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In this week’s episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with longtime friend, entrepreneur, and mechanical engineer turned CEO, Tom Embley—and he tells the kind of founder story we rarely get to hear in full.

From his earliest days as employee #1 at a small industrial startup to founding a direct competitor, merging businesses, buying out partners, and ultimately selling to a global player, Tom’s path is one of grit, strategy, and deep self-awareness.

But what really stuck with me?

His honesty about the moments in between.

• Leaving a secure job (and paycheck) with nothing but a plan and a belief in himself.
• Navigating difficult partnerships and learning the hard way what equity really means.
• Borrowing against his home to chase opportunity—and doing the math to make it work.
• Being called out by his wife for missing their child’s christening—and choosing from that point forward to be a great father and founder.

This conversation is about more than building a successful business—it’s about building a life. One with values, mentorship, resilience, and (yes) a few sleepless nights.

We also dig into:

• How Tom learned to love leadership and tolerate sales
• Why peer groups saved his business (twice)
• His favorite practices from Rockefeller Habits
• What advice he’d give his 21-year-old self (spoiler: “Stop being so damn arrogant”)
• And how a strong culture—not just great products—became his company’s greatest asset

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for entrepreneurship, or if you’re simply trying to build something that lasts, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE

📩 Forward it to someone who needs a nudge to bet on themselves.

Until next time, friends,
Chris

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What it really takes to grow into the leader you're meant to be—on your terms, over time, and from the inside out.

As we head into the July 4th holiday, a time when we reflect on freedom, progress, and reinvention, it feels fitting to bring you this powerful new episode with Dr. Bryan Deptula, leadership expert and author of Leaders Are Born to Be Made.

Bryan is one of the most grounded, engaging, and purpose-driven voices I’ve come across. His philosophy? That leadership isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s a skill, one we can all build, train, and strengthen over time.

In our conversation, Bryan opens up about his own unlikely path from corporate sales leader to PhD, professor, and consultant. He shares how pivotal moments in his life—like a tough-love lesson from his godmother “Mama Sis” and a tent-bound self-reflection under the Indian River Inlet Bridge—helped him shed old versions of himself to grow into who he’s meant to become.

We dive deep into his MUSCLE framework:

• M: Me – Start with self-leadership
  
  
• U: Understanding – Grow your leadership intelligence
  
  
• S: Strategy – Align with vision, mission, and values
  
  
• C: Conflict – Use it productively
  
  
• L: Learning – Commit to growth
  
  
• E: Entrepreneurship – Own your path, whether you run a business or lead from within

This isn’t just theory, Bryan brings real-world experience, relatable stories, and an unfiltered look at what leadership looks like when it’s done with heart, humility, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.

He also reminds us that the best leaders are the ones who keep learning, keep failing forward, and keep living. As Bryan puts it: “Start leading by treating yourself as the most important individual you can work on first.”

This is a conversation for anyone at a crossroads, whether you’re a seasoned executive, a rising manager, or someone wondering what it takes to lead your own life a little better.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Leaders Are Born to Be Made – Bryan Deptula
  
  
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown
  
  
• Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin
  
  
• Unique Ability – Dan Sullivan
  
  
• Plus shoutouts to Adam Grant and the value of failing forward

Whether you're tuning in from the car, the beach, or your morning walk, I hope this one leaves you thinking a little differently about what it means to be a leader—starting with you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
And let us know: What’s one part of your own leadership “muscle” you want to grow next?

Until next time, friends,
Chris

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This week’s episode of Outside Insights is a special one.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Peter Samuelson, film producer, philanthropist, and now, the author of Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life with Lessons from Mine. Before our conversation, I had a chance to read an early copy of the book (officially released June 10), and I couldn’t put it down. It’s heartfelt, funny, profound, and filled with stories that encourage you to think a little deeper about your own life, and consider how you might use it to help someone else.

Peter’s journey is truly remarkable. From studying medieval literature to producing blockbuster films to founding seven nonprofits, he’s lived a life driven by curiosity, service, and an unwavering belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. His book, along with our conversation, offers a guide for anyone looking to live with more meaning and impact, no matter your age or background.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What a film producer really does (hint: it’s a lot like being a general)
• The story behind his nonprofit work with foster kids—and the powerful ripple effect of giving them agency
• His unlikely mentorship with General Norman Schwarzkopf
• Why short-term happiness might be chocolate ice cream… but long-term happiness requires service
• How we can heal our divided world with a simple but powerful concept: empathy

Peter expresses it best: “You are the only author of the rest of your life.” His life’s work is a testament to that, and I think you will walk away from this episode as driven—and motivated—as I was.

👉 Listen to the episode now

🌐 Visit Peter's website

Whether you’re a young adult, a parent, a mentor, or simply someone seeking happiness, this episode is for you.

Until next time, friends,
Chris

If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.