Ryan Rivard knows it as a teacher.

Before standing on top of the world, Ryan experienced rock bottom. He battled addiction, lived out of his car, and fought to rebuild his life one decision at a time. Years later, after becoming sober, building a successful marketing agency, raising four children, and reclaiming his relationship with his father, he pursued one of the most dangerous challenges imaginable: summiting Mount Everest.

In this powerful conversation with Charles Eide, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to climb Everest. From navigating the deadly Khumbu Icefall and surviving the infamous Death Zone to witnessing life-and-death decisions on the mountain, he shares stories few people on Earth can tell.

But this episode is about much more than mountaineering.

Ryan explains why every person has an "Everest" in life, how focusing on the next ten steps can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, why the journey matters more than the destination, and how faith, resilience, and community helped transform his life from addiction to purpose.

This conversation is equal parts adventure, leadership lesson, and reminder that no matter where you start, your future is not determined by your past.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why Ryan believes climbing Mount Everest is more mentally challenging than physically demanding.
• The incredible journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming one of the few Americans to summit Everest.
• What it's really like inside the Death Zone—and why more climbers die coming down than going up.
• The simple mindset that helped Ryan overcome impossible moments: focusing on the next ten steps.
• How recovery transformed not only Ryan's life but also restored his relationship with his father.
• Why success isn't reaching the summit—it's becoming the person the journey requires.
• The role faith, family, and purpose played in helping Ryan accomplish what once seemed impossible.
• How letting go of shame can become the turning point that changes someone else's life.
• Lessons from Everest that apply directly to business, leadership, and everyday challenges.
• Why Ryan says everyone has an "Everest"—and how anyone can begin climbing theirs.

Meet Ryan Rivard:

Ryan Rivard is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, marketing strategist, and one of the few Americans to successfully summit Mount Everest.

After overcoming addiction as a teenager, Ryan rebuilt his life through recovery, education, and entrepreneurship, eventually founding Bespoken, a marketing agency specializing in SEO, AI-powered marketing, and business growth. Today, he combines his experience in business with the life-changing lessons learned from some of the world's highest mountains.

Ryan is passionate about helping others overcome adversity, discover purpose, and pursue seemingly impossible goals. Through coaching, speaking, and his upcoming book, he shares a powerful message of resilience, faith, and personal transformation—proving that no matter where you begin, it's possible to reach extraordinary heights.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But what if the thing that determines your success isn't what you know—it's how you manage yourself?

In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles sits down with international keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert Rich Bracken to explore why EQ has become one of the most valuable leadership skills in today's world.

Rich shares the personal story of the panic attack that forced him to rethink everything, why emotional intelligence accounts for a massive portion of professional performance, and how leaders unknowingly create cultures of fear without realizing it.

Together, they dive into practical ways to improve self-awareness, build stronger teams, navigate difficult conversations, embrace vulnerability without appearing weak, and create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to contribute their best ideas.

The conversation also explores how AI should free us to become more human—not less—and why the future belongs to leaders who can build trust, connection, and psychological safety.

Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, building a business, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this episode offers practical tools that can improve every relationship in your life.

• Why emotional intelligence predicts performance more than IQ
  • The simple 7-second habit that can change your reactions
  • Why "That's just the way I am" is one of the most dangerous leadership mindsets
  • How to build a culture where people actually share their best ideas
  • The balance between vulnerability and confidence as a leader
  • Why AI is creating more opportunities for human connection
  • How to become the kind of leader people willingly follow

Because success isn't just about being the smartest person in the room.

It's about bringing out the best in everyone else.

Meet Rich Bracken:

Rich Bracken is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert who helps organizations build stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and higher-performing teams.

After a life-changing panic attack led him to discover the power of emotional intelligence, Rich dedicated his career to helping leaders improve self-awareness, communication, resilience, and human connection. Today, he speaks around the world to organizations of every size, combining research-backed leadership strategies with his unique background as a professional DJ to create unforgettable learning experiences.

Rich is also the creator of the acclaimed "Soundtrack for Success" keynote, blending music, psychology, and leadership into an interactive experience that's changing the way organizations think about emotional intelligence. He is also the author of an upcoming book on sustainable change and leadership transformation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But after years of practicing medicine, he's become increasingly convinced that many of the biggest health challenges facing Americans today aren't caused by a lack of medication—they're caused by lifestyle choices, processed foods, and a healthcare system focused on treating symptoms instead of root causes.

In this episode, Charles and Dr. Nystrom discuss:

• What it's really like working in a Level 1 Trauma Center
• The most intense life-saving procedure performed in the ER
• Why chronic disease has exploded in America
• The truth about fat, cholesterol, and heart disease
• Why insulin resistance may be the root of many health problems
• The role food addiction plays in obesity and poor health
• Hormones, sleep, sunlight, and preventative health
• GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and what people should know before taking them
• Why personal responsibility is still the most powerful health intervention available

Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation will challenge assumptions and encourage you to take a closer look at the habits shaping your health.

Meet Dr. Paul Nystrom:

Dr. Paul Nystrom is an Emergency Medicine physician, EMS Medical Director, Navy veteran, and SWAT team medical officer based in Minnesota.

After earning his medical degree shortly before 9/11, Dr. Nystrom joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Dive Medical Officer and worked alongside active-duty Navy SEAL teams. He later completed his Emergency Medicine residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center and has spent more than 20 years practicing medicine on the front lines of emergency care.

Today, in addition to treating patients, Dr. Nystrom educates public safety professionals on health, performance, nutrition, sleep, and longevity. His mission is simple: help people become healthier, stronger, and more capable through better information and personal responsibility.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest conversation with Charles Eide, Matt pulls back the curtain on what happened after the trophies stopped coming — and what it actually takes to rebuild a life worth living.

Matt shares the story of discovering the Highland Games through a message board in 2008, going from amateur competitor to world champion in just a few years, and then watching it all come apart when his knee began failing in 2016. What followed was not just physical trauma, but a full-on identity crisis — losing his sport, his community, his business foundation, and his ability to manage stress through training.

But what makes this conversation extraordinary isn't the fall — it's the rebuild. Matt walks through the tools that saved him: cold plunging, breathwork, journaling, gratitude practices, and learning to regulate his central nervous system. He explains, with remarkable clarity, how fight-or-flight culture keeps us trapped, why anxiety is just attachment to an outcome we're afraid won't happen, and how managing your nervous system is the single most powerful thing you can do for your business, your relationships, and your life.

If you've ever felt like your identity was too tied to what you do, if you're running on fumes and calling it drive, or if you've ever wondered whether there's a version of success that actually feels like yours — this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Growing up in small-town Louisiana and finding identity through sport
• The path from LSU track and field to two-time World Highland Games Champion
• Nine knee surgeries and a total knee replacement — and what chronic pain does to the soul
• What happens when your identity disappears overnight
• Cold plunging, breathwork, and the science of the central nervous system
• Why fight-or-flight is keeping modern society stuck and manipulated
• Matt's daily gratitude practice using a mala — and why it works neurologically
• The "deload" principle: why strategic rest is the secret to sustainable high performance
• Designing a life on your own terms — and what a perfect day actually looks like
• Ego, identity, and how to let go of the story you've been telling yourself
• Why arguing is a waste of energy — and what to do instead

Meet Matt Vincent:

Matt Vincent is a two-time World Highland Games Champion, former Division I track and field athlete at Louisiana State University, entrepreneur, content creator, and mindset coach. After competing at the elite level in one of the world's most physically demanding multi-event sports — throwing stones, weights, hammers, and cabers — Matt's career was derailed by a series of devastating knee injuries that ultimately required nine surgeries and a total knee replacement.

