In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime friend and Cloud Communications Group partner, Chris Moffett, for a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing world of technology.

Chris shares his unconventional entry into the tech world — from carrying luggage at a Houston hotel to installing one of the building’s first voicemail systems, sparking a career in telecommunications and network infrastructure. With no formal engineering background, Chris built his expertise through curiosity, problem-solving, and a relentless willingness to learn on the fly — a defining theme of grit.

Together, Matt and Chris unpack Cloud Communications Group’s origin story, born out of a grad school business plan in 2009 and built through persistence, networking, and countless uncomfortable first conversations. Chris reflects on the early days of blank office walls, unanswered phones, and refining the company pitch after 30 minutes in a meeting before realizing the prospect thought he worked for AT&T.

Chris also opens up about the moments that tested his resolve the most — including losing an entire executive client team overnight and fearing the loss of his company’s largest account. Instead of collapsing, the challenge expanded his network, strengthened relationships, and ultimately grew the business.

As leaders in enterprise network strategy and cloud infrastructure for companies $500M+, the conversation naturally shifts to the future — including:

The rapid pace of AI advancement and why adaptation is non-negotiable

The risks of “shadow AI” and unmonitored corporate data exposure

Why data hygiene and governance are the real competitive advantages

The importance of solving problems without always knowing the answer upfront

How technical leaders must carry grit in the face of constant pressure and change

Chris also shares personal lessons in parenting with an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging his kids to earn opportunities, embrace work ethic, and reject entitlement — even when it means manual labor to fund a weekend trip.

When asked what grit means to him, Chris puts it simply:

“We’re going to solve this — even if we don’t know how yet.”

Matt and Chris close the discussion with insight on leadership, decision-making, and the mindset required to thrive when the finish line isn’t visible.

Key Takeaways:

Don’t wait for perfect information — make the decision and adjust

Entrepreneurship means solving problems before knowing the solution

AI is a tool, not a threat — adaptation beats resistance

True grit is choosing motion over hesitation

This episode is a masterclass in patience, perseverance, and staying gritty through uncertainty.

Stay gritty.

In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Mandy Austin, President of Corporate Banking at Vista Bank, to explore how purpose, perseverance, and service define true grit.

Mandy shares her journey from growing up in North Texas to building a 20-year career in banking, culminating in her leadership role. She reflects on the influence of her father’s small business ventures and her mother’s dedication to education—two forces that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong curiosity.

Throughout the conversation, Mandy opens up about the power of resilience—both in business and in life. She recounts overcoming early career challenges and a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis at just 28 years old, which she managed to reverse through research, discipline, and lifestyle change. Her story is one of courage, optimism, and taking ownership of your path.

Takeaways include:
-How grit is both a choice and a mindset, defined by passion and perseverance.
-The importance of finding purpose in your career and aligning your “why” with your work.
-Teaching resilience to her children through sports and commitment.
-Leading teams through clear communication, vision, and empowerment.

Her commitment to community service through United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Children’s Health, inspired by her nephew’s cancer survival story.
Mandy’s story reminds us that grit isn’t just about toughness—it’s about growth, purpose, and using adversity to serve others.

Listen to this episode to learn how to stay driven, serve with purpose, and keep pushing forward—no matter what challenges come your way.

Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime neighbor and friend Kyle Wick, co-founder of 22 One Advisors, to unpack the grit behind building a purpose-driven wealth advisory from the ground up.

Kyle traces his path from small-town Iowa to Dallas—hauling boxes at UPS, managing third-shift sanitation crews in meat-packing plants, repo’ing cars for a farm bank—before betting on himself in a commission-only advisory role. With no network and no safety net, he leveraged discipline, continuous learning, and “champagne moments” (visualizing future wins) to push through rejection and build a practice.

Kyle shares why his firm’s name comes from Proverbs 22:1 (“A good name is more desirable than great riches”) and how that anchors their philosophy: connect what’s on the balance sheet to what’s in the heart. Today, 22 One Advisors manages ~$500M, prioritizing impact over products—helping clients retire with confidence, steward wealth intentionally, and “die with zero regrets.” He also dives into team dynamics with his partners, community commitments (DFW Hawkeyes, Oak Cliff, faith), and a powerful story of guiding a young widow—proof that real impact goes far beyond returns.

Episode Takeaways:
Grit = perseverance with passion over time; survive long enough for progress to compound.
Start from values: character and legacy before tactics and returns (Proverbs 22:1).
Build without a network: tap shared identities (e.g., alumni), tell your “why,” and keep showing up.
Introvert edge: Mastery and preparation create confidence
Impact over products: retire earlier than you think, spend on purpose (“Die With Zero” mindset), and align money with meaning.
Community matters: design clear guardrails for family time and invest in the places you live and serve.
Website: https://www.22oneadvisors.com/team.htm