Boundary Breakers (Boundary Breakers Podcast)

Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports and current CEO of Food52, shares her journey from transforming a controversial media brand into a $300 million empire. Discover how she navigated career risks, built passionate communities, and redefined content monetization in the digital age.

Discover the inspiring story of Bill Wosilius, who went from being an Air Force Academy football player to leading a major IT firm. Learn about the key leadership lessons he gained along the way and how they can help you navigate your own career path. Whether you're in the military, IT, or any other industry, Bill's insights on trusting your team, handling setbacks, and continuous growth will give you a fresh perspective on becoming an exceptional leader.

As the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for efficient energy storage is skyrocketing. However, there are significant challenges to overcome, from the sourcing of raw materials to the recycling of spent batteries. In this episode, Dave Bastone, CEO of Regenerate Technologies, discusses these challenges and the opportunities they present for innovative companies. Join Brandon as he explores the future of energy storage with one of the industry's leading experts.

Discover the remarkable story of Bobby Jones, who turned down Division 1 football offers to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. From stories of mentors that shaped his path and the challenges he overcame to graduate and serve his country to now running for office, Bobby has lived a life of achievements - including hugging George W. Bush on his graduation ceremony - in the Navy and is now looking at getting back to the community. And learn more about his work running for Fayette County Commissioner District #2 here: https://bobbyjones2024.com/

Join host Brandon Ansley as he sits down with the extraordinary Cris Schmitt, a retired Green Beret turned high-performance coach. In this episode, Chris shares his incredible journey from military service to corporate leadership, revealing the secrets of success he learned along the way. Discover how kindness can be the most effective weapon in your leadership toolkit. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

On this week's episode, Shane Snow and Brandon Ansley explore how storytelling can transform business from marketing to leadership, making an indelible impact. Shane shares personal tales of success that led him to understand why storytelling is a key element for business.

Learn Asma Paigeer's remarkable story of resilience in this episode of Boundary Breakers. Fleeing from from Afghanistan, Asma was separated from her family after the Taliban took over control in the country. A story that navigates challenges with courage, from pursuing education amid systemic barriers to escaping Taliban control to insights on Afghan women's struggles, the importance of education, and much more. This episode is a testament to Asma's unwavering spirit and the fight for women's rights and education. If you want to support Asma’s education, please check her GoFund Me page: https://gofund.me/a97046d7

In this episode of "Boundary Breakers," host Brandon Ansley discusses the fascinating world of film production with veteran producer Andy Horwitz. With a career spanning over a decade in Hollywood, Andy shares his journey from an aspiring filmmaker to a leading figure in the industry. He provides an insider's look into the challenges and triumphs of managing blockbuster movie budgets, the intricate dynamics of leadership in high-stakes projects, and the evolving landscape of Hollywood. From his early days at Atlas Entertainment to launching his own production company, Big Swell Entertainment, Andy's insights offer a rare glimpse into the art of producing major films.

In this episode of "Boundary Breakers," former military leader, ranger and Special Ops Raul Romero shares his compelling journey from commanding high-stakes military operations to pioneering innovative strategies in the corporate world. He reveals key insights on leadership, team building, and adaptability, drawing parallels between his experiences in both spheres. The discussion offers a unique perspective on how military discipline and tactics can be effectively applied in business to achieve remarkable success. Romero's inspiring story is not just about personal triumph but also about the profound lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of a growth mindset.

Alex Martinez, CEO of Intrinsic Medicine, shares his journey from law to biotech and his mission to revolutionize gut health. Discover how human milk oligosaccharides could be the key to treating chronic diseases and why understanding your body's ecology is crucial for overall wellness.

In this episode, AI expert Wolf Ruzicka shares his insights on how artificial intelligence, if developed further, could become the third major transformational event in human history after the agricultural and industrial revolutions. He encourages everyone to understand and experience the AI transformation happening right now.

Nick Jarjour, a leading music executive, discusses the intersection of technology and talent in the rapidly evolving music industry. He explores how innovative startups are empowering artists, democratizing access, and shaping the future of music. Discover the cutting-edge developments that are transforming the way we create, consume, and experience music.

