In this episode, Michael and Ryan explore the power of video-based platforms in building authentic leadership presence. They discuss how confidence, executive presence, and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth. Ryan shares his journey in leadership development and how it shaped his company, Better On. Michael reinforces the idea that presence isn’t just about appearance—it’s about taking ownership of your growth, self-care, and professional development rather than outsourcing it to others.

Michael and Ryan tackle the common challenges people face when recording themselves on video. Many struggle with self-observation and discomfort, but Ryan explains how small, intentional steps can help build confidence. He highlights the importance of creating a safe space for people to embrace their presence and reframe their mindset. They also discuss how people often lack an understanding of how their audience perceives them—and how gaining that perspective can be a game-changer for communication and leadership.

Michael shares a pivotal story about his journey in overcoming the fear of public speaking. A required presentation in a business writing class once filled him with dread—until he unexpectedly had to deliver it while battling chickenpox. Despite his discomfort, his authenticity and delivery earned a standing ovation from his classmates. This experience reshaped his confidence, proving that presence and self-belief matter more than perfection. He reflects on how this breakthrough influenced his career as a healthcare executive and later as a business leader.

Michael and Ryan emphasize that public speaking is no longer just for executives—it’s an essential skill for everyone. Whether in boardrooms or virtual spaces, mastering communication can open doors to new opportunities. They discuss how practicing presentation skills leads to greater confidence and effectiveness, regardless of natural talent. Ryan also highlights how technology is leveling the playing field, making it easier than ever for individuals to share their ideas and perspectives on a global scale. The episode concludes with Ryan offering insights and resources for those looking to sharpen their communication skills.

Ryan Carey has the key for your next team development initiative, and he wants to share it with your audience!

With the steady rise of remote jobs in the past few years, on-camera presence has become a vital skill for companies worldwide. And if you could secure more deals, sell more products, or reach higher levels of success just by developing your team’s recording confidence, wouldn’t you?

With BetterOn, your listeners can help their teams grow – and not just on camera. BetterOn has helped countless professionals improve their interpersonal skills, speech skills, mental health, and confidence, increasing their quality of life and feelings of satisfaction/success far beyond their desks.

If your audience is interested in learning how asynchronous video presence can help their and their teams become better professionals, leaders, friends, family members, and team members, Ryan would be a great fit for your show. In your interview he can touch on:

• Ryan’s Journey from YouTube Employee #41 to BetterOn Founder: hear all about how the explosive growth and transformative power of YouTube inspired Ryan to create BetterOn to harness the power of video and elevate workplace communication.

• Investing in Your Team: Great leaders invest in their teams’ success, so everyone comes out a winner.

• Develop Yourself: By prioritizing your own career development as a leader, you’ll model proactive growth and advancement, and your team will follow your lead.

• The Link between Personal Satisfaction and Professional Success: when your employees feel like their best selves outside of work, they feel like their best selves at work. Learn how BetterOn prioritizes developing the whole self so your team can thrive.

Website: https://betteron.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancarey/

The Leadership Legacy: Estate Planning with Purpose

In this insightful series, I sit down with Sara Ecklein, a California-based professional fiduciary, to unpack the often-overlooked leadership responsibility of estate planning. We explore how proactive planning—through trusts, wills, and end-of-life directives—is not just about assets, but about clarity, care, and legacy.

🔍 Why Estate Planning Matters for Leaders Sara and I dig into the reality that only one in three Americans have an estate plan. We challenge leaders to rise above this statistic, recognizing that thoughtful planning sets a tone of responsibility, transparency, and foresight for families, teams, and future generations. I reflect on my own estate planning experiences and the emotional fallout that can result when plans are vague or outdated.

🧭 Trusts vs. Wills—And Why Updates Matter Sara explains the advantages of trusts over traditional wills, particularly when it comes to avoiding disputes and streamlining administration. I share a personal story about naming a guardian in my will and how changing family dynamics made me rethink that choice. We both stress that estate plans aren’t one-and-done—they must evolve as your life, relationships, and leadership journey unfold.

🏢 Estate Planning for Business Owners and Employers We explore why estate planning isn’t just personal—it’s professional. I encourage business leaders to consider offering estate planning benefits to employees, knowing that the peace of mind it provides has a ripple effect on workplace culture. Sara shares a sobering story of inheriting poorly managed client files, driving home the point: leaders must live—and plan—with integrity.

