Breakfast Leadership Show

From Gym Floor to Franchise Vision: Devan Gonzalez's Journey of Discipline, Impact, and Humility

Episode Title: From Gym Floor to Franchise Vision: Devan's Journey of Discipline, Impact, and Humility
Show Notes:
Redefining Career Paths: Devan’s Bold Leap into Fitness LeadershipIn this powerful conversation, Mike sits down with Devan to unpack his unconventional career shift—from business management to kinesiology and eventually launching his own gym. What started as a personal passion for helping others transformed into a broader mission: building a gym franchise that changes lives at scale. Devan shares the driving forces behind his leap, the courage it took to walk an uncharted path, and the resilience needed to build something bigger than himself.
Franchise Growth with Heart: Leading Without EgoDevan opens up about the evolution of his gym into a thriving franchise and the deep fulfillment that comes with seeing his vision positively shape communities. What sets Devan apart? His grounded approach to leadership. He doesn’t lead from the top down—instead, he jumps in wherever he’s needed, showing that true leadership is about service. Mike highlights Devan’s humility, noting that this mindset is often what sustains long-term success in business and in life.
Health as the Ultimate Performance HackMike and Devan dive into the critical link between physical health and mental wellness, especially for entrepreneurs and leaders. Mike challenges listeners to rethink their priorities—replacing scrolling time with sweat equity. Devan echoes the importance of customizing fitness to fit real lives and busy schedules, emphasizing that excuses are barriers we build ourselves. If you want high performance, health has to be non-negotiable.
The Discipline Blueprint: How to Show Up for YourselfDiscipline isn’t about motivation—it’s about systems. Devan and Mike explore how developing consistent habits around health, fitness, and mindset fuels personal and professional growth. The secret? Treat your workouts and self-care as appointments that cannot be canceled. They both reflect on how discipline directly improves mental clarity, decision-making, and leadership capacity. If you want to lead others, it starts with showing up for yourself first.
Takeaway:This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, fitness lovers, and anyone looking to lead a life of purpose and performance. Devan’s story proves that success isn’t about titles or ego—it’s about impact, intention, and the daily disciplines that move you forward.
Website:  http://strive11fitness.com/
🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at BreakfastLeadership.com.
 

Finding Purpose Through Passion: Sarah Levitt's Journey into Hairdressing

Finding Purpose Through Passion: Sarah’s Journey into Hairdressing
In this heartfelt episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with his daughter, Sarah, to explore the winding paths we take in our careers and the passions that fuel them. Sarah shares how a visit to a Florida cosmetology school during a trip to see her grandmother sparked a lifelong interest in hair styling. That moment planted a seed that would later grow into a full-blown calling — one that she’s now pursuing at barber school.
Michael reflects on his own unexpected career path, tracing it back to his childhood fascination with baseball cards, which eventually led to a successful career in accounting. In a candid moment, he opens up about the personal toll of his divorce and its impact on his family, offering a message of hope and healing for anyone navigating life’s tougher chapters.
From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Grit Behind Sarah’s Hairdressing Career
Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her journey into the hair industry — a path filled with obstacles including financial constraints, educational hurdles, and challenges in workplace dynamics. Despite these setbacks, Sarah’s unwavering determination helped her earn her credentials and build real-world experience across salons and barbershops.
When she faced difficulties transferring her Canadian license to the U.S. and finding stable opportunities in her new environment, Sarah didn’t give up. Instead, she doubled down on her passion and remains focused on reigniting her career in the States. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins in the trenches.
Grief, Growth, and the Power of Dreams: Honoring a Grandmother’s Legacy
The loss of her beloved grandmother — her best friend and biggest supporter — became a turning point for Sarah. Rather than giving in to grief, she chose to channel her emotions into a meaningful goal: becoming a hair stylist. Enrolling in barber school became both a healing journey and a way to honor her grandmother’s legacy.
Now, a year later, Sarah is back in the U.S., diploma in hand and hope in her heart. Her transformation is a testament to the power of purpose, even in the midst of profound personal loss.
Resilience, Passion, and Clarity in Career Choices
Michael highlights the resilience Sarah has shown throughout her journey — something he sees as a vital ingredient in long-term career success. Together, they discuss the stability and creative fulfillment the hair industry can offer, especially during economic uncertainty.
Michael encourages Sarah to stay aligned with her passion, trusting that the right path will reveal itself through self-reflection, creativity, and deep listening. Whether it's behind the chair or in another meaningful direction, Sarah’s journey is far from over — it’s just getting started.
Instagram:  https://Instagram.com/Hairtasticbysarahhhhh
 
