In Episode 75 of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo welcomes media personality, keynote speaker, and leadership coach Meredith Breitstein for a powerful conversation on turning adversity into alignment, and why integrity is more than just “doing the right thing.”

A former national TV journalist turned transformational speaker and founder of The Meredith Show, Meredith shares how her shift from covering trauma to elevating stories of courage shaped her life's mission—and what it really takes to lead with authenticity, excellence, and grace.

Highlights:

🗞️ Leaving the Newsroom: Why Meredith walked away from mainstream media to “report the good news”

🧭 Integrity in Action: A behind-the-scenes story about redoing a guest’s entire segment—at her own expense—just to do what was right

🚀 Level Up Leadership: How Meredith’s mastermind empowers speakers, creators, and leaders to stop settling and start aiming for excellence

“Integrity is being responsible for all of our actions.” — Meredith Breitstein

If you're tired of mediocrity and ready to lead with clarity, conviction, and heart—this episode is your spark. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast and share this with a friend who’s ready to level up in life or business.

📬 Connect with Meredith Breitstein:

🌐 Website: https://themeredithshow.com

📧 Contact: hello@themeredithshow.com

🎙️ Speaking & Mastermind Inquiries: via website

Connect with Meredith Breitstein:

• 🌐 Website: https://themeredithshow.com
• 📧 Contact: hello@themeredithshow.com
• 🎙️ Speaking & Mastermind Inquiries: via website

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrity #Sales #Leadership #Integrity #RalphAdamo #Growth #Mindset #Business #FamilyBusiness #SalesDevelopment #Strategy #TMXCreative #Training #Results #CEO #CEOLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Success #Principles #Podcast #Interview #MeredithBreitstein #RalphAdamo #TheMeredithShow #LeadershipWithIntegrity #LevelUpMastermind #WomenInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TVtoTransformation #MoralCompassMatters

In this inspiring episode of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo welcomes Shasta Hague—Vice President and Business Consultant with AssetMark, leadership strategist, and seasoned speaker with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs build purpose-driven, people-centered businesses.

Shasta shares her lifelong passion for leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped her integrity and coaching philosophy. From confronting burnout and “minimum standards,” to navigating toxic leadership, to developing her Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP), she walks listeners through the real work required to live in truth, stay aligned, and silence the internal “head trash” that holds so many leaders back.

This conversation offers profound insight into self-awareness, personal alignment, and the courage required to lead authentically—at work, at home, and in every room you enter.

• 🌱 Integrity Starts Within: Shasta explains how living in alignment requires honesty about your strengths, struggles, purpose, and actions—and how vulnerability and feedback form the backbone of real leadership.
• ⚖️ Balance Your “Wheel of Life”: A ten in career means nothing if your health, relationships, and personal fulfillment sit at a two or three. Shasta reveals how slowing down, raising personal standards, and practicing intentional presence changed everything.
• 🧠 Identifying & Rewriting “Head Trash”: From undercharging to perfectionism to fear, Shasta breaks down how old programming sabotages entrepreneurs—and offers practical ways to confront, rewrite, and replace those internal stories.

"You have to have courage and bravery to tell that little voice to ‘F-off’—and show up anyway." — Shasta Hague

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or advisor seeking clarity, purpose, and a healthier way to build success, this episode is essential listening. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, share this episode with someone navigating their own leadership journey, and keep investing in the alignment that moves your life—and business—forward.

Connect with Shasta:

Business Consulting Support: Shasta.Hague@AssetMark.com

For Life and Leadership Coaching: Shasta.Hague@Gmail.com

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #RalphAdamo #ShastaHague #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessConsulting #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #IntegrityInBusiness #HeadTrash #AssetMark

In this energizing episode of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo welcomes Alanah Phillips—co-founder of Start With Catalyst, co-founder of Advisor Launch Lab, industry consultant, speaker, and author of Breaking Up With Your Broker Dealer.

Alanah shares her unexpected path from a roofing contractor’s daughter to one of the most respected strategist-advocates in financial services. With humor, candor, and unmistakable clarity, she describes how her early HR experience, desire to support her family, and curiosity about people led her into advisor recruiting, succession design, and practice transition support.

Ralph and Alanah dive into the heart of today’s conversation: integrity, radical transparency, authenticity, and the courage to do the next right thing—even when the incentives don’t line up in the short term. Alanah’s stories of guiding advisors through painful breakups, championing women in financial services, and navigating misaligned corporate cultures shine a spotlight on what principled leadership truly looks like.