What followed was a profound personal reinvention. Drawing on mentorship from mobility pioneer Kelly Starrett (author of Becoming a Supple Leopard), exposure to Wim Hof breathwork, and years of disciplined journaling and self-inquiry, Matt rebuilt his life around the principles of nervous system regulation, intentional living, and radical gratitude. He now coaches individuals on performance mindset, leads retreats, creates digital content, and travels the country in his custom off-grid van — living proof that the best chapters of a life don't have to come first.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with one of the world’s leading Christian success coaches for a powerful conversation about mindset, growth, habits, failure, faith, mentorship, and building a meaningful legacy.

Dr. Dave Martin shares his journey from growing up in poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming a globally recognized speaker, author, and mentor. Along the way, he reveals the lessons that changed his life, including how mentors transformed his thinking, why successful people never stop learning, and how one idea can completely alter your future.

The conversation dives deep into overcoming limiting beliefs, replacing bad habits, learning from failure, investing your time wisely, and creating a “cathedral mindset” focused on long-term impact rather than short-term success.

Charles and Dave also explore:

• Why mindset determines your future
• The difference between inheritance and legacy
• Why fear of failure holds so many people back
• The power of books, mentors, and personal development
• How successful people think differently
• Why visualization and written goals matter
• The role faith and biblical principles play in leadership and business
• How entrepreneurs can create their own economy during difficult times

This episode is filled with practical wisdom, unforgettable stories, and timeless principles that can help anyone grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Meet Dr. Dave Martin:

Dr. Dave Martin is an internationally recognized speaker, author, business coach, and leadership mentor known for teaching practical principles on success, mindset, personal growth, faith, and leadership.

Raised in a small town in Mississippi, Dr. Martin transformed his life through mentorship, learning, and a relentless commitment to personal development. Over the years, he has shared stages with some of the world’s most influential leaders and speakers, including Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Shark Tank personalities through the nationally recognized Get Motivated Tour.

Dr. Martin is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 12 Traits of the Greats, Make That Break That, The Force of Favor, and Another Shot. His teachings focus on helping people unlock their potential, develop wisdom, overcome limiting beliefs, and create lasting impact in both business and life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide travels to Tennessee to sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and Working Genius creator Patrick Lencioni.

Known for bestselling books like The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Ideal Team Player, Pat has spent decades helping organizations build healthier teams and stronger cultures. But in this conversation, he shares something even deeper: the personal struggles, faith journey, and emotional breakthroughs that reshaped the way he thinks about leadership and life.

Pat and Charles discuss:

• The real meaning behind humble, hungry, and smart
• Why vulnerability is one of the greatest leadership strengths
• How Working Genius accidentally became a global phenomenon
• The hidden causes of burnout and frustration at work
• Why great cultures are messy, human, and authentic
• The dangers of chasing status, approval, and achievement
• How faith transformed Pat’s understanding of success and identity
• Why understanding your wiring can change your marriage, family, and team

This is a conversation about leadership, but it’s also about being human.

Use code TAKEOFF for 20% off Working Genius Assessments:
Working Genius Assessments

“Wondering why your spouse acts that way? Join Pat this June for a webinar around Working Genius and how it can transform your marriage.”

Learn more here:
The Six Types of Marriage Genius Webinar

Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Table Group. For more than two decades, Pat has helped leaders and organizations build healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more effective businesses.

He is the author of multiple bestselling books including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Ideal Team Player, and Death by Meeting, with millions of copies sold worldwide.

Pat is also the creator of Working Genius, a powerful framework designed to help individuals and teams discover the types of work that give them energy and fulfillment.

Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Pat continues to shape the way leaders think about teamwork, culture, trust, and the human side of business.

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram
• X / Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in Morocco and sent to boarding school at just seven years old, David’s early life was defined by chaos, displacement, and resilience. After eventually finding his footing in Europe, he made his way to the United States, where he worked his way up from a prep cook to owning and operating 27 restaurants.

In this episode, David opens up about the lessons that shaped him—from failure and loss to leadership and legacy. He challenges the way we think about success, arguing that what most people call “failures” are actually the moments that teach us how to keep winning.

He also breaks down the true secret behind great restaurants—and why it has nothing to do with food.

This conversation is about more than business. It’s about perspective, purpose, and what it really means to give more than you take.

In this episode we'll cover:

• Failure Isn’t Failure—It’s the Lesson
  David reframes failure as the most valuable teacher in life. The hardest moments aren’t setbacks—they’re the foundation for long-term success.
• Hospitality Is What Brings People Back
  Great food isn’t enough. What truly builds loyalty is how you make people feel—creating a sense of belonging and connection.
• You Must Control the Vision
  You cannot have multiple visions inside a business. Clear direction and consistency are what allow culture and standards to scale.
• The Three Rules That Apply to Everything
  • Integrity: Be honest with yourself
  • Relationships: Invest deeply in people
  • Embrace the chaos: Learn to prioritize, not eliminate it
• Success Is Built in the Details
  From lighting and temperature to sound and smell—every detail shapes the customer experience, even the ones people don’t consciously notice.
• Your Story Is Your Power
  For years, David ran from his past. It wasn’t until he embraced it that everything began to make sense—and fuel his purpose.

Meet David Fhima:

David Fhima is an internationally recognized restaurateur, entrepreneur, and hospitality leader known for creating deeply immersive dining experiences rooted in culture, connection, and storytelling.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, David’s journey spans continents—from Europe to the United States—where he built a career that includes owning and operating 27 restaurants. His concepts blend global culinary influence with an unwavering commitment to hospitality.

Beyond the kitchen, David is a student of life, leadership, and human connection. His philosophy centers on integrity, relationships, and the belief that true success is measured by how much you give—not what you take.

He is currently working on his first book, sharing lessons on life, food, and the human experience.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob shares never-before-heard stories from behind the scenes—what it was really like playing under legendary coach Herb Brooks, the grueling preparation that pushed the team beyond their limits, and the mental toughness required to compete against the dominant Soviet team.

But this conversation goes far beyond hockey. Rob opens up about self-doubt, discipline, leadership, and the power of preparation meeting opportunity. From growing up in Minnesota to standing on the Olympic podium, his journey is packed with lessons on teamwork, resilience, and what it truly means to earn success.

Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is a masterclass in performing under pressure—and proving you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.

In this episode we'll cover:

• Preparation Creates Opportunity
  Success isn’t luck—it’s the result of relentless preparation meeting the right moment.
• You’re Capable of More Than You Think
  The 1980 team didn’t believe they’d win gold—but they believed in the work they put in.
• Discipline Beats Talent Alone
  Conditioning, structure, and consistency gave the U.S. team a competitive edge late in games.
• Great Teams Are Truly Selfless
  No one cared who scored—the only thing that mattered was winning together.
• Adversity Builds Strength
  Grueling practices and setbacks weren’t punishment—they were preparation.
• Confidence vs. Self-Doubt
  Even at the highest level, doubt exists—but it can fuel growth if channeled correctly.
• Leadership Is About Pushing Limits
  Herb Brooks demanded more because he believed his players were capable of more.

