal estate investing and financial disciplineBehind the scenes of the Packers' Pitch Perfect 2 cameoThe ACL injury that changed everythingMultiple knee surgeries, rehabilitation, and returning to footballWhy David has become an advocate for player safety and natural grass fieldsCoping with retirement and finding purpose after football David also reflects on the emotional side of professional sports, sharing what it was like to lose the game he loved, the challenges of rebuilding after injury, and the lessons he's carrying into the next chapter of his life. Whether you're an NFL fan, athlete, entrepreneur, or someone navigating setbacks in your own career, this conversation offers an honest look at resilience, discipline, leadership, and what it takes to perform at an elite level. Follow David Bakhtiari: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbakhtiari X: https://x.com/DavidBakhtiari Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Don't Get Me Killed 00:54 Meet David Bakhtiari 02:17 Life After Football 04:08 Staying Fit After the NFL 06:42 From High School to College Offers 08:42 Choosing Colorado 11:50 Earning the Starting Job 15:04 Welcome to College Football 17:23 Realizing the NFL Was Possible 18:56 Declaring for the NFL Draft 22:59 NFL Combine Stories 25:34 Draft Day Slide 27:55 The Green Bay Packers Call 30:45 The Beach Meeting 32:10 FIFA with Aaron Rodgers 32:56 Clay Matthews' Welcome 34:19 First NFL Start 37:26 "Don't Get Me Killed" 39:17 Why I Wore #69 41:44 The Elbow Brace 43:01 Pitch Perfect 2 Cameo 49:51 Becoming an All-Pro 52:15 The Mental Side of Offensive Line Play 55:50 Signing a Big Contract 01:00:33 Money Habits & Investing 01:02:27 Tearing My ACL 01:03:10 Turf vs. Grass Debate 01:04:20 Why Turf Feels Different 01:07:09 Stadiums, Money & Player Safety 01:09:47 The MRI 01:12:58 Cartilage Damage & Multiple Surgeries 01:16:30 The Two-Year Rehab 01:17:41 Finding Identity After Football 01:21:58 Missing the Game 01:24:59 Aaron Rodgers Stories 01:26:17 Rapid Fire NFL Questions 01:32:20 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Abbie Marono, behavioral scientist, author, and international expert on trust, influence, body language, and human behavior. Dr. Marono has trained the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and numerous federal agencies on behavioral analysis, interviewing, and nonverbal communication. In this conversation, she explains how to better understand people, build trust faster, communicate more effectively, and become a stronger leader by learning the science behind human behavior. Beyond the research, Abbie shares her incredible personal journey through addiction, homelessness, trauma, and rebuilding her life into one dedicated to helping others better understand themselves and the people around them. Topics covered in this episode: How to read body language without falling for common mythsWhy body language often reveals more than wordsThe science behind trust, influence, and first impressionsFight-or-flight responses and what they reveal about behaviorSelf-soothing behaviors, confidence, and anxiety cuesWhy context and cue clusters matter more than individual gesturesThe psychology of negotiation and influenceEmotional regulation and the hidden side of leadershipHow curiosity creates stronger conversations and better outcomesDr. Marono's journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a leading behavioral scientistHealing from trauma and rebuilding self-agencyTraining the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and federal agenciesWhy the best negotiators stop trying to "win" Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, salesperson, negotiator, or simply someone who wants to better understand people, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately in both business and everyday life. Follow Dr. Abbie Marono: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbiemarono LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiemarono Website: https://www.abbiemarono.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Listen to Understand 00:45 Meet Dr. Abbie Marono 02:47 Why Body Language Matters 04:33 Fight or Flight Signals 06:29 Confidence and Self-Soothing 08:39 Reading Proximity Cues 12:11 Smiles and Building Trust 14:52 Influence vs. Manipulation 16:03 Addiction, Homelessness & Recovery 22:15 The Turning Point 23:14 Rebuilding After Trauma 27:56 Back to School & Finding Mentors 32:48 Research, Joe Navarro & Behavioral Science 41:48 Reading Context, Not Just Cues 43:57 Trauma and Mental Contamination 48:52 Intuition vs. Trauma 49:26 A Relationship Turns Dark 50:48 Betrayal and Assault 51:36 Feeling Trapped 53:14 Family, Healing & Recovery 54:29 The Science of Emotional Shutdown 56:23 Healing Through Safe Relationships 59:03 The Hidden Half of Leadership 01:01:39 Joe Navarro's Influence 01:06:10 Training Federal Agents 01:08:54 Building Trust Under Stress 01:12:08 Executive Blind Spots 01:19:50 Why Personal Becomes Professional 01:21:31 Self-Reflection and Shame 01:23:41 Rapid Fire: Body Language 01:28:54 Negotiation: Drop the Goal 01:31:42 Closing Thoughts