Advertise on podcast: Take The Power Back

Take The Power Back - Episode #31 Every successful person reaches a point where they have to stop making excuses, confront the truth about where they are, and make a decision to grow. Those defining moments are the ones that force you to take ownership of your life, business, and future are what Ian Prukner calls "Come To Jesus Moments." In this episode of the Take the Power Back Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, coach, and leadership expert Ian Prukner to discuss why personal development is the foundation of business success, why most people stay stuck despite having access to endless information, and how honest self-reflection can completely change the trajectory of your life. Ian Prukner: https://www.instagram.com/ianprukner/?hl=en Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Most entrepreneurs think the key to scaling is getting more clients. In reality, the businesses that grow the fastest are the ones that build great people, create repeatable systems, and develop leaders who can operate without the owner being involved in every decision. Take The Power Back - Episode #30 In this episode of Take the Power Back, I sit down with entrepreneur and agency owner Stacy Murphy to discuss how she built one of the largest independent insurance organizations in the country after leaving corporate America. Stacy Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-murphy-31987724/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #29 In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with Marshall Ellison to break down how he doubled his income three years in a row after graduating college and fast-tracked his way into executive leadership by the age of 25. Marshall shares the mindset, habits, and career decisions that helped him accelerate his growth faster than his peers. From turning down a traditional salaried job, betting on himself in a commission-based career, relocating multiple times for opportunity, and consistently outworking the competition, Marshall explains the exact strategies that fueled his rapid rise. We discuss the importance of finding a career with unlimited upside, why most young professionals underestimate the power of hard work, how leadership opportunities create exponential growth, and the lessons Marshall learned from sports that translated directly into business success. You'll also learn why persistence matters more than talent, how to position yourself for promotions, and what separates top performers from everyone else. Marshall Ellison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-ellison48/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #28 How To Rise To The Top Of Any Company? We'll It's actually easier than you think. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with Sami Dongle, one of the top performers in our company, to break down exactly how he went from a recent college graduate to a Regional Vice President in just a few short years. Sam Dhungel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyam-dhungel/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #27 Most people go through school believing that if they get good grades, follow the rules, and stay on the “safe” path, success will eventually come. But what if the education system was never designed to create entrepreneurs, leaders, or independent thinkers in the first place? In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with talent development expert and educator Colby Jubenville to break down one of the biggest problems facing young people today: the system may secretly be training people to think average. Colby Jubenville: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjubenville/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #26 In this episode of the Take The Power Back Podcast, I sit down with Todd Buchanan, President of Wealth at AmeriLife, to break down the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic that transformed his life from growing up with nothing to leading at the highest levels of financial services. Todd Buchanan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-buchanan/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #25 Most people stay average because they avoid discomfort. In this episode of Take the Power Back, I sit down with Mike Karsa to unpack the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic required to create extraordinary success. From sleeping only a few hours a night and grinding through rejection, to building over $4 billion in assets under management, Mike shares the real story behind what it takes to win in business and life. We dive deep into confidence, adversity, sales, entrepreneurship, mental toughness, and why becoming comfortable being uncomfortable is the true key to growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck, average, or uncertain about your future, this conversation will challenge the way you think. Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, business, self-improvement, and taking your power back. Mike Karsa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkarsa/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #24 In this Episode I sit down with Bernard Porter, investor, Entrepreneur, and CEO. He gives his inspiring story going from a school dropout to becoming the CEO of 5 successful companies.   