Meet Rob McClanahan:

Rob McClanahan is a former professional hockey player and Olympic gold medalist, best known for his role on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that achieved the historic “Miracle on Ice.”

A Minnesota native, Rob played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota before being selected for the U.S. Olympic team. After winning gold, he went on to play in the NHL with the New York Rangers.

Today, Rob is a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, teamwork, and high performance drawn from his experience at the highest level of competition. His story continues to inspire individuals and organizations striving to achieve extraordinary results through discipline, preparation, and belief.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy takes us deep into his 35-year career as a world-class event planner, from producing multi-million dollar experiences for companies like PepsiCo to becoming America’s first corporate concierge. But the conversation quickly turns to the moment that changed everything: Fyre Festival.

With unprecedented detail, Andy walks through the chaos of trying to save the event in just six weeks, the leadership breakdown behind the scenes, and the viral moment that brought it all crashing down.

Beyond the failure, Andy shares powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, and knowing when to walk away. He also opens up about his upbringing, the drive to prove himself, and how he’s used one of the most public failures in modern pop culture to build a new platform focused on growth, community, and resilience.

This episode is not just about what went wrong—it’s about what comes next.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The real story behind Fyre Festival: What actually happened in the final six weeks—and why it was doomed from the start
• The power (and danger) of hype: How world-class marketing can outpace reality
• A single moment can change everything: The viral “cheese sandwich” that collapsed the entire event
• Leadership under pressure: What it’s like to make decisions when everything is falling apart
• Why you need to fire bad clients: Protecting your brand and reputation at all costs
• Failure as fuel: How Andy turned global embarrassment into a platform for impact
• The future of live events: Why in-person connection will only become more valuable
• Under-promise, over-deliver: The core philosophy behind successful events at any scale

Meet Andy King:

Andy King is a globally recognized event producer and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience creating high-end experiences for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and elite clientele.

He rose to prominence as “America’s first corporate concierge,” working with brands like PepsiCo to redefine employee and executive experiences. Over the course of his career, Andy has produced multi-million dollar events around the world, earning a reputation for creativity, precision, and the ability to deliver the impossible.

Andy became a household name following his appearance in the Netflix documentary on the Fyre Festival, where he was featured for his efforts to salvage the ill-fated event.

Today, he is a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, failure, and resilience. He is also the author of the upcoming book Event Alchemy, where he outlines the principles behind creating meaningful, large-scale experiences.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, Jerrid opens up about the internal struggle that led him to walk away from his career at its peak, and the identity crisis that followed. What unfolds is a raw and deeply human story of transformation—one that includes loss, uncertainty, and moments that would break most people.

Instead, those moments became the catalyst for something greater.

Jerrid shares how he went from living in constant stress and fear to discovering a new way of thinking—one rooted in alignment, belief, and what he calls “expanding your capacity to receive.” He breaks down how our mindset, belief systems, and willingness to embrace discomfort ultimately shape the life we experience.

This episode dives into:

• Why most people stay stuck in lives that don’t align with who they are
• The difference between pain and suffering—and why one is optional
• How fear and uncertainty can actually be the gateway to growth
• What it really means to “go all in” on your life
• The internal work required to create external success

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like there’s something more for you—this conversation will challenge the way you think and inspire you to take action.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Alignment over achievement: External success means nothing if it doesn’t align with who you truly are.
• Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional: Life will challenge you—but how long you suffer is a choice.
• Your identity must evolve: To create a new life, you must become a new person.
• Fear is a signal, not a stop sign: The things you avoid may be the exact things meant to elevate you.
• Letting go creates space for growth: Sometimes the next level requires shedding what no longer serves you.
• Mindset drives reality: Your beliefs shape what you think is possible—and ultimately what you experience.
• Go all in: Real transformation happens when you fully commit, not when you “try.”
• Life happens for you, not to you: Shifting this perspective can unlock growth in even the hardest moments.
  

Meet Jerrid Sebesta:

Jerrid Sebesta is a speaker, author, and coach focused on helping individuals break through mental barriers and step into a more aligned, fulfilling life.

Before stepping into this work, Jerrid spent over a decade as a TV weatherman, building a successful and recognizable career across major markets, including his home state of Minnesota. Despite his outward success, he felt a deeper calling—and ultimately walked away from it all to pursue a new path.

Today, Jerrid speaks to individuals, teams, and organizations about mindset, belief systems, and personal transformation. Through his work, he challenges people to rethink what’s possible, expand their capacity for growth, and create a life that truly reflects who they are.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles sits down with Renée Marino, bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and communication coach, to explore why authentic human connection is becoming harder in the digital age.

Renée shares how unconscious communication habits — like firing off quick texts or emails without thinking about tone or intention — often lead to misunderstandings and damaged relationships.

She also introduces two powerful questions that can instantly transform how you communicate. Whether you're sending an email, writing a message, or having a conversation, these questions help ensure your communication aligns with your intention and builds stronger connections.

Throughout the conversation, Renée explains why presence, eye contact, and authenticity still matter deeply in leadership, business, and everyday life — and why no technology will ever replace genuine human connection.

If you want to become a more thoughtful communicator, a stronger leader, and someone who builds meaningful relationships, this episode is for you.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Two Questions That Can Transform Communication
• The Illusion of Digital Connection
• The “iPhone Effect”
• Unconscious Communication Causes Problems
• Authenticity Builds Trust
• Human Connection Will Always Matter
  

Meet Renée:

Renée Marino is a bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and communication coach who helps individuals and organizations reconnect through authentic human communication.

She is the author of Becoming a Master Communicator and speaks to audiences around the world about presence, connection, and intentional communication in leadership and relationships.

Before becoming a speaker and coach, Renée worked as a Broadway performer and actress, including appearing in the film Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood. Today, she combines her performance background with communication training to help leaders and professionals communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But what if the real answers aren’t in your thoughts—they’re in your nervous system?

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles sits down with leadership coach Keith Mercurio for a deep conversation about human behavior, leadership, and the unseen forces shaping our lives.

Keith works with high-performing leaders who have already achieved success but want to unlock another level of awareness and influence. His work focuses on helping people understand how their early experiences, emotional patterns, and internal programming affect the way they lead, make decisions, and show up in the world.

Together, Charles and Keith explore:

• Why so many leaders spend their lives trying to be “impressive”
• How childhood experiences shape 80–90% of our personality
• The difference between thinking your way through problems and understanding your nervous system
• Why the world often acts as a mirror for what we still need to heal
• How self-awareness unlocks the next level of leadership

This conversation moves far beyond traditional leadership advice and into the deeper internal work that shapes how leaders think, react, and influence others.

If you’re interested in leadership, personal growth, and understanding what truly drives human behavior, this episode will challenge the way you think about success and self-development.

Meet Keith Mercurio:

Keith Mercurio is a leadership coach who works with high-performing executives, founders, and leaders seeking deeper levels of self-awareness and influence.

Rather than focusing on traditional leadership frameworks alone, Keith helps leaders explore the internal patterns that shape how they think, react, and show up in the world. His work centers on understanding how early experiences, emotional responses, and the nervous system influence decision-making, relationships, and leadership.

Through coaching and guided exploration, Keith helps already successful leaders unlock a deeper level of authenticity, clarity, and personal growth—allowing them to lead with greater impact.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with Jason Kunz, keynote speaker, safety expert, and performance practitioner, to explore how physical, mental, and emotional health directly influence leadership performance.