🛠 Succession and End-of-Life Planning: The Gaps Leaders Miss Despite careful strategic planning in business, many leaders fail to prepare for succession or end-of-life decisions. Sara and I discuss the humility required to ask for help and the courage it takes to prioritize these uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We offer practical advice: if you can’t do it all at once, start small—but start now.

👪 Naming Guardians and Decision-Makers with Intention We dive into the importance of selecting guardians and healthcare proxies who are not just family, but fit. Sara emphasizes the value of involving professionals in high-stakes or high-conflict situations, while I remind listeners that choosing the right people—accessible, trustworthy, aligned—is one of the most meaningful decisions a leader can make.

📘 Resources to Get You Started To support listeners on their estate planning journey, Sara shares her workbook and website—essential tools to help demystify the process. Estate planning isn't just paperwork; it's a leadership legacy that reflects your values, your vision, and your care for those you lead and love.

Meet Sara Ecklein Redefining Legacy with Compassion and Intention. How we prepare for life’s most challenging moments defines the legacy we leave behind. Sara Ecklein is passionate about guiding individuals and families with peace, clarity, and compassion through life’s most difficult transitions. As the founder of Trust & Honor, a mindful fiduciary agency based in Northern California, she serves as a trusted advocate for clients navigating end-of-life decisions and planning meaningful legacies. Sara is also the creator and host of The Legacy of Love podcast, where she offers a holistic perspective on redefining the meaning of legacy. Her mission is deeply personal. After witnessing a loved one’s final three days of life, she gained a profound understanding of the importance of end-of-life care and legacy planning. With over a decade of expertise in the private fiduciary profession, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to help seniors and families navigate complex family dynamics, end-of-life care, and trust and estate administration. A California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Certified National Guardian, Sara is dedicated to helping her clients build legacies rooted in love and intention. Through her work and family life, Sara continually shapes her own legacy of love—building connections, sharing values, and inspiring others to do the same. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein Facebook: @Sara Ecklein, CLPF Instagram: @themindfulfiduciary Website: www.trustandhonor.co Podcast: http://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rss Free Legacy of Love Workbook: www.trustandhonor.co/workbook

🎙 From Single Dad to Financial Powerhouse: Dwight’s Journey to Purpose and Prosperity

In this inspiring episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sat down with Dwight, a former IT consultant turned top-tier financial services and lifestyle coach, to explore his incredible transformation—from single father of five to one of North America’s most successful financial strategists.

🔥 Key Highlights:

💰 Living a Life of Purpose Through Finance Dwight opens up about his transition from tech to finance, driven by a mission to make a real difference in people’s lives. He shares how he built his personal brand around intentional living and became a bestselling author and podcast host along the way.

🧠 The Power of Critical Thinking & Mentorship We dove deep into the value of critical thinking in today’s reactive world. I emphasized the importance of the pause—that moment of reflection that creates space for better decisions and stronger boundaries. Dwight echoed this, crediting mentors and mindset shifts for his resilience and success in a new industry.

👂 Active Listening: The Missing Link in Financial Planning Dwight and I discussed how active listening, storytelling, and empathy are game changers in financial planning. By understanding a client’s full picture—goals, fears, and hopes—he helps people take control of their finances without judgment.

🌀 A Holistic Approach to Helping Clients Thrive Dwight doesn’t just crunch numbers—he helps people transform their mindset. We talked about the importance of holding space, letting go of victim mentality, and reverse-engineering your desired life. It’s about moving from “what happened” to “what’s possible.”

🧭 Self-Awareness and Small Steps Forward Financial success starts with self-awareness. Dwight stressed the importance of meeting people where they’re at, setting clear goals, and taking actionable steps. We also agreed on the need to release the grip of past failures and stay grounded in the present.

📚 Financial Education That Empowers We both believe financial literacy should be accessible. Dwight offers no-cost, no-obligation discovery calls for anyone looking to take the next step. His mission? To demystify money and help people rewrite their financial story.

📱 Social Media and the Mental Health Disconnect Lastly, we tackled the darker side of social media—keyboard courage, toxicity, and its impact on well-being. Dwight shared how he filters interactions based on value and peace, and we both agreed: It’s okay to block toxicity.

💡 This episode is a must-listen if you’re seeking financial clarity, purpose-driven success, and a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.

🎧 Tune in now, and get ready to rethink what’s possible—financially, emotionally, and professionally.