Starting a business is never easy. Starting it from your own dorm room can make it even harder. That’s just the first bit of Liz Elting’s entrepreneurial journey, who started a translation business in her NYU dorm room and grew it into a $1 billion company. Liz shares her insights on why prioritizing sales and revenue generation is crucial for startups, rather than spending too much time on creating a perfect business plan. Learn how this approach helped her build a successful company from scratch.

Jeremy Almond, CEO of Paystand, shares his journey from humble beginnings to revolutionizing B2B payments using blockchain technology. Discover how Paystand is creating a zero-fee network for businesses, potentially saving billions in transaction costs and democratizing finance for companies worldwide.

Explore the intersection of military psychology and historical crime writing with Dr. Chris Frueh. This distinguished professor and author of "Operator Syndrome" discusses his research on 200 years of army suicides, his work with special operations personnel, and how his expertise informs both his academic work and crime novels.

Brandon Ansley hosts an intimate conversation with former pro athlete Brandon Lowery. Uncover how an unexpected turn deeply influenced Lowery's journey from aspiring skateboarder to soccer star, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Lowery shares candidly about the trials and triumphs of professional sports, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset and resilience required to excel both on and off the field. Discover the transformative lessons learned through adversity and how these insights have propelled him to success in new endeavors beyond athletics. Join us for a powerful discussion on transcending challenges and redefining personal success.

Discover the inspiring journey of Jason Clement, CEO and co-founder of Sports Facilities Companies, as he shares how he built a $300 million sports facilities empire from the ground up. Learn how he is making a positive impact on communities across the country by developing and managing state-of-the-art sports facilities. Hear how these facilities provide opportunities for character development, relationship building, and promoting healthy lifestyles, ultimately transforming the social fabric of the communities they serve.

Tony Jamous, CEO of Oyster, shares his journey from war-torn Lebanon to building a $1 billion startup in just two years. Discover how Oyster is revolutionizing global employment by breaking down geographic barriers and leveraging AI to create a more inclusive job market.

On today’s episode of Boundary Breakers, Brandon welcomes two guests: Mike LeFever and Roderick Jones. Mike and Roderick wrote a book together called End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating Crisis and Business where they discuss the importance of planning your business to face a crisis, security threats that need to be accounted for and much more. Mike and Roderick provide an unique background on their approach to communication, leadership and many other skills to business due to both of their past in military and police work. Roderick began his career with Scotland Yard’s Special Branch, focusing on international terrorism, while Mike completed his military career as the Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center after four decades of service. You don’t wanna miss this episode.

Meet Doron Merdinger, the visionary behind Doroni Aerospace's groundbreaking H1-X flying car. In this episode, Merdinger reveals how drone technology inspired a new era of personal air travel, and discusses the potential impact on urban transportation. From regulatory hurdles to technical innovations, explore the future of flying cars and their diverse applications.

Join Brandon Ansley in a revealing conversation with Jeff Rutt, the visionary CEO of Keystone Custom Homes and founder of Hope International. Discover the journey of a man who has built not only homes but also hope across the globe. From starting a homebuilding company that stands as a testament to quality and innovation to founding a nonprofit organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, learn about the origins of Keystone Custom Homes, the mission behind Hope International, and the profound impact these ventures have had on communities worldwide. An inspiring story of entrepreneurship coupled with humanitarianism, showcasing how one individual's vision can lead to substantial change in both the industry and in people's lives.

Learn how quantum physics principles can be applied to achieve success, from personal development to entrepreneurship, with Trevor Blake. #QuantumPhysics #Success #Entrepreneurship

Join Brandon Ansley in a fascinating conversation with Tommy Milner, who shares his extraordinary journey from a classical languages student to becoming CEO of industry giants like Remington Firearms and Cabela's. Discover how Tommy's relentless work ethic, skills in salesmanship, and unique approach to leadership propelled him to the top of the corporate ladder, despite never having taken a business class. Learn from Tommy's insights on the importance of listening, the power of kindness, and his transition from banking to sales, eventually leading major companies and serving on the board of Best Buy.

Join Brandon Ansley in a captivating conversation with Ian deQuieroz, as they traverse through Ian's extraordinary journey from a recycling-savvy kid that created biodegradable surfboards, became a pioneer in the hemp industry and founded a multimillion company. Get ready for a candid discussion filled with entrepreneurial insights and global perspectives that shaped Ian's remarkable career.