Jason shares the moment he realized health was non-negotiable while working inside 3M during the pandemic, where he witnessed how the nervous system of a leader becomes the nervous system of the entire organization. That insight reshaped how he thinks about discipline, habits, and the responsibility leaders have to care for themselves.

The conversation dives into practical strategies leaders can implement immediately — from tracking health data and stabilizing blood sugar to managing stress through breathwork and building environments that support better habits. Jason also shares his personal routines for staying healthy while traveling, the change equation that drives real transformation, and why many business leaders struggle to sustain energy despite professional success.

At its core, this episode is about understanding that leadership performance begins with personal health. When you manage your energy, habits, and environment intentionally, you become more stable, focused, and effective — not just at work, but at home as well.

If you want to perform at a higher level in business and life, this episode offers a practical roadmap.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this video is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The hosts are not licensed medical professionals. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice based on content you've seen here.

What to expect in this episode:

• The Nervous System of the Leader Becomes the Organization
• Awareness of Self Isn’t Enough
• Health Data Drives Better Decisions
• Environment Shapes Behavior
• The Change Equation Explains Why Transformation Happens
• Travel Doesn’t Have to Destroy Your Health
• Breathwork Can Instantly Regulate Stress
• Food Is Fuel
• Leaders Must Model the Behaviors They Expect
• Success Means Showing Up for the People Who Matter Most
  

Meet Jason Kunz:

Jason Kunz is a keynote speaker, coach, and trusted advisor who works with organizations to reduce serious injury and fatality (SIF) risk, strengthen leadership capability, and improve operational performance.

He is the founder of The Kunz Company, where he helps leaders move beyond traditional safety and health practices toward modern, high-trust, learning-focused approaches that support safer, more engaged, and more effective workplaces. Jason was recently recognized by the National Safety Council as a 2025 Rising Star of Safety, honoring his work advancing serious injury and fatality prevention, modernizing safety leadership, and improving worker engagement across industries.

Before launching his speaking and advisory business, Jason spent 15 years at 3M, serving in technical, sales, and leadership roles while partnering with teams across global manufacturing, industrial, and commercial environments. Throughout his career, he has delivered keynotes, workshops, and leadership sessions for more than 25,000 people across 36 countries.

Jason is also a co-author and contributing architect of new ASTM standards focused on employee engagement and serious injury and fatality prevention. His work blends Human & Organizational Performance (H&OP), operational leadership, and over a decade of qualitative research and practitioner insights.

He holds both CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) and CSP (Certified Safety Professional) designations. Jason lives in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area with his wife, Malia, and their young son, and spends much of his time helping leaders operate at their highest level — both professionally and personally.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with Dan “Big D” Sachkowsky, a serial entrepreneur who has built, scaled, lost, and rebuilt businesses while developing a reputation for discipline, resilience, and no-nonsense leadership.

Dan shares the story of making nearly $4 million in profit by age 24, only to lose it all after chasing the wrong version of success. What followed was a complete reset. Through bankruptcy, rebuilding, fatherhood, business exits, and even a life-altering heart episode, Dan learned that achievement alone does not create fulfillment. Purpose does.

Together, Charles and Dan unpack what discipline actually looks like in daily life, why confidence without structure falls apart, how leaders sabotage growth by crossing lanes in business, and why coaching, mentorship, and accountability are often the shortcut most people avoid.

This episode also explores the difference between being a boss and being a leader, how culture is built through core values, why consistency matters more than obsession, and how to let go of control so teams can truly perform.

If you are a founder, business owner, leader, or someone trying to level up your life, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, responsibility, and the habits required to build something that lasts.

In this episode you'll learn: 

• Discipline starts with desire
  Dan explains that discipline does not begin with routines or rules. It starts with wanting something deeply enough to commit to the work required to earn it.
• Achievement without purpose will always feel empty
  Making money, buying things, and hitting milestones did not fulfill Dan. He realized real satisfaction came when success stopped being about him and started being about impact.
• You do not just go through hard things — you can grow through them
  One of Dan’s biggest messages is that adversity becomes valuable when you pull the lessons from it and use them to change how you lead, build, and live.
• Coaching and mentorship accelerate growth
  Dan is direct about the value of learning from people who have actually done the work. In business, the shortcut is often found in the guidance of someone who has already used the shovel.
• Confidence is not enough without discipline
  Confidence may tell you what is possible, but discipline is what makes progress repeatable. Success comes from preparation, daily habits, and showing up consistently.
• Leaders must stop crossing lanes
  A major theme in the episode is that business owners stay stuck when they refuse to let others own their roles. Sustainable growth requires structure, trust, and clarity.
• Strong culture starts with core values
  Dan argues that companies do not build high-performing teams by hiring for skill alone. Great cultures are built by hiring, rewarding, and firing according to clearly defined core values.
• Personal responsibility changes everything
  Excuses and blame keep people stuck. Dan believes growth begins when leaders fully own their choices, their outcomes, and the role they play in both success and struggle.
  

Meet Dan "Big D" Sachkowsky:

Dan “Big D” Sachkowsky is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and business mentor known for his direct approach to discipline, leadership, and personal responsibility. Over the course of his career, he has built and sold multiple businesses, experienced both major financial success and devastating setbacks, and used those lessons to help other entrepreneurs create businesses that actually support the life they want to live.

Today, Dan works with business owners and leaders who want to grow with more structure, clarity, and purpose. His message is rooted in lived experience, not theory, and centers on discipline, resilience, coaching, and the belief that true success comes from impact, not image.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Heinemann learned the opposite.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Greg shares how applying the 80/20 principle completely reshaped his business. After analyzing the math behind his customer base, he discovered that nearly all of the company’s profit came from a small percentage of customers, while the majority of accounts were draining resources.

The solution required bold leadership.

Greg ultimately fired nearly 200 customers, restructured the business, and made difficult personnel decisions to refocus the organization on its most valuable opportunities. The result? Within 12 months, the company nearly tripled EBITDA without meaningfully increasing revenue.

Greg and Charles dive into the real lessons behind that transformation, including why revenue can be misleading, how leaders must develop the courage to make difficult decisions, and how focusing on your most valuable opportunities can unlock exponential results.

The conversation also explores how Greg’s perspective evolved after exiting the business world. Today, he spends his time helping pastors and ministry leaders through outdoor experiences that allow them to recharge, refocus, and return to their work with renewed clarity.

This episode is about more than business strategy. It’s about leadership, courage, priorities, and learning to focus on what truly matters.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The 80/20 Principle drives business reality. In most companies, a small percentage of customers generate nearly all the profit while the majority consume resources without meaningful return.
• Revenue can hide real problems. As Greg explains, “Revenue is for vanity, profit is for sanity, and cash flow is reality.” True business health comes from profitability, not top-line growth.
• Courage is required to implement strategy. Knowing the math is one thing. Acting on it often requires difficult decisions like firing customers, restructuring teams, and eliminating distractions.
• Focus creates competitive advantage. When teams stop chasing small opportunities, they gain the capacity to deeply serve their best customers and win larger, more meaningful opportunities.
• Leadership is about enabling others to succeed. Great leaders shift from trying to score every goal themselves to creating the environment where the entire team can win.
• The 80/20 principle applies beyond business. Greg eventually realized that the same principle applies to life. The things that matter most are rarely the things that take up most of our time.