I help educate people that life success is not just about having enough money; it is about learning what you truly want and taking ownership of where you are. Are you willing? Do you genuinely want to change? How does one figure this all out? How goal setting short- and long-term goals and learning how to live a life within your means by understanding your inflows and outflows of money is a start.

Working on a person 6 inches between their ears through understanding proper associations of people, what they listen/read, and what they do in their daily life. Getting off the hamster wheel of life takes effort, guidance, and personal accountability.

https://GiveAHeck.com

In this robust conversation, Yosi Kossowsky shares his journey from engineering to executive leadership, revealing the critical gap in traditional education regarding understanding people. He opens up about his growth path—diving deep into emotional wellness, therapy, limiting beliefs, and the neuroscience behind human behavior. Yosi challenges the long-held notion that humans are primarily rational beings, showing how emotions drive decisions and actions more than we often realize.

Decoding Communication and Team Dynamics

Yosi and I unpack how perception and communication are filtered through our personal experiences—and how those filters can cause serious disconnects in teams. I share a common leadership trap: asking “any questions?” in meetings and wondering why no one speaks up. It turns out that psychological safety and peer pressure play significant roles. Together, we emphasize that leadership today must involve creating a culture where understanding, clear communication, and cross-functional respect are non-negotiable.

Navigating Change: AI, the Pandemic & the Modern Workplace

We dive into the disruptive forces shaping our workplaces—AI, remote work, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic. Yosi and I discuss many organizations' struggles in adapting to these shifts, especially with employee engagement, turnover, and generational gaps. Yosi calls for more innovative strategies and deeper support systems to meet today’s evolving demands. I also flag a growing concern: how AI could economically destabilize regions dependent on virtual assistant roles if we don’t plan thoughtfully.

Emotional Mastery as a Leadership Tool

We explore what it takes to manage your emotions in high-stress situations. I introduce one of my favorite leadership tools—the “feeling wheel,” which helps leaders identify emotions beyond just “angry” or “sad.” It’s about using the right emotional tool for the job, not just muscling through—leaders who understand their feelings and why lead with more clarity, empathy, and purpose.

Creating Human-Centered Workplaces

Yosi and I spotlight emotional well-being at work—not as a perk, but as a performance driver. We discuss the urgent need for organizations to cultivate psychological safety, promote self-awareness, and provide authentic coaching, not just check-the-box solutions. It’s time to normalize asking for help and talking about real challenges, because strong teams are built on open communication and mutual support.

Where to Connect with Yosi

Want to learn more about Yosi’s work? LinkedIn is the best place to connect with him. He’s open to conversations and has a booking link for those wanting to explore this work further.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykossowsky/

Website: https://www.k-torconsulting.com/

Episode Title: From Gym Floor to Franchise Vision: Devan's Journey of Discipline, Impact, and Humility

Show Notes:

Redefining Career Paths: Devan’s Bold Leap into Fitness Leadership In this powerful conversation, Mike sits down with Devan to unpack his unconventional career shift—from business management to kinesiology and eventually launching his own gym. What started as a personal passion for helping others transformed into a broader mission: building a gym franchise that changes lives at scale. Devan shares the driving forces behind his leap, the courage it took to walk an uncharted path, and the resilience needed to build something bigger than himself.

Franchise Growth with Heart: Leading Without Ego Devan opens up about the evolution of his gym into a thriving franchise and the deep fulfillment that comes with seeing his vision positively shape communities. What sets Devan apart? His grounded approach to leadership. He doesn’t lead from the top down—instead, he jumps in wherever he’s needed, showing that true leadership is about service. Mike highlights Devan’s humility, noting that this mindset is often what sustains long-term success in business and in life.

Health as the Ultimate Performance Hack Mike and Devan dive into the critical link between physical health and mental wellness, especially for entrepreneurs and leaders. Mike challenges listeners to rethink their priorities—replacing scrolling time with sweat equity. Devan echoes the importance of customizing fitness to fit real lives and busy schedules, emphasizing that excuses are barriers we build ourselves. If you want high performance, health has to be non-negotiable.

The Discipline Blueprint: How to Show Up for Yourself Discipline isn’t about motivation—it’s about systems. Devan and Mike explore how developing consistent habits around health, fitness, and mindset fuels personal and professional growth. The secret? Treat your workouts and self-care as appointments that cannot be canceled. They both reflect on how discipline directly improves mental clarity, decision-making, and leadership capacity. If you want to lead others, it starts with showing up for yourself first.