Join Brandon Asley as he joins today’s guest, Johnny Schillereff. Johnny is the founder of Element Skateboarding and a skateboarding icon. Today, he acts as the CEO of USA Skateboarding, on a mission to grow the sport following its Olympic debut. Learn about his trajectory and gain insights into his approach to balancing mainstream appeal with skateboarding's unique culture.

Discover the incredible story of Walt Rakowich, former CEO of Prologis, who took the company from the brink of bankruptcy to becoming one of the best-performing companies in the S&P 500. In this episode, Walt shares his insights on how authentic leadership, vulnerability, and building trust within an organization can make your business thrive.

Jeff Dance, CEO of Fresh Consulting, reveals how AI and robotics are reshaping the business landscape. Discover strategies to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech world and learn why the AI revolution might create more jobs than it eliminates.

On this week’s episode of Boundary Breakers, discover Kevin Kartchner's transformative journey from corporate dissatisfaction to entrepreneurial. Kevin shares how a blueprint for life, anchored in family, faith, and personal growth, propelled him from a career in accounting to founding his own sales training company. Learn the principles Kevin used to create profound life changes, emphasizing balance, purpose, and aligning career choices with personal values.

Rob Finlay, CEO of Thirty Capital, shares his journey from Wall Street to building a commercial real estate tech empire. Discover how AI and data analytics are reshaping the CRE landscape, and gain insights into the entrepreneurial mindset that drives success in today's market.

Join us as Ted Merz shares his fascinating journey in journalism, spanning decades of technological advancement. Discover how the media landscape has transformed, the potential of AI in this space, and how personalized content delivery is shaping the future of media.

Host Brandon Ansley takes you on a journey with Tom Bigley, from the Ranger battalion to corporate titan. Discover the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped Tom's warrior's journey. An inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in both military and civilian life.

Learn about David Obrand's career from Salesforce to Salesloft, his unique insights into work-life balance, and the transformative power of customer-centric business approaches. Discover how AI is revolutionizing sales and what it takes to lead successfully in the tech industry and gain valuable insights into balancing a demanding career with personal life from a seasoned tech executive.

Join Brandon Ansley in a conversation with Terrell Maze as they discuss the intricate dynamics of the NFL behind the scenes. Gain unique insights into the challenges, strategies, and surprises that shape an NFL player's career and how it reflects on a business journey.

Join us as we sit down with Cydni Tetro, the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year and former Disney tech commercialization expert. Learn how she's reshaping industries through 3D printing, e-commerce, and women's tech initiatives, while navigating multi-million dollar acquisitions and funding rounds.

Join Brandon as he sits down with Paul Epstein, former NFL executive turned leadership speaker and author. Paul shares his incredible journey from working with the LA Clippers and SF 49ers to finding his true calling in inspiring others. Discover the key traits and mindset shifts that helped Paul succeed in the competitive world of sports business and how he's now impacting lives through his transformational message.

Discover how Vinod Kettay, CEO of Vectra Automation, is revolutionizing the engineering industry with AI-powered software that turns weeks of manual labor into hours of automated precision. Learn about the challenges of creating engineering drawings and how Vectra's innovative solution is changing the game for manufacturers worldwide.

KP Hari shares his incredible journey from a poor village in India to becoming the CFO of a global tech company with 3500 employees. Discover how education, determination, and adaptability transformed his life and led to the creation of a software empire spanning 11 countries.

While PTSD is often the focus of discussions about veteran mental health, it's just one part of a larger picture. Explore why a holistic view that considers the interrelated physiological systems and the impact of military service is essential for truly understanding and addressing veteran well-being. In this week’s episode, clinical psychologist and author Dr. Chris Frueh discusses Operator Syndrome, a framework for understanding the unique pattern of injuries and impairments faced by special operations forces veterans. Learn about the interrelated physiological systems affected by high allostatic load and the innovative treatments offering hope for recovery.

Experience the fascinating world of event production through the eyes of Guy Horner, CEO of TBA Group. In this episode, Guy shares his journey from PR to leading a globally renowned experiential marketing agency. Learn how TBA Group creates unforgettable fan experiences and navigates the complexities of major sports events like Formula One and the Olympics. Perfect for anyone interested in event planning, marketing, and the evolving landscape of live entertainment.