 

From Intrapreneurship to Impact: How Alignment, Culture & Action Drive Success with Ken Rusk

From Blue Collar Roots to Boardroom Success: Intrapreneurship, Culture, and Growth with Ken Rusk
In this powerful episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Ken Rusk, author of Blue Collar Cash, to explore how alignment, action, and authentic leadership can transform both lives and businesses.
Ken shares his incredible journey—from a blue-collar background to building a thriving franchise organization—grounded in the philosophy of intrapreneurship and a deep commitment to his employees’ futures. We discuss why businesses excel when individual and organizational goals are aligned, creating what I call a synergistic momentum that fuels performance and retention.
I also reflect on my time leading teams in the Asset Management division for Fortune 500 clients. We implemented a unique collaborative debriefing strategy that brought together cross-project teams, fostering camaraderie and making team members more agile and interchangeable. This approach not only increased efficiency but also drew the attention of global leadership for its impact on client growth without the need for added consultants.
Ken and I dive into the critical role of employee development and cultural growth. He underscores the importance of helping employees visualize their goals and stay motivated within an organization that values and nurtures their ambitions. I expand on how culture isn’t just an internal function—it’s something customers feel. A thriving culture strengthens an organization’s resilience and ability to navigate disruption.
Ken’s bestselling book Blue Collar Cash—inspired by letters he wrote to his daughter during a health crisis—has unexpectedly become a blueprint for corporate teams aiming to build stronger, more connected workforces. It’s now used in team-building and leadership development programs across the country.
We wrap up with a focus on entrepreneurial growth through action. Ken and I align on this simple truth: growth doesn’t come from theory—it comes from action. Whether you're reading a book, taking a course, or listening to this podcast, the key is to implement, not just absorb.
Ken also invites listeners to visit kenrusk.com to learn more about his book, online course, and consulting services designed to empower individuals and teams.
Book:  Blue Collar Cash

How to Enjoy Summer 2025 Without Spending a Fortune: Mindful Ways to Recharge on a Budget

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this uplifting and timely episode, we help you redefine what summer relaxation looks like in 2025, even amidst inflation, rising costs, and tightened budgets.
Source mentioned in the show: 
How to Enjoy Summer 2025 Without Breaking the Bank
Drawing on his global expertise in burnout prevention and workplace wellness, we share actionable, no-cost ways to recharge your mind, reconnect with your values, and refocus your energy during the summer months.
You’ll discover how small, intentional choices like savoring a morning coffee, unplugging from your phone, and spending meaningful time with loved ones can create peace and joy without requiring a big financial investment.
Because summer isn’t about what you spend—it’s about how you show up.
💡 What You'll Learn:
Practical ways to enjoy summer without spending money
How mindset shifts can unlock joy and inner calm
Budget-friendly ideas for creating rest and renewal
The power of presence and digital detoxing
Why summer is the perfect season to reset and reflect
🔗 Related Resources & Links:
How to Reclaim Your Time and Focus Again
Recover from Burnout Without Spending Money
The Healing Power of Nature in Burnout Recovery
Finding Stillness in Chaos
📌 Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. Your feedback helps more people discover the show and find the peace they deserve this summer.

Build High-Performance Culture Without Employee Burnout with Shauna Moran

Fostering High-Performance Culture Without Burnout
In this episode, leadership coach Shauna Moran joins Michael Levitt to explore how organizations can build a high-performance culture without sacrificing employee well-being. They dive into the unique challenges women face in the workplace, particularly burnout, and the urgent need for systemic change. Michael reinforces that organizations must prioritize well-being as a core strategy, not an afterthought. Together, they break down how businesses can embed wellness into their systems, processes, and culture, equipping leaders with the skills to prevent burnout and foster sustainable success.
The Four-Day Work Week: A Game-Changer for Retention
Shauna shares firsthand insights from implementing a four-day workweek for a client, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, organizational readiness, and data-driven decision-making. The results? A 50% increase in employee retention. Michael builds on this, highlighting the importance of stakeholder involvement in significant organizational changes—drawing from his healthcare leadership experience, where projects often fail due to a lack of frontline input. They unpack the biggest pitfalls in scaling businesses, such as poor documentation and a lack of standard operating procedures, and why fixing these issues is critical to long-term success.
Proactive Leadership: The Key to Workplace Wellness
Shauna and Michael challenge the traditional reactive approach to employee wellness, advocating for proactive leadership strategies that support long-term retention and engagement. Michael doesn’t hold back—he calls out leaders for overworking employees and sending after-hours emails, urging them to rethink their approach to work-life balance. They both agree that if you want to retain top talent and create a thriving workplace, leadership must set the tone for a culture of well-being and respect.
Website:  https://www.shaunamoran.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunamoran/
Book:  https://amzn.to/3FCCLJJ
 