In this interview, we dive into entrepreneurship, business growth, mindset, failure, success habits, and what it really takes to build multiple companies from the ground up. From leaving school early to leading thriving businesses, this conversation is packed with motivation, real-world business advice, and entrepreneurial insights. If you're interested in startups, self-made millionaires, business strategy, leadership, personal development, or inspiring success stories, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: How he became CEO of 5 companies Why he dropped out of school Entrepreneur mindset & discipline Building businesses from scratch Lessons on leadership and success Motivation for entrepreneurs & creators Bernard Porter: https://www.instagram.com/bernardporter/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #23 In this episode of the Take the Power Back, I sit down with a Food Network Champion and Chopped winner Jordan Arcuri to break down exactly what it takes to win at the highest level and how winning changed her entire career. Chef Jordan shares the real story behind winning Chopped, what happened after the cameras stopped rolling, and how she became a Food Network Champion again and again. From mastering high-pressure cooking competitions to building a reputation as the “Beef Queen,” she dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and strategy required to succeed in the culinary world. If you’ve ever wondered how top chefs actually win, what separates champions from everyone else, or how to turn one opportunity into long-term success — this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: How she REALLY won on Food Network competitions What winning Chopped did for her career The habits and mindset of a repeat champion Behind-the-scenes insights from competitive cooking shows How to build authority and stand out in a competitive industry Whether you're an aspiring chef, entrepreneur, or just love Food Network, cooking competitions, and success stories, this episode will give you powerful insights you can apply to your own journey. Jordan Arcuri: https://www.instagram.com/broilerqueen/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Leadership Starts At The Top 0:48 - Jordan Arcuri 3:20 - "The Broil Highness" 3:54 - Who is the "Beef Queen" 5:00 - Leading a Kitchen 8:00 - How to Become an Executive Chef 12:13 - Designing a Menu 14:20 - Angry Chefs 15:53 - Take the Power Back 16:50 - Responsibilities of a Chef 23:12 - Growing Up Around Cooking 29:00 - Getting a Michelin Star 30:57 - Challenges in the Restaurant Industry 32:45 - How to be Successful in Food 36:00 - Like and Subscribe! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #22   Most people wait until their idea is perfect, which is why their idea never gets made.   Today I called Kyle Scheele, and we broke down how one of his “bad” videos posted to just 17 followers turned into 68+ million views, and completely changed his life.   This isn’t about luck, it’s about how creativity actually works, and why most people never give their ideas a chance. If you’re a student, creator, or entrepreneur trying to figure out your next move, this episode will change how you think about your actions.   Kyle Scheele: https://kylescheele.com/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Gaining Traction 0:53 - Kyle Scheele 2:27 - Million View Video 5:07 - How Did You Get Into Your Field? 8:15 - Corporate Speaking 11:46 - Magic Get-Rich Scheme 13:04 - Creative Energy 16:23 - What Is Your Process? 20:17 - Teacher Stories 23:27 - Take The Power Back 24:20 - What To Do Out Of College 29:45 - Limiting Belief 32:10 - Don't Stop 35:47 - Getting Started 37:51 - Why Weird Ideas? 41:05 - What's Next? 42:37 - Last Advice 45:00 - Like and Subscribe! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #21   Most people want success, but very few are willing to push through the hard times in order to get there.   In this episode, I sat down with Chase Gruening, who shared his journey from starting as a solo sales agent knocking on doors to building a growing business through recruitment, leadership, and discipline. We break down what qualities someone needs to push past mediocrity, like a competitive mindset, and a drive to build from the ground up, showing how consistent effort and a commitment to excellence can evolve into leadership and long-term success.   Chase Gruening: https://www.youtube.com/@coachg_chasegruening    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - That Inner Fire 00:53 - What Is Gruening Health & Wealth? 02:13 - Platform Model 03:05 - Door Knocking & Early Sales Hustle 05:48 - Coaching To Insurance Career 08:17 - Where The Drive Comes From 10:05 - College Football & Work Ethic 13:08 - Commission VS Salary Mindset Shift 15:21 - Going Independent 17:27 - Building Systems 19:06 - Sales Strategy 22:26 - Lead Generation Funnel 25:46 - Scaling Into A Business 29:53 - ROI Strategy 31:05 - Biggest Challenges 32:33 - Leadership 33:44 - Why People Fail In Sales 35:47 - Advice For People In Their 20s 40:00 - Vision, Impact & Legacy 40:51 - Personal Life 43:27 - Motivation 45:09 - Mentors 46:24 - Final Thoughts 47:05 - Like And Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #20   It’s one thing to achieve success coming from nothing, it’s another thing to do it twice over.   