Brandon Ansley welcomes the 2 time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Steve Killelea, to this week’s episode of Boundary Breakers. The creator of the Global Peace Index and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace discusses cycles of violence, why addressing root causes is crucial and what are some of the efforts to are creating impact around the world.

Stephen DeAngelis, CEO of Enterra Solutions, unveils how AI is reshaping global business operations and creating new job opportunities. Discover why AI might be the biggest job creator since Silicon Valley and how businesses can adapt to this technological revolution.

In this episode of Boundary Breakers, Brandon welcomes Ric Prado for a detailed conversation about his life inside the CIA, following operations all over the world as part of the counterterrorism front. How was Ric’s life in Cuba before Castro? What did the CIA know about Bin Laden before and after 9/11? What does Ric miss most about the agency? These and other questions are answered in this insightful episode. Don’t miss it!

From his 20 years of military service, in which 15 were as a Navy SEAL, Diego Ugalde is now helping people achieve their goals in business, sports and much more through millitary training in his entreprenurial journey - The Trident Approach. Learn more about Diego’s work and legacy in this episode of Boundary Breakers.

Join Brandon Ansley as he hosts Spencer Broome, an innovator behind Surf ATL, who shares his inspiring journey from Myrtle Beach to revolutionizing real estate and digital marketing in Atlanta. Discover how Spencer’s passion for surfing shaped his career and led to the creation of a unique, surfing-focused project that challenges the conventional approaches to real estate development. In this insightful discussion, Spencer reflects on his southern roots, his educational ventures at Clemson University, and his professional development in the dynamic world of digital marketing. Learn about his early fascination with surfing in South Florida, his achievements in building a thriving digital marketing agency with national retail clients like Grammarly and Home Depot, and his commitment to nurturing a work environment that prioritizes people and their growth.

Join Brandon Ansley in conversation with award-winning TV producer, Brant Pinvidic, author behind "The 3-Minute Rule." Discover how Brant's groundbreaking approach to concise and impactful communication has revolutionized the way we convey messages, from Hollywood pitches to everyday interactions. Uncover the pivotal moment that led Brant from TV production to authoring a New York Times Bestseller, sharing the universe of effective persuasion.

Discover the inspiring story of Kyle Hanslovan, who went from a scrappy kid hacking AOL for free internet to founding Huntress Labs, a cybersecurity company protecting small businesses. Learn about his childhood, journey from the Air Force to the NSA, and how he became a top ethical hacker.

In this episode, Joe Williams shares the incredible story of how he and his partner Gary Keller grew Keller Williams from a small real estate firm into the largest real estate franchise in the US with over 1000 offices and 175,000 agents. Discover the innovative ideas and business practices that disrupted the industry and propelled their massive success.

Discover how Wooster Brush Company, America's oldest independent paint applicator manufacturer, has thrived for 173 years. President Ben Maibach reveals the company's commitment to quality, innovation, and most importantly, its people - including a remarkable no-layoff policy since 1954. Learn how this people-first approach has built a lasting legacy in American manufacturing.

Join host Brandon Ansley in an exclusive, in-depth conversation with military veteran, former Ranger sniper, and Founder of Founding Fathers Collective, Grant Quezada. Discover the intricate details of Grant’s journey, from his upbringing in Prescott, Arizona, to the challenges faced during deployments, sniper school, and the transition to civilian life.

Kenneth Nitzberg, co-CEO of Devon Self Storage, reveals how he built a $2 billion self-storage empire from scratch. Discover the untapped potential in vacant buildings, learn about the industry's future, and uncover the secrets behind Nitzberg's Hall of Fame success in this eye-opening interview.

Canadian entrepreneur Nathan Eliiot joins Brandon Ansley on this episode of Boundary Breakers to discuss how he sticks to his mission when he came up with his business idea for FrontRunner, which, in his words, “will turn any window into a large digital screen” and how he is using this space to revolutionize the delivery of videos in populated streets, airports, shopping centers and much more - making billboards a thing of the past. Nathan also discusses his work as an executive producer in Black Mark - a limited documentary series exploring the Black experience in professional sports with Matt Barnes as a partner. Don’t miss it!

Join host Brandon Ansley in an insightful conversation with legal professional turned entrepreneur, Adrian Dayton, as they discuss social media’s early days and how Adrian became a pioneer for business development on those platforms.