Meet Greg Heinemann:

Greg Heinemann is an entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist known for helping companies unlock growth through the 80/20 principle.

Early in his career, Greg acquired and led a manufacturing company where he applied the Pareto Principle to dramatically improve profitability. By focusing the organization on its most valuable customers and eliminating distractions, the business nearly tripled EBITDA without increasing revenue.

After exiting part of the company, Greg shifted his focus toward mentorship, investing, and ministry. He is the founder of Full Buck Adventures, a nonprofit that provides pastors and ministry leaders with outdoor experiences designed to help them rest, recharge, and refocus.

Greg is passionate about helping leaders make courageous decisions in business while staying grounded in what matters most in life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide talks with Kristi Piehl, CEO of Media Minefield and author of Flip Your Script, about how public relations has evolved in the AI era, and why leaders can’t afford to be passive about their digital presence.

Kristi explains how Reputation Engine Optimization (REO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are reshaping visibility, why credible earned media still matters (maybe more than ever), and how to create consistent “breadcrumbs” that protect your brand and legacy over time.

They also break down real-world crisis lessons: what happens when leaders wait too long to respond, why “no comment” is still a comment, and how to balance authenticity with message discipline without becoming a “vanilla” version of yourself.

If you’re a founder, executive, or leader trying to grow trust, attract talent, and stay resilient when things go sideways, this is the PR reality check you need.

In this episode, we cover:

• PR today is about message alignment: ensuring the message created is the message received, and that leaders/brands are understood in a positive, credible light.
• AI changed the game: visibility now depends on what generative search tools summarize about you—meaning consistency, recency, and credibility matter more than ever.
• REO + GEO: your reputation must be actively managed across websites, social, earned media, and thought leadership so the “machine narrative” matches the real one.
• Humans still win: AI can help start drafts and organize ideas, but it can’t replicate lived experience, emotion, or true insight—what actually earns trust.
• Silence expands the damage: in a crisis, waiting creates a vacuum where the public fills in the story for you. “No comment” is still a comment.
• A practical consistency baseline: take one external-facing action per month (podcast, article, interview, blog) to keep your narrative current.
• The 1-3-5 LinkedIn rule: 1 post/week, 3 comments, 5 likes—simple, sustainable, and effective for leaders building digital presence.
• Authenticity isn’t oversharing: it’s knowing what you stand for and showing up as the real you, while still being thoughtful about brand risk and context.
• Digital leadership + digital legacy: what you publish becomes the trail people use to decide whether to hire you, trust you, invest in you, or follow you.

Learn more about Kristi:

Kristi Piehl is the CEO of Media Minefield, a national public relations and reputation management firm known for helping leaders and brands earn credible media coverage, build authentic executive presence, and navigate high-stakes moments with clarity. A former investigative journalist and Emmy winner, Kristi founded Media Minefield in 2010, turning a career disruption into a mission to modernize PR with strategy, truth, and trust at the center. She is the author of Flip Your Script, a playbook on using social media for good, digital leadership, and building a legacy through the stories we choose to share.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Charles Eide pulls together four leadership themes that have repeatedly surfaced across Cleared for Takeoff and genuinely changed how he leads:

1) Personal Branding (Reputation):
Charles reflects on lessons from Maha Abouelenein and others that reframed “personal brand” as something much more practical: your reputation. If you’re not intentional about what people find when they look you up, someone else will write that story for you. And as Maha says, “silence doesn’t scale.”

2) Identity (Beyond the Role):
After decades building a business, Charles shares what it looks like to untangle identity from title, achievement, and work. From purchasing a ranch to rethinking what success actually means, this section explores why fulfillment can’t be tied only to performance, and why leaders need a grounded identity outside the grind.

3) Clarity (The Leader’s Job):
Clarity is a retention strategy. Charles shares what he’s consistently hearing from job candidates: “I’m unclear about my future.” Drawing from leadership insights (and a Jim Rohn reminder to “study yourself”), this segment is about simplifying your message, repeating it, and leading from a place of internal clarity.

4) People Decisions (Protecting Culture):
Performance matters, but culture is the multiplier (or the destroyer). Charles reflects on how one toxic high-performer can spoil a team, and why leaders have to make the hard call sooner than they want to. The takeaway is simple: your culture isn’t a department—it’s everyone’s job, every day.

This is an episode about leadership in the real world: reputation, identity, clarity, and the choices that shape your team. If you’re building something, leading people, or trying to become more intentional about how you show up—this one’s for you.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Personal brand is reputation. If you don’t curate what people discover about you, they’ll fill in the blanks themselves.
  
  
• Consistency compounds. Like the gym, you won’t see results immediately, but staying consistent builds trust and momentum over time.
  
  
• Identity must extend beyond work. Achievement fades fast if it’s the only place you source meaning or confidence.
  
  
• Clarity reduces burnout and increases retention. People leave when they can’t see their future. A leader’s job is to create and repeat clarity.
  
  
• Study yourself to lead better. Self-awareness and reflection create the internal clarity required to lead others well.
  
  
• Value drives pricing power. Price is a measure of value, and clarity on differentiation makes pricing easier to communicate.
  
  
• Culture beats performance (when evaluating people). A toxic high-performer can create long-term damage that outweighs their results.
  
  
• Culture is everyone’s job. It’s the “weather” of the team—created and reinforced through daily behavior, not posters on a wall.
  
  
• Investing in yourself is portable. Personal growth is a skill you can take anywhere, in any season, in any role.

Learn more about Charles Eide:

Charles Eide is the founder and CEO of EideCom, an event production company known for executing complex, high-impact live experiences with exceptional care, creativity, and precision. He is the host of Cleared for Takeoff, where he sits down with entrepreneurs, leaders, athletes, and high performers to unpack the lessons behind building great teams, strong cultures, and enduring businesses. With more than two decades of experience growing an organization from the ground up, Charles brings a builder’s mindset to leadership—focused on clarity, people, and continuous improvement both inside and outside of work.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seth explains what stem cells are (your body’s repair system), why healing slows down as we age, and how regenerative therapies can support recovery by addressing the root cause instead of just masking pain. Charles and Seth dig into the real-world use cases people care about most: joint pain, cartilage degeneration, shoulder tears, and avoiding major surgeries like knee replacements.

They also tackle the ethical question head-on. Seth walks through how modern regenerative products are sourced from screened, donated birthing tissue (most commonly the umbilical cord’s Wharton’s Jelly), why it’s considered immunoprivileged, and how the U.S. processing and sterility standards differ from the “go overseas” era many people remember.

Plus, Seth opens up the business side: how he built a nationwide concierge model, why dinner seminars still convert, and what he’d tell any high-performing salesperson trying to find the right industry and mentor.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Stem cells = your body’s repair system. They’re “undifferentiated” cells that can communicate with your body and support tissue repair.
  
  
• Aging reduces both quantity and quality. As you get older, you have fewer stem cells—and the ones you have aren’t as effective.
  
  
• Wharton’s Jelly is the “gold” in the umbilical cord. Many commercial regenerative products focus on the umbilical cord’s Wharton’s Jelly, which contains valuable regenerative components.
  
  
• Ethics clarified: Modern sourcing is not fetal/embryonic—it’s donated birthing tissue from healthy, screened mothers with strict collection and processing standards.
  
  
• Local injection vs. IV: Local injections target a specific injury/joint; IV therapy is used more systemically for inflammation, organ health, and some people’s longevity protocols.
  
  
• The goal is root-cause healing, not temporary relief. Seth contrasts regenerative therapy with symptom-focused options like cortisone shots.
  
  
• Regenerative medicine’s “next frontier” may be organ regeneration. Seth references the direction of research and the potential for lab-grown organs using a person’s own cells.
  
  
• Business insight: Seth scaled access and education with a nationwide provider network and “one-to-many” dinner seminar marketing—then expanded into distribution for clinics.

Meet Seth Berge:

Seth Berge is a regenerative medicine educator and stem cell industry leader with nearly a decade of experience helping people understand and access modern regenerative therapies. He’s the founder of Regenerative Revival, a direct-to-consumer concierge model that coordinates treatments nationwide, and he also works with medical providers through his distribution and manufacturing network—helping clinics source products, communicate clearly with patients, and build sustainable regenerative medicine programs. Seth is known for making complex science approachable, with a mission centered on education, access, and helping people find alternatives to surgery and long-term pain management.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason shares what’s changed inside newsrooms over the last 20+ years, why local news often feels less ideological than national outlets, and how bias shows up most in which stories get covered (and which ones never get pitched at all). They dig into the algorithm-driven reality of the digital era: echo chambers, tribalism, and the uncomfortable truth that many people think they’re informed because they scroll headlines.

The conversation also shifts into leadership and personal growth: why it’s a strength to be challenged, how to balance entertainment with meaningful conversation, and the moment Jason realized he was “treading water” and needed a new challenge — even if it meant leaving a job he loved. They close with what legacy really means: being a good friend, a good father, and someone who brought joy while modeling that people with different opinions can still talk and respect each other.

In this episode you'll explore: 

• The algorithm is in charge now
  
  
• Big media and local media aren’t the same game. 
  
  
• Media bias shows up most in story selection
  
  
• People crave being right 
  
  
• Curiosity is a competitive advantage 
  
  
• Growth sometimes means leaving comfort. 
  
  
• The best leaders invite challenge — real strength is staying open when someone on your team proves you wrong
  

Meet Jason:
Jason DeRusha is a media veteran with more than two decades of experience in journalism and storytelling. Known for his sharp curiosity and distinct voice, Jason spent years in local television news before making a major leap into talk radio and digital content. Today, he blends facts, nuance, and humor to spark smarter conversations — while using his platform to highlight community, local businesses, and the ideas that bring people together (even when they disagree).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, Charles Eide interviews Jay Strommen, the “man behind the curtain” who helped Apple scale its iconic retail experiences—starting with one table, one bold yes, and one life-altering moment: Steve Jobs walked up, inspected the build, and said, “It’s good.”

But this episode isn’t just about brand-name wins. Jay opens up about the childhood trauma that fueled his drive, the internal “not good enough” story that followed him even through massive success, and the personal transformation that changed how he leads today.

You’ll hear what he learned from building relationships with leaders at brands like Disney, Nike, and Nordstrom—and why the best leaders don’t lead with numbers… They lead with intention.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Curiosity is a leadership superpower. Jay’s “be curious” philosophy becomes the bridge to trust, influence, and better decision-making.
  
  
• Empathy isn’t fixing—it's sitting with someone. He explains compassion as the ability to make people feel seen without trying to solve them.
  
  
• Relationships beat transactions. Jay built long-term trust before he “had anything to sell”—and that trust became his unfair advantage.
  
  
• The real flex is reliability. “We say yes when others say no” only works if your team consistently delivers under pressure.
  
  
• Success won’t heal self-worth. Even at the peak—big revenue, big projects—Jay realized achievement doesn’t automatically create peace.
  
  
• Belonging scales performance. The strongest cultures “don’t make it personal”—they rally around solving the problem together.
  
  
• Lead with intention, not numbers. Numbers matter, but when you start with a number, people become transactional. Start with values and support, and the number follows.

About Jay Strommen:

Jay Strommen is a business builder and relationship-driven leader known for helping iconic brands bring retail experiences to life at massive scale. He played a key role in transforming PD In-store from a legacy printing company into a global execution partner supporting high-stakes product launches, complex deployments, and “impossible” timelines—earning trust with teams inside Apple and beyond.

Jay’s story is defined by contrast: early hardship and survival, followed by building a high-growth company—while learning that external success doesn’t automatically create internal peace. Today, he speaks openly about leadership, intention, curiosity, and the responsibility leaders have to create a true sense of belonging for the people they serve.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Charles Eide welcomes David Orbuch, a seasoned executive and longtime mentor, to break down the concept of a “leadership shadow”—the invisible force created by what leaders say, do, prioritize, measure, and permit. David explains why the strength of that shadow determines the strength of the business, and why culture isn’t soft—it’s the performance engine.

From handwritten notes that change careers to meeting openers that turn tense budget conversations into human collaboration, David offers practical tools leaders can use immediately. They also tackle the hard call every organization faces: what to do with high performers who get results but leave damage behind—and why allowing toxic behavior quietly reshapes your culture.

If you’re building a team, scaling a company, or simply trying to lead with more intention, this episode is a masterclass in how to show up—especially when pressure hits.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Your shadow determines your results. 
  
• The 5 parts of a leadership shadow: what you say, what you do, what you prioritize, what you measure, and what you permit.
  
• Values only matter when they’re used. 
  
• Energy beats time. 
  
• Better meetings start with humans. 
  
• Accountability is proactive, not blame-based. 
  
• High performers who aren’t kind are culture killers.
  
• Build your shadow with four practices: passion, full engagement (work/home/community), accountability, and integrity (walk the talk).
• Mentors and peer groups accelerate leadership growth. 

Meet David Orbuch:

David Orbuch is a seasoned executive, leadership mentor, and culture strategist with decades of experience leading complex organizations across healthcare, government, and professional services. A former hospital president and senior public-sector leader, David has spent his career working at the intersection of performance, accountability, and culture—particularly in high-pressure environments where leadership decisions carry real human impact.

He is widely known for his work on leadership shadow—the idea that leaders shape culture through what they say, do, prioritize, measure, and permit—and for helping executives build healthy, high-performing organizations rooted in belonging, integrity, and accountability. David is also a trusted advisor and facilitator for peer leadership groups, where he mentors CEOs and senior leaders on decision-making, culture, and long-term leadership legacy.

Above all, David believes that culture drives performance, and that great leadership is revealed not during the highlight reel moments—but in how leaders show up when the pressure is on.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Neal Foard (master storyteller and creator of Storyfire) joins Charles Eide to unpack what storytelling really does in business: it humanizes you, builds trust, creates belief, and sets the tone for culture — whether you’re a CEO, a new manager, or a frontline team member.

Neal shares unforgettable examples (from Nike’s Michael Jordan ads to Dan Campbell’s “kneecap” speech), plus a simple framework: start with the moral, then build the story backwards. They also dig into why bullet points don’t create emotional connection, how to rehearse stories without sounding scripted, and how leaders can use storytelling to recognize their people in a way that actually changes behavior.

If you’ve ever struggled with being visible online, speaking to a team, or making your message land — this episode is a playbook.

About Neal:

Neal Foard is a world-renowned master storyteller, brand strategist, and communications coach who helps leaders and organizations craft stories that build trust, culture, and momentum. With decades of experience in advertising and marketing, Neal has distilled the principles of powerful storytelling into practical frameworks anyone can use — from executives to emerging leaders. He’s the creator of Storyfire, a bite-sized storytelling course built from 30 years of real-world pitching, performance, and persuasion.