Takeaway: This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, fitness lovers, and anyone looking to lead a life of purpose and performance. Devan’s story proves that success isn’t about titles or ego—it’s about impact, intention, and the daily disciplines that move you forward.

Website: http://strive11fitness.com/

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at BreakfastLeadership.com.

Finding Purpose Through Passion: Sarah’s Journey into Hairdressing

In this heartfelt episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with his daughter, Sarah, to explore the winding paths we take in our careers and the passions that fuel them. Sarah shares how a visit to a Florida cosmetology school during a trip to see her grandmother sparked a lifelong interest in hair styling. That moment planted a seed that would later grow into a full-blown calling — one that she’s now pursuing at barber school.

Michael reflects on his own unexpected career path, tracing it back to his childhood fascination with baseball cards, which eventually led to a successful career in accounting. In a candid moment, he opens up about the personal toll of his divorce and its impact on his family, offering a message of hope and healing for anyone navigating life’s tougher chapters.

From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Grit Behind Sarah’s Hairdressing Career

Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her journey into the hair industry — a path filled with obstacles including financial constraints, educational hurdles, and challenges in workplace dynamics. Despite these setbacks, Sarah’s unwavering determination helped her earn her credentials and build real-world experience across salons and barbershops.

When she faced difficulties transferring her Canadian license to the U.S. and finding stable opportunities in her new environment, Sarah didn’t give up. Instead, she doubled down on her passion and remains focused on reigniting her career in the States. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins in the trenches.

Grief, Growth, and the Power of Dreams: Honoring a Grandmother’s Legacy

The loss of her beloved grandmother — her best friend and biggest supporter — became a turning point for Sarah. Rather than giving in to grief, she chose to channel her emotions into a meaningful goal: becoming a hair stylist. Enrolling in barber school became both a healing journey and a way to honor her grandmother’s legacy.

Now, a year later, Sarah is back in the U.S., diploma in hand and hope in her heart. Her transformation is a testament to the power of purpose, even in the midst of profound personal loss.

Resilience, Passion, and Clarity in Career Choices

Michael highlights the resilience Sarah has shown throughout her journey — something he sees as a vital ingredient in long-term career success. Together, they discuss the stability and creative fulfillment the hair industry can offer, especially during economic uncertainty.

Michael encourages Sarah to stay aligned with her passion, trusting that the right path will reveal itself through self-reflection, creativity, and deep listening. Whether it's behind the chair or in another meaningful direction, Sarah’s journey is far from over — it’s just getting started.

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Hairtasticbysarahhhhh

From Blue Collar Roots to Boardroom Success: Intrapreneurship, Culture, and Growth with Ken Rusk

In this powerful episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Ken Rusk, author of Blue Collar Cash, to explore how alignment, action, and authentic leadership can transform both lives and businesses.

Ken shares his incredible journey—from a blue-collar background to building a thriving franchise organization—grounded in the philosophy of intrapreneurship and a deep commitment to his employees’ futures. We discuss why businesses excel when individual and organizational goals are aligned, creating what I call a synergistic momentum that fuels performance and retention.

I also reflect on my time leading teams in the Asset Management division for Fortune 500 clients. We implemented a unique collaborative debriefing strategy that brought together cross-project teams, fostering camaraderie and making team members more agile and interchangeable. This approach not only increased efficiency but also drew the attention of global leadership for its impact on client growth without the need for added consultants.

Ken and I dive into the critical role of employee development and cultural growth. He underscores the importance of helping employees visualize their goals and stay motivated within an organization that values and nurtures their ambitions. I expand on how culture isn’t just an internal function—it’s something customers feel. A thriving culture strengthens an organization’s resilience and ability to navigate disruption.

Ken’s bestselling book Blue Collar Cash—inspired by letters he wrote to his daughter during a health crisis—has unexpectedly become a blueprint for corporate teams aiming to build stronger, more connected workforces. It’s now used in team-building and leadership development programs across the country.

We wrap up with a focus on entrepreneurial growth through action. Ken and I align on this simple truth: growth doesn’t come from theory—it comes from action. Whether you're reading a book, taking a course, or listening to this podcast, the key is to implement, not just absorb.

Ken also invites listeners to visit kenrusk.com to learn more about his book, online course, and consulting services designed to empower individuals and teams.

Book: Blue Collar Cash