On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Grace Jones as they discuss her professional journey and the significance of internships and diverse work experiences in shaping her career. She reflects on how college internships, particularly those that allowed her to run her own business, provided her with the freedom and guidance to explore and succeed in the business world. Grace highlights how these opportunities equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in various industries, emphasizing that if the right opportunities aren't available, one should take initiative to create them.

Grace's path took an interesting turn when she moved into a role in entertainment sales at Back Nine, a company distinct from her original career aspirations in the music industry. Her role involves crafting unique event experiences, requiring her to leverage high-level communication and problem-solving skills to meet diverse client needs. This role has not only allowed her to refine her sales and management skills but has also positioned her strategically for lateral moves within the entertainment and music industries. Grace underscores the importance of adapting and transferring skills across different fields to achieve one's career goals.

The conversation also explores personal challenges Grace has faced, particularly her recovery from multiple hip surgeries during college, which forced her to pause her career pursuits temporarily. This period of forced inactivity provided her with valuable time for self-reflection and personal growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability. Grace discusses how surrounding herself with supportive people and engaging in activities that brought her joy helped her navigate these challenges effectively. She concludes with reflections on the sacrifices made during her college years, noting that while she may have missed out on typical college experiences, the choices she made were instrumental in setting her up for future success.

Join Matt and Grace for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How college internships provide the freedom and structure to create your own business, book clients, and shape your professional path under expert guidance.
• The importance of lateral movement in a career, how to combine passion with professional success, and the significance of taking on different roles to gain diverse experiences that prepare you for your ultimate career goals.
• How facing and overcoming personal challenges, like managing multiple surgeries, can contribute to personal growth, better self-awareness, and professional clarity.
• How selling techniques can vary significantly between industries like home services and entertainment, and why mastering these can be crucial to career advancement in sales.
• How critical listening, communication, and problem-solving skills are developed through real-world experience, not just classroom learning, and how these skills apply across various job roles and industries.
• The sacrifices made during formative years and how these choices, often in lieu of typical leisure activities, set the stage for future professional achievements and satisfaction.
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Sishir Reddy, CEO and co-founder of Episource, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his career. Initially inspired by his father's suggestion to explore medical billing, Sishir set out to establish a medical billing outsourcing business in India. With his father's practice as his first client, he learned the intricacies of the industry and gradually built a team, starting with his first employee, Gopi. The business slowly expanded as Sishir leveraged his network of doctors in Southern California, a strategy that eventually led to a significant turning point when he was introduced to a larger managed care organization. This connection allowed him to pivot from medical billing to risk adjustment coding services, recognizing a niche market with greater growth potential.

Sishir's journey underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. After realizing the complexities and limitations of managing a medical billing business, he and his partners decided to focus entirely on the burgeoning field of risk adjustment coding for health plans. This strategic pivot paid off, leading to rapid growth and the eventual shutdown of their initial business model. By 2008, the company was thriving, and by maintaining a disciplined, bootstrapped approach, they reached significant revenue milestones without outside capital. Sishir also navigated complex partnership dynamics, bringing on his partner's son-in-law, whose finance and operational expertise complemented his strengths in sales and strategy. This collaboration proved crucial in scaling the business to new heights.

Ultimately, Sishir's decision to sell the business to UnitedHealth Group marked the culmination of his entrepreneurial efforts. Post-exit, he faced a period of adjustment, grappling with a sense of loss and seeking new directions. This introspective phase led him to prioritize family time and philanthropic endeavors, focusing on education and healthcare within his community. Embracing a mentor and advisor role, Sishir aims to leverage his extensive experience to support emerging businesses and make a positive impact. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic pivots, and the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of changing circumstances.

Join Matt and Sishir for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Sishir recognized the opportunity to pivot from medical billing to risk adjustment coding services for health plans.
• The importance of identifying and adapting to new market opportunities.
• The advantages of maintaining a bootstrapped mentality, generating positive cash flow and reinvesting in the business to drive growth without relying on outside capital.
• The value of leveraging complementary skills in business partnerships.
• The challenges and strategies for managing fast-paced growth in a business.
• The risks and rewards of involving family members in business, and how Sishir balanced family ties with professional responsibilities.
• The considerations and strategic thinking involved in deciding to sell a business.
• The emotional challenges that can follow after exiting a business and strategies for finding new purpose and direction.
• How Sishir transitioned from business to philanthropic efforts, giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives in education and healthcare.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Episource

Sishir's...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Jeff Gunhus, a seasoned entrepreneur, to discuss the concept of excellence and business leadership. Jeff defines excellence as a deliberate choice to pursue the best version of oneself across all life's endeavors, stressing the importance of being both content and driven. Throughout their conversation, Jeff shares insights from his journey of building a successful business empire, emphasizing the pivotal role of making strategic choices, even when they entail personal sacrifices, such as missing out on leisure activities to focus on career growth.

The discussion then pivots to Jeff's entrepreneurial experiences, where he elaborates on transitioning his business model in response to unforeseen challenges, such as regulatory changes and market dynamics. This shift notably involved downsizing from $6 million to $1.6 million in revenue, which set the stage for a remarkable recovery and growth trajectory, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Jeff highlights the critical role of team building and maintaining a brand that genuinely resonates with both employees and customers, fostering a culture of high performance and mutual respect.

Towards the end of the episode, Jeff and Matt explore the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, which ensures sustained passion and commitment. Jeff shares personal anecdotes, including his family's involvement in community service, illustrating how personal values deeply influence professional actions and company culture. The episode concludes with Jeff reflecting on the sacrifices made during his career, reinforcing that short-term trade-offs can lead to long-term rewards, encapsulating the podcast's theme of striving towards excellence through thoughtful decision-making and persistent effort.

Join Matt and Jeff for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How excellence is not about being the best in the field but striving to be the best version of oneself.
• How to transition from small-scale successes to major brand building, and the importance of vision in scaling businesses effectively.
• How effective partnerships are crucial and how mutual understanding and shared goals strengthen business relationships.
• Jeff's experiences of balancing career ambitions with personal life, providing a blueprint for managing professional growth without compromising personal relationships.
• The long-term impacts of early career choices and the importance of international exposure and adapting to various cultural environments.
• The resilience businesses require to adapt to external changes, like regulatory shifts, and how these can be opportunities for significant growth.
• How a company's values and culture contribute to its success, and how to integrate personal values into your business practices for holistic success.
• Insights into taking full ownership of one’s actions and decisions in business, promoting a leadership style that fosters accountability and growth.
• The significance of finding joy in one’s professional journey, regardless of the challenges faced, which can lead to a more fulfilling career and life.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Home Genius Exteriors

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by guest Kory Finley, as they focus on Kory's journey to personal and professional excellence. The discussion opens with Kory sharing his definition of excellence as the consistent effort to perform at one's best every day, regardless of the circumstances. Kory narrates his life story, from being a multi-sport athlete in high school to entering the challenging world of business and cattle ranching. He emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility and learning from setbacks to propel oneself towards success.

During the discussion, Kory discusses his time in college and his early career, particularly his involvement with College Works, where he excelled as a freshman intern. His success was partly due to his competitive nature and the desire to be recognized as the best. Kory reflects on the moments that shaped his career, including significant sales achievements and the strategic decisions he made, like turning down financial support from his parents to foster independence and avoid any potential for guilt-driven influence.

Kory's philosophy revolves around ownership and responsibility, believing that these are critical to achieving excellence. He shares how confronting and overcoming challenges, like dealing with customer complaints and leading teams, were invaluable learning experiences. Throughout the episode, Kory and Matt highlight the importance of making deliberate choices about how to spend one's time and the value of investing in meaningful activities and relationships that promote personal growth and success.

Join Matt and Kory for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Kory's definition of excellence as the persistent effort to perform at your best daily, regardless of external conditions.
• The importance of taking ownership of problems and failures as a key strategy for personal and professional growth.
• How early job experiences, such as working in concrete construction and cattle ranching, shaped Kory’s work ethic and success.
• Why Kory attributes his success to a competitive disposition, striving to be the best in his endeavors.
• His experience of setting a high sales record as a goal, illustrating the power of high aspirations.
• Turning setbacks into learning opportunities, and how to convert failures into stepping stones toward success.
• The importance of financial independence from family to avoid guilt-driven decisions.
• The importance of investing time wisely and making choices that align with long-term goals.
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Sean Phelps, as they explore the concept of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical experiences outside traditional educational pathways. Sean reflects on his journey, highlighting his involvement with College Works, where he developed essential business skills by managing teams and projects while still in college. He shares insights about the value of real-world applications of business concepts, advising aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on technical skills in college and seek out entrepreneurial experiences in the broader world, using resources like the Kauffman Foundation and Y Combinator.

During the discussion, Sean elaborates on his career trajectory, including the tough decisions he faced when offered a full-time position that conflicted with his existing commitments. He shares a critical turning point where he chose to prioritize his role at College Works, attributing his professional skills and opportunities to the experiences he gained there. This choice led to him eventually being fired from the FinTech company he was involved with, underscoring the challenges and sacrifices inherent in balancing multiple career paths and the unpredictable nature of startup environments.

Matt and Sean also explore the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, discussing the integration of work, family, and personal life. Sean credits his entrepreneurial flexibility with allowing him to commit time to family and personal interests, advocating for a balanced life where work does not overshadow other responsibilities. They conclude by stressing the importance of building a solid reputation through hard work and reliability, which in turn fosters professional relationships and opens up opportunities for future ventures and collaborations.

Join Matt and Sean for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How hands-on experience in the field can surpass traditional education paths for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Why challenging economic times, such as the 2008 financial crisis, can serve as the best periods to hone entrepreneurial skills and lead businesses.
• How adapting to circumstances by working smarter and harder can set a foundation for success.
• Strategies for managing a successful career while maintaining strong family ties and personal wellbeing.
• How entrepreneurship offers the flexibility to prioritize life events without sacrificing professional growth.
• How past failures and humility in leadership can enhance team performance and drive better results.
• The importance of empowering team members by recognizing their potential to surpass your achievements.
• How strategic time investment in work, relationships, and hobbies can lead to a more fulfilled and balanced life.
• The concept of 'investing time' vs. 'spending time,' and how this perspective can lead to more effective personal and professional life management.
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by entrepreneur Steve Kearley, from Benson Kearley Insurance as they discuss the elements of success, the entrepreneurial mindset, and personal growth through business endeavors. Steve shares his journey from selling designer jeans out of his high school locker to becoming a prominent figure in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the significance of self-measurement and personal growth over comparing oneself to others, highlighting how his definition of excellence has evolved over the years. Steve's narrative is peppered with insights on overcoming societal expectations and focusing on one's strengths and unique abilities.

Throughout the discussion, Steve stresses the importance of networking, not in the traditional sense of merely exchanging business cards, but in building meaningful, reciprocal relationships without immediate expectations. This approach to networking, according to Steve, involves connecting people, helping others without a direct benefit to oneself, and ultimately, building a network based on trust and mutual respect. Both Steve and Matt reflect on their experiences within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), underscoring how such networks have facilitated their business growth and personal development.

The conversation also delves into Steve's strategic approach to his insurance business, where he shifted focus from traditional metrics to providing real value to customers through educational seminars and resources that go beyond insurance. This value-driven approach helped differentiate his company in a competitive market. Steve's commitment to his team and ethical business practices, even post-business sale, reflects his dedication to ensuring the welfare of his employees and maintaining a legacy of integrity and trust. This episode not only explores the nuances of entrepreneurial success but also provides practical advice for personal and professional growth.

Join Matt and Steve for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How excellence isn't about surpassing others but measuring personal growth over time, understanding and leveraging your unique abilities
• The true value of networking: building authentic relationships and helping others without expecting something in return, rather than merely exchanging contacts for personal gain.
• Embracing failures as learning opportunities, fostering resilience, and continuous personal development.
• The characteristics that often define entrepreneurs, such as a dislike for being employed, the necessity for freedom, and the ability to see and seize opportunities for innovation and leadership.
• How to differentiate your business in a competitive market by providing additional value beyond the core services, using Steve’s approach in the insurance industry as a model.
• How setting and adhering to clear company values can simplify decision-making processes and contribute to long-term business success.
• Advice for young entrepreneurs on setting and sharing goals, the importance of mentorship, and why it's vital to understand and align with your core values.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Benson Kearley IFG

Steve's LinkedIn

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brett Apel as he shares his journey from a college student to becoming an entrepreneur and business executive. Bret emphasizes the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and pushing boundaries to achieve success. He discusses his initial uncertainty about his career path and how his experience with College Works Painting opened the door to entrepreneurship, teaching him valuable business and life skills. Bret's story is a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and work ethic, one can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve remarkable success at a young age.

The conversation explores the concept of excellence, exploring how Bret's definition of excellence as a constant pursuit of self-improvement and challenging oneself has propelled him forward. They highlight the importance of resilience, open-mindedness, and taking ownership of one's actions to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. Bret stresses the significance of not resting on past laurels but instead, using previous successes as a foundation for future achievements.

The episode touches on the sacrifices required for success, with Bret recounting the social pressures and the need for balance between work, personal growth, and social life he faced during college. He emphasizes the value of making tough choices early in life to set oneself up for long-term success, framing his sacrifices as a means to gain a head start in life. Bret's journey underscores the message that embracing challenges, maintaining a positive and resilient attitude, and continuously striving for excellence can lead to fulfilling and successful outcomes.

Join Matt and Brett for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Brett's decision to pursue entrepreneurship, emphasizing hard work, the desire to learn, and the ambition to succeed without constraints.
• His personal definition of excellence as the continuous pursuit of challenging oneself to be the best version possible.
• The significance of resilience and keeping an open mind to overcome obstacles and find one's path.
• The role of effort and time in developing strong relationships, whether with friends, coworkers, or family.
• Brett's approach to learning from both successes and failures, without dwelling on the past.
• The importance of balance and prioritizing long-term goals over short-term pleasures.
• Brett's belief in embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by John Bruckner, a consultant and advisor with a unique blend of legal and financial expertise. John shares his journey from being a finance major to becoming an influential figure in the legal consulting world, emphasizing the importance of being open to opportunities and seeking mentorship. He recounts his decision to pursue law school while working, which ultimately led him to meet Byron McFarland, who played a pivotal role as his mentor. John's story highlights the value of curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to seek and listen to advice from those more experienced.

Throughout the discussion, John stresses the critical skills needed for success in his field, including active listening, follow-through, expertise, and perseverance. He suggests that aspiring professionals should immerse themselves in learning opportunities and build relationships with mentors to navigate their careers effectively. John's approach to becoming a successful consultant involves a mix of continuous learning, understanding the importance of client relationships, and the ability to provide expert advice while admitting when further research is needed. His insights into building a career path that blends law and finance shed light on the non-linear nature of professional growth and the benefits of cross-disciplinary knowledge.

The conversation also explores the concept of work-life integration, where John advocates for a mindset of always being "on" but in a way that allows for flexibility and geographical freedom. This approach, he argues, is made possible by a career that aligns closely with one's interests and unique abilities, thus blurring the lines between work and personal life. By accepting the opportunity costs associated with prioritizing work, John suggests that professionals can achieve a form of freedom that allows for significant personal and professional satisfaction. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the journey to finding one's niche in the professional world, emphasizing that success comes from aligning one's work with their passions and strengths, leading to a fulfilling career.

Join Matt and John for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How actively listening to clients and seeking mentorship can lay the foundation for a successful career in law or any professional field.
• How John's background in finance and his decision to pursue law school led him to a unique niche in legal consulting for businesses.
• The core skills essential for success in legal consulting, including writing, case law analysis, and the application of law.
• The business side of law, including the job market dynamics and the financial implications of pursuing a career in law.
• Strategies for setting oneself apart in the legal field, such as embracing curiosity, networking, and leveraging unique skill sets.
• The concept of work-life integration as opposed to strict work-life balance.
• The sacrifices required for professional growth and how understanding opportunity cost can guide career decisions.
• And so much more...