Find Neal online at nealfoard.com and explore his storytelling course at storyfire.net.

Episode Key Takeaways:

• Your story exists whether you tell it or not. In a world of LinkedIn, Google, and YouTube, people will discover something — so curate what they find.
  
  
• Stories create trust faster than credentials. A great story signals you’re human, relatable, and worth following — even if you’re “the best.”
  
  
• Leaders cast a shadow. The stories you tell become culture: what you celebrate, what you notice, and what you reinforce.
  
  
• Start with the moral. Work backwards from the lesson you want people to remember, then build the narrative to deliver it.
  
  
• Rehearsal is the cheat code. The best “spontaneous” storytellers are rehearsed — practice shakes the bubbles out and builds confidence.
  
  
• Flavor beats fluff. Add color and personality without slowing the pace (the right details make a story stick).
  
  
• Recognition is a leadership superpower. Tell stories about your team’s wins — especially moments they didn’t think anyone noticed.
  
  
• You don’t need to be the hero. Make the story “we,” not “me” — servant leadership shows up in what you choose to spotlight.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a devastating motorcycle accident left her leg “crumbled into pieces,” doctors told Amberly an amputation was likely and her life would never be the same. What followed was 34 surgeries, years of recovery, and a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most painful chronic conditions in existence.

But this isn’t just a story about surviving trauma — it’s about transforming it.

In this conversation, Amberly and Charles unpack what resilience really looks like when life doesn’t “bounce back,” but instead demands you move forward. They talk about perspective shifts, living with chronic pain, surrendering pride and learning to ask for help, overcoming addiction, navigating imposter syndrome, and why progress often comes down to one small step taken consistently.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, burned out, or on the edge of giving up — this episode is your reminder: your breakthrough might be hiding in your breaking point

What we cover in this episode: 

• Resilience isn’t bouncing back — it’s bouncing forward. Sometimes the goal isn’t returning to your old life, it’s building a new one.
  
  
• Perspective is a daily practice. Gratitude can be the fastest way to shift from what’s missing to what’s possible.
  
  
• Pain demands to be heard — and healing starts with honesty. “We heal what we reveal” and growth often requires radical self-awareness.
  
  
• Small steps beat big intimidation. Whether it’s healing, business, or launching something new — focus on one action in the right direction.
  
  
• You don’t have to do hard things alone. Community, coaching, and asking for help aren’t weaknesses — they’re strengths.
  
  
• Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear at higher levels. The key is learning to talk to yourself instead of listening to the inner critic.
  
  
• Joy is intentional. “Joy spotting,” movement, environment shifts, and connection can help you reclaim joy even in grief and pain.
  
  

About Amberly Lago:

Amberly Lago is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and resilience coach known for helping people overcome adversity and unlock what’s possible — even when life doesn’t go as planned. After a life-threatening motorcycle accident and 34 surgeries, Amberly was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and had to reinvent everything she thought she knew about strength, healing, and purpose. She’s the author of True Grit and Grace and Joy Through the Journey, and she speaks to audiences around the world on resilience, mindset, leadership, and choosing joy through life’s hardest seasons.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig sits down with Charles Eide to walk through the entrepreneurial path that started with a leap from Kimberly-Clark into a “new-at-the-time” telemarketing business, scaling to 125 salespeople and selling the company to American Express in just three years. He shares why he intentionally stepped away afterward to travel, reflect, and get clarity — and how that headspace led him to his next chapter: acquiring a legacy manufacturing company (Rainfair) and learning how to operate a complex business with unions, overhead, supply chain shifts, and real financial discipline.

From hiring the right finance leader, to building culture, to making fast, tough people decisions — Craig breaks down what leadership looks like when it’s both a private business and the most public business you can run. And yes, he still wants to win the Stanley Cup — because in his words, there’s nothing harder.

What to expect from this episode:

• Betting on yourself isn’t about being “skilled” — it’s about being committed.
• Time away can be a competitive advantage.
• Cash-flow businesses can scale fast — if you execute and hire well.
• If finance isn’t your strength, don’t pretend it is.
• Culture is built on dignity and energy.
• When a leader is wrong for the role, act fast..
• The best leaders create opportunities for others.
• Customer service still wins — even at the highest level.
• Legacy > titles.

Learn more about Craig Leipold:
Craig Leipold is a lifelong entrepreneur, investor, and sports executive known for building businesses, acquiring legacy companies, and leading high-pressure organizations in the public eye. He is the owner of the Minnesota Wild and has played a key role in shaping the growth of professional hockey in the U.S., including previously owning the Nashville Predators. Beyond sports, Craig’s entrepreneurial career spans company building, acquisitions, and long-term investments — with a leadership philosophy rooted in culture, accountability, and treating people the right way. Above all, he’s proudest of the family legacy he’s building with his wife and five sons.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Ryan joins host Charles Eide to unpack what human-centered leadership really means, why work dissatisfaction and burnout are rising, and how leaders can create clarity, trust, and sustainable performance. They dig into Satya Nadella’s Model-Coach-Care framework, the power of a 15-minute weekly coaching conversation, and why leadership has to start “inside out” with self-awareness, humility, and emotional regulation.

They also explore the role AI can play as a coaching tool (and where leaders can get trapped by over-reliance), why in-person connection is becoming even more valuable, and Ryan’s new book Prepare for Impact, built around driving growth and serving others through human-centered leadership.

If you lead people, manage a team, or want to become the kind of leader others choose to follow, this one will shift your approach.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• Leadership is not a job, it’s a responsibility: earning followership through vision, service, and humility.
  
• Human-centered leadership = inspiring contribution, not just managing outcomes.
  
• Model-Coach-Care (Satya Nadella): model the behavior, coach through feedback, and care by investing in people.
  
• Clarity drives alignment: many employees still don’t have clearly defined expectations, and leaders must communicate priorities consistently.
  
• One “weekly vitamin” coaching conversation (15 minutes) can be a major lever for performance and engagement.
  
• Self-awareness is the foundation: reflection, coaching, and feedback loops help leaders see how they impact others.
  
• Trust and psychological safety enable honest 360 feedback and stronger teams.
  
• Lasting change requires a plan: pause, regulate, and respond intentionally instead of reacting emotionally.
  
• AI can accelerate coaching and development, but the competitive advantage remains human connection and EQ.
  
• Companies don’t grow unless people do—leadership development is an investment, not an optional perk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, host Charles Eide sits down with Ben Utecht — Super Bowl champion, former NFL tight end, keynote speaker, and author of The Champion’s Creed — to explore identity, leadership, and what it truly means to build culture by design.

Ben opens up about the devastating injury that caused him to fall out of the NFL Draft after being projected as early round pick, the embarrassment of watching every name called but his own, and the miracle phone call from Tony Dungy that led him to the Indianapolis Colts.

From winning Super Bowl XLI alongside legends like Peyton Manning, to navigating career-ending concussions, Ben shares what happens when your identity is stripped away — and how servant leadership, faith, and intentional culture shaped his next chapter.

This episode dives deep into:

• Why culture is always formed by design or by default
  
  
• How servant leadership creates elite performance
  
  
• The dangers of tying identity solely to success or status
  
  
• Why “soft skills” are actually hard business drivers
  
  
• How leaders can build scalable, belief-driven cultures
  
  
• What legacy really means beyond wins and titles
  
  

Whether you’re a CEO, founder, athlete, or leader navigating transition, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, purpose, and the impact you leave behind.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, host Charles Eide sits down with executive coach, speaker, and personal brand strategist Giselle Ugarte for a deep conversation on leadership confidence, CEO mindset, and what it really takes to scale influence in today’s business landscape.

Giselle works with CEOs, founders, professional athletes, and high-performing leaders — and she reveals the surprising truth they all share: self-doubt is universal at the top. Together, Charles and Giselle explore why many leaders stall after reaching success, how comfort can quietly cap growth, and why being willing to be seen is now a competitive advantage.

They discuss how video has become one of the most effective tools for leadership development, trust-building, and leverage — not as marketing fluff, but as an accountability mirror. From personal brand and visibility to team trust and long-term business growth, this conversation reframes confidence as something built through action, alignment, and consistency.

If you’re a CEO, founder, or business owner who feels the pull toward “what’s next” — but also feels the weight of responsibility, isolation, or hesitation — this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, growth, and impact.

Key Takeaways:

* Why self-doubt is common among CEOs and high performers

* How confidence is built through action, not certainty

* Why leaders who hide behind the brand eventually hit a ceiling

* How video becomes a tool for leadership growth and accountability, not just marketing

* The difference between confidence and arrogance in executive leadership

* How visibility creates trust with customers, teams, and partners

* Why people follow people — not logos

* How small, consistent commitments rebuild trust with yourself

* Turning comparison into inspiration instead of paralysis

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Wayne pulls back the curtain on the psychology he uses on stage, in negotiations, and in billion-dollar boardrooms — and teaches the exact principles that helped him build a global career doing what he loves.

You’ll learn:

• How to read people more accurately
  
  
• Why the fear of “no” destroys opportunities
  
  
• How to rewire your subconscious beliefs
  
  
• The 4-step system Wayne uses to build success from nothing
  
  
• Why storytelling is the most powerful tool in business
  
  
• And yes… he performs mind-reading demonstrations that leave Charles absolutely speechless
  
  

This episode isn’t just entertaining — it’s transformational. If you’ve ever wanted to negotiate better, communicate more effectively, overcome fear, or understand the psychology that drives human behavior… This conversation is your blueprint.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey breaks down the uncomfortable truth:
Most businesses are leaving massive profits on the table, not because of their product… but because of fear.

From decoding customer psychology to dismantling the myth of “the market sets the price,” Casey shares practical, immediately usable frameworks that can transform any business — without increasing volume, headcount, or operational complexity.

If you’ve ever battled discount pressure, struggled to justify your prices, or wondered how to confidently charge what you’re worth, this conversation is a game-changer.

This is one of the most powerful episodes we’ve ever recorded on sales, pricing, and building a business that thrives.

Key Takeaways:

• Why pricing is the #1 profitability lever (and why most leaders ignore it).
  
  
• The psychology behind discounting — and why buyers push harder than sellers.
  
  
• How to avoid being “separated from your value” during negotiations.
  
  
• Why a price objection is actually a buying signal.
  
  
• How “hot sauce vs gasoline” helps you identify where your company has pricing power.
  
  
• The devastating impact of a small discount — and the transformative impact of a 1–5% increase.
  
  
• Why your worst, most price-sensitive customers warp your entire business strategy.
  
  
• How to hold your value, stand in your expertise, and price like a trusted advisor — not a peddler.

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Jeff exposes the hidden tools, overlooked structures, and mindset shifts that allow wealthy entrepreneurs to legally defer tax, protect their assets, and design a financial life that supports true freedom — not stress.

Together, Charles and Jeff explore:

• Why most entrepreneurs are overpaying by 10% or more every single year
  
  
• The “consumption vs. surplus” mindset that changes everything
  
  
• How private placement life insurance and charitable trusts create zero-tax growth
  
  
• Why liquidity, not net worth, determines whether you stay safe or get wiped out
  
  
• The surprising truth Jeff has learned from decades advising ultra-wealthy families
  
  
• The Freedom Threshold: how to know when your assets can fully support your life
  
  
• The biggest misconceptions about CPAs and why they’re not doing tax strategy
  
  
• How to plan an exit years in advance to save millions in unnecessary tax
  
  
• What the IRS really is — and why it’s not the villain most entrepreneurs imagine
  
  

If you’re building a business, preparing for a sale, or simply tired of feeling confused by taxes, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a whole new understanding of how wealth is truly created.

👉 To learn more about Socha Capital: SochaCapital.com

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Brandon pulls back the curtain on Omega AI, Starkey’s latest breakthrough that turns hearing aids into intelligent assistants — empowering millions with what he calls everyday superpowers. From building fearless culture to betting big on innovation, this conversation is a masterclass in how CEOs can lead with vision, courage, and care.

Key Topics:

• Innovation starts when you challenge “the way it’s always been done.”
  
  
• Why hiring for attitude creates stronger teams.
  
  
• Turning technology into human connection.
  
  
• How to take bold risks without losing your purpose.

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Maha breaks down why followers mean nothing without credibility, how CEOs can’t afford to stay invisible, and the real secret behind lasting influence. From her decade advising Gary Vaynerchuk to her global career helping leaders earn trust online, Maha’s message is simple: stop chasing attention—start earning belief.

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Tune in for practical wisdom, actionable tools, and the habits that set influential leaders apart.

Key Takeaways: 

• The difference between true influence and being an “influencer”
• How to build an authentic personal brand that resonates
• The power of self-reflection and intuition in leadership
• Frameworks for storytelling, framing, and capturing attention
• Strategies for handling criticism and thriving under pressure
• Breathing, biology, and the habits of high-performing leaders
• Actionable steps to communicate with clarity and lead with purpose

Guest Bio:
Rene Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and trusted leadership advisor, best known for his book Amplify Your Influence. With over 25 years of experience in applying behavioral neuroscience to business and leadership, Rene has trained and inspired hundreds of thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to communicate with impact, lead with authenticity, and influence with purpose. His dynamic approach blends science, storytelling, and strategy, making him one of the most sought-after voices on personal growth and organizational transformation.

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Tune in for candid insights, actionable strategies, and the habits that separate good leaders from great ones.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of clarity in effective leadership and team performance
• How to build and sustain a strong company culture
• The difference between visionaries and integrators—and why both matter
• Why accountability is the backbone of high-performing organizations
• Practical tools for giving feedback and handling tough conversations
• Lessons from the frontlines of leadership, growth, and transformation

Guest Bio:
Mike Paton has spent every working day of the last 17 years helping thousands of leaders around the globe run better businesses and live better lives. An EOS Implementer® and sought-after keynote speaker, Paton succeeded Gino Wickman and spent five years as EOS Worldwide’s Visionary, is the host of the top-rated podcast The EOS Leader, and co-authored two books in the Traction Library – Get A Grip and Process! He’s grateful to be living his ideal life – helping others run better businesses and live better lives by mastering the timeless disciplines and practical tools of the Entrepreneurial Operating System®.

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Tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead, adapt, and win in a competitive world.

Key Takeaways:

• The real story behind Kris Lindahl’s iconic billboards and brand
• How personal adversity shaped his leadership and intuition
• The power of obsessiveness and hands-on experience in business
• Why messaging and strategy matter more than marketing tactics
• How to build a winning team and culture from the ground up
• Lessons in innovation, risk-taking, and handling public criticism

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.