• 🌟 The Origin of Catalyst & Advisor Launch Lab: How Alanah left a misaligned corporate structure to create an independent model that truly advocates for advisors—whether they’re seasoned “Michael Jordans” or rising “name-image-likeness” next-gen talent.
• 📚 Breaking Up With Your Broker-Dealer: The real-life story of a woman advisor whose income grew from $150K to nearly $1M after courageously making a transition that aligned with her values, autonomy, and long-term goals.
• 🔎 Radical Transparency as Integrity in Action: Why Alanah always tells advisors the truth—even when it goes against her own short-term incentives—and how that honesty compounds into trust, referrals, and long-term impact.
• 💡 Authenticity Is the Cheat Code: From sparkly shoes to bold colors to being fully herself with clients, Alanah explains why authenticity attracts the right relationships and repels the wrong ones.

"If you are your authentic self, you draw the right people to you—and you repel the wrong people. Honestly, it’s just more fun." — Alanah Phillips

If you’re an advisor seeking alignment, independence, or clarity about your next move—or a leader looking to deepen your commitment to integrity—this episode is essential listening. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, share this conversation with someone navigating change, and remember: do the next right thing, and the long-term will always take care of itself.

Connect with Alanah:

📨 Email: hello@alanahphillips.com

🌐 Website: https://startwithcatalyst.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Search “Alanah Phillips – Catalyst” 🎙️ Podcast: NextGen in 10 (relaunching soon)

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #RalphAdamo #AlanahPhillips #StartWithCatalyst #AdvisorLaunchLab #BreakingUpWithYourBrokerDealer #FinancialAdvisorGrowth #RadicalTransparency #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInFinance #AdvisorTransitions

In this illuminating episode of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo sits down with Dr. Tess Breen—CEO, leadership and communication expert, and full-time professor at Chapman University. From “Horrible Bosses” that shaped her early career to earning her doctorate in leadership, Dr. Breen shares how emotional intelligence, self-leadership, and personal values became the foundation of her life’s work.

With four children, a thriving consulting practice, and a deeply personal commitment to foster youth advocacy, Dr. Breen opens up about what it means to hold tightly to your values no matter the room you’re in. She discusses how integrity shapes culture, why transparency builds trust, and how leaders must model the emotional intelligence they expect from others.

This conversation is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership—rooted in empathy, humility, authenticity, and the courage to be the same person everywhere you go.

• 🌱 Leadership Starts with Self: Dr. Breen explains how personal development, emotional regulation, and self-awareness form the core of effective leadership—and why she teaches her students to develop themselves before managing others.
• 🧡 Living Your Values Everywhere: Integrity is being the same person in every room. Dr. Breen describes holding tightly to her values while navigating family life, executive coaching, and university teaching.
• 🎓 The Pressure on Young Professionals: From burnout in high-achieving students to grind culture in the workplace, Dr. Breen shares why humility, intentionality, and balance matter more than chasing titles or checking boxes.

"You have to be the best version of yourself, and you have to be that person no matter what room you’re in." — Dr. Tess Breen

If you want to lead with clarity, empathy, and authenticity, this episode delivers the insight you need. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, share this conversation with someone striving to grow as a leader, and explore how living your values can elevate your impact—in business, in family, and in life.

Connect with Tess:

🌐 Website: https://drtessbreen.com 📧 Email: tess@drtessbreen.com 📱 Social: @drtessbreen on major platforms

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #RalphAdamo #TessBreen #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #IntegrityInLeadership #ChapmanUniversity #ExecutiveCoaching #WomenInLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership

In this powerful episode of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo sits down with Haren Bhakta, CFA—a chartered financial analyst, wealth advisor, and creator of the Insider Ownership Index. Haren shares how an early fascination with the stock market, a hard lesson during the dot-com crash, and years at firms like Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley shaped his career and philosophy.

He also reveals the thinking behind his innovative index: a “skin in the game” approach that reweights S&P 500 companies based on insider ownership rather than market cap. For Haren, insider ownership is a direct signal of commitment, conviction, and long-term integrity from corporate leaders.

Together, Ralph and Haren explore how integrity shows up in investing, advisory work, personal ethics, and the difficult decisions that reveal who we truly are.

• 📈 Why Insider Ownership Matters: How Haren’s index rewards companies where executives invest their own money—and why those firms often outperform long-term
• 🧭 Integrity in Financial Advice: Haren explains fee structures, alignment, and why doing “what’s right, not what’s legal” is essential to ethical advisory work
• 🚨 A Real Integrity Test: The story of refusing a $200,000 withdrawal request until the rightful owner approved it—even when the rules said otherwise

"Sometimes the law says you can do something, but ethics say you shouldn’t. You always have to operate a couple of feet above the law." — Haren Bhakta

If you value principled leadership, ethical decision-making, and thoughtful approaches to building long-term wealth, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, share this conversation with someone who cares about honesty in finance, and explore how integrity can elevate your personal and professional life.

🌐 Website: https://insiderownership.com 📧 Email: haren@insideownership.com

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #RalphAdamo #HarenBhakta #CFA #InsiderOwnership #SkinInTheGame #EthicalInvesting #WealthManagement #IntegrityInBusiness #FinancialLeadership #LongTermInvesting

In Episode 70 of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo welcomes Matthew Hanson, founding partner of LRA Group and catalyst for the National Rite of Passage Council. In this rich and honest conversation, Matthew opens up about the compound nature of integrity, what it takes to build trust over decades in business, and why launching young people—especially boys—into adulthood with intention is one of the greatest responsibilities a father can embrace.

From scaling a national insurance brokerage to launching Iron Path, a rite of passage program for fathers and teens, Matthew proves that integrity isn’t one big moment—it’s thousands of small ones stacked over time.

• 📈 Compound Integrity: Why consistent, small decisions matter more than one-time virtue
• 🧔‍♂️ Iron Path & Rite of Passage: Equipping fathers to spiritually and emotionally launch their kids into adulthood
• 💼 Business & Betrayal: How Matthew navigated a boardroom ambush and chose values over vengeance

“Doing the right thing pays a dividend in the long term. And if it doesn’t, I’ll still roll the dice on letting it play out.” — Matthew Hanson

If you’re building a business, leading a family, or trying to walk the line between ambition and alignment—this episode will meet you where you are. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, and share this with a leader or father you admire.

📧 Email: matt@ironpath.com 📞 Phone: (310) 200-5796 🌐 Learn more: https://ironpath.com

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #MatthewHanson #RalphAdamo #FaithDrivenLeadership #IronPath #FatherhoodMatters #CompoundIntegrity #LRAgroup #BusinessWithValues #ModernRiteOfPassage

In Episode 69 of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo sits down with renowned leadership advisor and purpose-driven visionary Doug Wilson, co-founder of the National Talent Collaborative and CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLA-OC). With decades of experience working with CEOs, teaching at USC, and building communities of values-based leaders, Doug shares what it means to live and lead with moral clarity, spiritual grounding, and organizational impact.

This episode is a masterclass in how purpose, performance, and integrity are not only compatible—they’re essential partners in a meaningful life and a successful business.

• 🧭 What Integrity Really Means: Beyond consistency—how truth, courage, and values drive real leadership
• 🛐 Seminary & Strategy: How Doug’s spiritual formation shapes his work in business, community, and teaching
• 🧱 Brick by Brick: Why building a legacy starts with daily purpose—and the difference between a wall and a cathedral

“If you think about living a life of integrity, I think about it as living a life on the high ground.” – Doug Wilson

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or professional who wants to align profits with purpose, and values with vision—this episode is for you. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, and share it with someone you know is building something bigger than themselves.

📧 Email: dougawilson@gmail.com 🌐 Learn more: National Talent Collaborative 🌍 Learn more: CEO Leadership Alliance OC

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrity #Sales #Leadership #Integrity #RalphAdamo #Growth #Mindset #Business #PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #DougWilson #PurposefulLeadership #FaithInBusiness #CEOLeadershipAlliance #NationalTalentCollaborative #MoralLeadership #LegacyBuilding #BusinessWithIntegrity

In this episode of The Power of Integrity Podcast, host Ralph Adamo welcomes Jeff Baldassari, founder and CEO of The Competitive Edge Group. Jeff shares an unfiltered look into his 20+ year journey as a CEO, lawyer, CPA, and turnaround expert. From scaling companies in crisis to transforming discarded truck tires into sustainable flooring, Jeff’s story is packed with practical insights on growth, leadership, and doing business with character.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to scale—and sustain—a successful business, this conversation covers it all: operations, people, alignment, and the non-negotiable role of integrity.

• 🏗️ Scaling the right way: Why getting your house in order must come before growth
• 🌱 Environmental innovation: How Jeff’s team recycled 15M+ pounds of truck tires into gym flooring
• 🤝 Relationship over transaction: Why Jeff avoids “quick hits” in favor of long-term partnerships

“Integrity is keeping your word… people can depend on you and rely on you to come through.” – Jeff Baldassari

If you're a business leader struggling to scale or facing people problems you can't solve with strategy alone—this episode is your blueprint. Subscribe to The Power of Integrity Podcast, and share this with a colleague who values growth and values.

Website: https://thecompetitiveedgegroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbaldassari

Email: jeff@thecompetitiveedgegroup.com

Phone: 949-527-1982

Connect with Ralph Adamo:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-adamo/
• Website: http://www.integrityiwm.com/
• Website: https://www.integrityatwork.com/
• Podbean: https://thepowerofintegrity.podbean.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integritywealthmanagement9812

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

Disclaimer:

Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

#PowerOfIntegrity #Sales #Leadership #Integrity #RalphAdamo #Growth #Mindset #Business #PowerOfIntegrityPodcast #JeffBaldassari #RalphAdamo #BusinessIntegrity #LeadershipMatters #ScaleWithPurpose #SustainableBusiness #TurnaroundLeadership #PeopleOverProcess #CompetitiveEdgeGroup