This episode of Take The Power Back features Ricky Carruth, a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and content creator, sharing his journey from manual labor to becoming a top-producing agent and eventually building a massive personal brand through social media. He shares how he went from making millions in real estate to losing everything during the 2008 crash. This led to a period where he was homeless, sleeping in his car, and working various jobs, including on an oil rig, while trying to rebuild his life.   The episode delivers a powerful message about resilience, reinvention, and building a brand through value and relationships, showing how long-term thinking and consistent action can turn setbacks into massive opportunities.   Ricky Carruth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP0h0eOBAg4hj1LHR28T6wA    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Person Of Interest 0:38 - Ricky Caruth 0:56 - Building People Skills 3:13 - College Life 5:00 - Most Agents Fail 9:30 - Market Driven 11:06 - Your Success Role 16:09 - My Mentor’s Advice 18:44 - Balancing Work And People 22:03 - The Big Transition 25:31 - People Don’t Think They’re Worthy 27:54 - Take The Power Back 28:48 - If You Want To Win… 30:49 - The Financial Pivot 33:57 - Becoming The Entrepreneur 34:47 - How To Gain Attention 35:58 - The “It” Factor 38:15 - Formula For Success 42:12 - How Are You Monetizing Your Person Of Interest? 46:07 - Advice For The Youth 50:57 - Like & Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #19   Most people think they can change their life by reading the right book. Real success isn’t that simple.   In this episode, I sat down with Coach Micheal Burt, where he shares his journey from a young athlete and coach to a high-level business coach and entrepreneur. We break down the real difference between information and transformation, and why mentorship, environment, and execution are what actually change your life.   Coach Micheal Burt: https://www.youtube.com/@Coach-MichealBurt    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Opening Your Mind 0:40 - Coach Micheal Burt 4:56 - Where You Afraid? 6:28 - I Can Go Do That 9:37 - You're An Entrepreneur 11:10 - How Advice Do You Give? 13:10 - Self Development 15:20 - What Gets Somebody To Go? 20:02 - How Do You Coach Around That? 23:37 - Take The Power Back 24:36 - The Greatness Lab 29:00 - Lies About Young People 31:45 - What Do You Tell Parents? 37:00 - Little Successes 39:57 - Find Your Primary Skill 43:19 - Like and Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #18   Most people want a clear plan for their career, but what happens if you don’t have one?   In this episode, I interviewed Carolyn Nolan, a financial advisor and entrepreneur who shared her journey from an uncertain college graduate, to building a successful wealth management firm and leadership platform. Starting in a commission-only, high-failure environment, she nearly didn’t make it. Her persistence, curiosity, and willingness to outwork everyone around her changed everything.   About The Guest: Carolyn Nolan is a Private Wealth Advisor, CEO & Visionary of TNG Private Wealth, and a women-led private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. If you wish the learn more about her practices, you can visit here to watch a couple videos and request a free consultation: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/tng-private-wealth/lp/request-contact/1/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #17   Most people are looking for success overnight. What they aren’t ready for, is how much time and effort it actually takes to see growth.   Today, I sat down with entrepreneur and wealth strategist Rob Luna, who shares his journey from extreme poverty to building and selling a nearly $1 billion wealth management firm. Rob’s story reinforces the idea that financial success rarely happens overnight, and instead comes from years of disciplined effort, strategic relationships, and continually investing in personal growth.    Rob Luna: https://www.instagram.com/realrobluna/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - Exponential Value 01:28 - Who Is Rob Luna? 03:26 - Discovering Finance 05:46 - Cop Who Changed His Path 08:13 - Playing The Long Game 09:10 - College & Wrestling Scholarship 09:59 - Passing The Series 7 12:14 - First Exposure To Wealth 17:02 - Early Entrepreneur Lessons 18:05 - Value VS Paychecks 19:01 - Hedge Fund Experience 21:11 - Building The Retail Business 22:11 - Father’s Death & Quitting 23:01 - Starting His Own Firm 25:11 - First Clients 27:10 - The 10-Year Grind 27:32 - NFL Client Breakthrough 28:29 - Media & TV Exposure 31:23 - Why He Sold The Firm 32:24 - MBA & Exit Strategy 33:27 - Walking Away From A Deal 34:07 - Selling The Business 36:11 - Building Again 37:39 - Moving Up Market 38:47 - Authority Celebrity Exclusivity 41:59 - Delivering For Clients 43:11 - How Wealthy People Think 45:20 - Working With Athletes 48:05 - Wealth Creation VS Management 49:31 - Practitioner VS Entrepreneur 50:07 - What’s Next? 52:38 - Life After An Exit 54:03 - Advice For Gen Z 55:26 - Picking A Skill to Master 57:55 - Competitive Mindset 58:11 - Choosing Learning Over Pay 59:40 - Relationships Over Money 01:00:33 - Entrepreneurship VS Corporate 01:01:14 - Building the Right Team 01:02:02 - Subscribe For More! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool