In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Caden Brunell, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and entrepreneur. In this engaging conversation, Caden shares a journey marked by determination, growth, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. From humble beginnings in a small town, you'll hear how early experiences in sports and family businesses laid a foundation of grit and discipline. As the path twists through shifting ambitions and unexpected challe...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Kash Fadaie, Founder of Fadaie Insurance Services Inc. In this intriguing conversation, Kash shares a transformative personal experience that reshaped his understanding of self and purpose. Through a unique practice, he describes reaching a profound state of bliss and clarity that transcends ordinary consciousness, leading to a deeper connection with their authentic self. This awakening sets the stage for a journey of person...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Liv Mitchell, entrepreneur and Founder of Liv Mitchell Jewelry. In this engaging conversation, Liv shares her journey of growing a business from humble beginnings to gaining momentum through word-of-mouth and dedicated client relationships. The discussion explores the pivotal moments when steady progress begins to accelerate and the importance of nurturing genuine connections that lead to organic growth. You'll get a glimpse...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Yashaar Amin, Managing Principal at Arch Anchor. In this insightful conversation, Matt and Yashaar discuss the journey of mastering a complex craft that blends both technical knowledge and relationship-building. They explore the significance of gaining hands-on experience across different roles and how filling gaps in expertise can unlock new opportunities. You'll get a glimpse into the balance between hard skills and soft s...
Jun 10, 2025•46 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Keaton Petite, a higher education consultant. In this engaging conversation, Keaton reflects on the evolving landscape of work and learning, revealing how emerging tools have transformed the way professionals approach problem-solving and creativity. From leveraging technology to streamline complex tasks to rethinking traditional methods, you'll hear about the challenges and opportunities that come with adaptin...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Craig Atkins, Chairman and Co-founder of City Ventures, a real estate development firm focused on urban housing throughout California. In this engaging conversation, Matt and Craig dive deep into the unpredictable journey of building a career from the ground up. From relentless persistence that spans hundreds of days to unexpected opportunities that arise during challenging economic times, you'll learn how dedication and ada...
May 27, 2025•44 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Dave Foster, the Founder and CEO of Gateway Wealth Management. In this insightful conversation, Sean and Dave explore a nuanced journey of personal growth, career evolution, and the often-overlooked importance of perseverance. Through stories of early challenges and surprising pivots, you'll learn how formative experiences—especially those that test one's limits—can shape not just career paths but also charact...
May 20, 2025•1 hr
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Matt Sivewright, a four-time serial entrepreneur. During the conversation, the discussion explores the challenges of building businesses, from the initial spark of an idea to overcoming the hurdles of growth. The two Matts touch on the pressures and sacrifices involved in the entrepreneurial world, highlighting how pivotal decisions shape the trajectory of one's career and personal life. Matt Sivewright provides an in-depth ...
May 13, 2025•42 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Frank Guimont, a young finance student and record-breaking business professional. This conversation dives deep into Frank's journey - redefining success through personal growth and leadership. Emphasizing the importance of embracing the process rather than fixating on outcomes, the discussion explores how true success often comes from helping others reach their potential. You'll discover the impact of mentorship and the foun...
May 06, 2025•44 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Sharon Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest headmaster in the history of Southern California schools. During this insightful conversation, Matt and Sharon explore the intricate journey of leadership within a unique and impactful field. They explore how passion for education can evolve into higher leadership roles and the complexities that come with that transition. Through candid reflections, the conversation touches on t...
Apr 29, 2025•53 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Ian Beacraft, a futurist, AI expert, and CEO of Signal and Cipher. You'll hear about the journey of an entrepreneur who has carved out a unique path through persistence, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From an intense early business experience that tested the limits of endurance to later navigating the fast-evolving landscape of innovation, the discussion highlights the mindset and skills ...
Apr 22, 2025•54 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nate Douglas, who is a medical device sales professional, a real estate investor, and a former College Works alumni and one of the few individuals to summit Mount Everest, and all 7 summits. You'll discover the personal journey that led Nate to push boundaries and tackle challenges that few would even consider. The story weaves through moments of triumph, vulnerability, and the mindset required to conquer daunting feats. Go ...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by R.T. Custer, founder and CEO of Vortic Watch Company, an American watch manufacturer. During the conversation, R.T. shares insights on a journey that combines passion, creativity, and a relentless drive for success. From the beginnings of a dream to the challenges faced along the way, the discussion dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with great...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nelma Maddox, a regional vice president for a major pharmaceutical sales company. Nelma discusses her journey to carve a unique path in a competitive and demanding industry. With a blend of hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities, you'll learn how she navigated various career shifts and leadership roles. Her story reveals how personal values, a strong work ethic, and a focus on community engagement helped them ri...
Apr 01, 2025•56 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Gage Ward, College Works alumni and Account Manager for Engineered Sales Inc. Gage reflects on overcoming initial struggles and adapting to the demands of a high-pressure field, all while embracing a mindset focused on growth and learning. Matt and Gage discuss the importance of resilience, noting how persistence in the face of setbacks can lead to eventual success. You'll hear about the value of taking risks, sacrificing short-term...
Mar 25, 2025•38 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Steve Tchejeyan, President of Island, an enterprise browser maker. During the conversation, Matt and Steve explore the challenges and lessons learned from navigating high-pressure environments, where success hinges on adaptability and forward-thinking. Steve shares personal experiences of realizing the importance of maintaining momentum, even when things seem to be going well. A moment of panic serves as a turning point, underscorin...
Mar 18, 2025•56 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, guest host Sean Phelps is joined by Eric Rose, a former Procter & Gamble executive, now the founder and CEO of Sprints Running Apparel. During the conversation, Eric shares the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, balancing the demands of a high-profile corporate career with the drive to build a personal brand from the ground up. Navigating the challenges of scaling a business while managing the complexities of an established company, he ref...
Mar 11, 2025•48 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Grayson Bierling, a former member of the College Works program. During the conversation, Grayson shares his journey of returning to a familiar industry with a fresh perspective, embracing the challenges of learning the trade from the ground up. Rather than taking shortcuts, he immerses himself in the intricacies of operations, regulations, and problem-solving, recognizing that true leadership comes from firsthand experience. You'll ...
Mar 04, 2025•52 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ellen Pais, Executive Director of Pretend City Children's Museum. During the conversation, Matt and Ellen discuss bold, unconventional approaches to solving community challenges, highlighting the power of creativity and collaboration. Ellen shares insights into how innovative thinking can drive real change, bringing people together in unexpected ways. You'll discover the complexities of leadership and the art of rallying support for...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Bobby Bourguignon, an alumnus of the College Works program. During the conversation, Bobby shares how they navigated the early stages of his career, experimenting with different paths before finding one that sparked genuine excitement. The discussion explores the importance of passion in professional growth, while also acknowledging that not every day will be easy—sometimes, perseverance through difficult seasons is what ultimately ...
Feb 18, 2025•47 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Matt Hickman, a video content creator. You'll hear Matt's compelling journey of discovery, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Faced with a crossroads in life, he embraced a bold challenge — venturing into the unknown with nothing but raw determination and an eagerness to learn. His story unfolds through moments of uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt, yet it is precisely these obstacles that fuel their relentless pursuit of s...
Feb 11, 2025•49 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Hirad Emadi, co-founder and President of Innovative Construction Solutions. During this engaging conversation, Matt explores the journey of a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a stable career to launching a thriving business. Hirad highlights the importance of identifying gaps in the market and consistently adding value, which can lead to repeat business and long-term success. You'll discover the dynamics of partnerships...
Jul 16, 2024•59 min
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brad Baldridge, certified financial planner, college funding consultant, and chief podcaster at Taming the High Cost of College. Matt and Brad explore the multifaceted process of preparing for an important milestone that affects many families—paying for college. They discuss various strategies and options available to navigate this complex landscape, as well as the importance of understanding different types of support and how they ...
Jul 09, 2024•47 min
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Darton Case, owner and CEO of Dart Appraisal Services. They discuss the challenges and triumphs faced in building a lasting business. Darton offers insights on having a long-term vision, emphasizing how critical it is for entrepreneurs to diversify and not rely too heavily on a single client or market. You'll discover the evolution of Darton's role from a hands-on entrepreneur to a CEO who empowers his team to take the reins. The conve...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ryan Coon, entrepreneur and former CEO / co-owner of Avail. Ryan outlines some of the invaluable lessons learned from his early career experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking, particularly how connections made during internships and college can lead to unexpected opportunities later in life. You'll learn about the serendipity of reconnecting with former colleagues and mentors in various profes...
Jun 25, 2024•53 min
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Madi McSwain, an insurance agent with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Madi shares her unique journey and the strategies she has employed to achieve success in her professional life. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, strategic planning, and maintaining a customer-focused approach. You'll discover the challenges Madi encountered in her early days starting from scratch, the sacrifices she made, and the relentless work...
Jun 18, 2024•50 min
In this engaging episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by David Renberg, a successful entrepreneur who started his own real estate brokerage at a remarkably young age. Throughout the conversation, David reflects on his journey, offering insights and advice based on his experiences. He shares key moments of growth and realization, touching on topics like work-life balance, team building, and the importance of perspective in handling challenges. You'll take a journey through David's ca...
Jun 11, 2024•49 min
In this engaging episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Mason Lindsay, a promising young entrepreneur, exploring the journey of career discovery and personal growth. Mason reflects on the pressures and misconceptions surrounding the need to determine a lifelong career path early on, contrasting it with the more realistic approach of exploring various opportunities. You'll discover insights on how a mindset of appreciation and gratitude can open doors and create opportunities that m...
Jun 04, 2024•52 min
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 i...
May 28, 2024•57 min
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...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