How to Transform Your Operating Model for Growth, Innovation & Employee Engagement with Jen Swanson

Transforming How We Work: Rethinking Operating Models with Jen from Talk Point Advisory Group
In this thought-provoking conversation, I sat down with Jen from Talk Point Advisory Group, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations reimagine and revitalize how they operate. We dove deep into the often-overlooked world of operating models — the blueprint behind how work gets done — and why companies need to stop letting these frameworks evolve by default.
Rethinking How Work Gets Done
Jen and I explored how an organization’s operating model influences everything from decision-making to resource allocation. She shared powerful insights about making these models more intentional, especially when “invisible rules” — embodied by figures like the mythical “Beth” who holds power without a title — shape how teams function. I emphasized that when organizations fail to design and adapt their operating models, they often become the next cautionary tale — a statistic in the high failure rate of businesses unable to pivot in a changing market.
Legacy Systems vs. the Digital Future
Too often, companies bring in top talent with high hopes but then box them into outdated systems. Jen and I discussed how legacy organizations must shift from rigid, project-based structures to nimble, product-focused approaches. This isn’t just about upgrading systems — it’s about transforming culture, developing new skill sets, and staying laser-focused on customer experience. Because in this fast-moving digital age, survival depends on relevance.
Breaking Down Silos: A Lesson from 3M
We’ve all seen the damage siloed thinking can do. I shared how industrial-age approaches, like those once used by GM, keep innovation locked behind walls. Jen illustrated how companies like 3M broke free — giving employees space to experiment, leading to inventions like the Post-it Note. This isn’t just a story about sticky paper; it’s a testament to the power of cross-functional freedom and creative autonomy.
Collaboration That Fuels Innovation
Jen highlighted the power of horizontal collaboration in successful product teams. Drawing inspiration from NASA’s Apollo 13 mission and our everyday digital tools, she emphasized how solutions to complex problems emerge when different disciplines truly work together — not in silos, but side-by-side.
The Overlooked Power of Marketing
In one of my favorite moments, I admitted I wish I had focused more on marketing in college — it’s that essential. Jen and I talked about why marketing isn’t just a department, it’s a growth engine. When accounting and marketing speak the same language, businesses gain the insight to fuel smart investments and sustainable expansion — especially during challenging times like inflation or global uncertainty.
Culture Drives Everything
Culture isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the soul of your organization. I reflected on transforming a healthcare organization by simply listening and responding to what our people needed. Jen and I agreed: when organizations clarify decision-making and empower their teams, magic happens. Engagement rises, turnover drops, and performance soars.
Fixing the Customer Experience (for Real)
Improving customer experience isn’t a quick fix — it requires rooting out the hidden obstacles: tech inefficiencies, outdated processes, and — you guessed it — silos. Jen walked us through how her team helps organizations simplify, streamline, and finally push past the 75% “stuck” point where so many give up. We wrapped up by underscoring the need for persistent effort and aligned support, and I encouraged our listeners to connect with Jen and the team at Talk Point Advisory Group for guidance.
Ready to Rethink Your Operating Model?
If you’re ready to stop leaving your organization’s performance to chance, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Jen and the Talk Point team to start the conversation and unlock the full potential of your organization.
Website:  https://www.tuckpoint.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgswanson/
 

Business GPS: Tim Dwyer on Strategy, Culture & Emotional Intelligence

Charting Your Course: A Business Navigation System That Aligns Strategy, Intuition & Purpose
In this episode, we dive deep with Tim Dwyer, a visionary who has spent over three decades developing a true "Google Maps for business"—a navigation system that integrates logical strategy, heart-centered leadership, and deep intuition. Tim’s entrepreneurial spark ignited at age 12 during a petrol strike in Australia, selling coffee to stranded drivers. That ingenuity evolved into a career dedicated to helping leaders and organizations find their true north in complex business environments.
Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Edge We Can't Ignore
Tim and I explore how tapping into our emotional intelligence is not just a personal growth strategy—it's essential for leadership effectiveness. When decisions flow from inner alignment, clarity and momentum follow. When there’s chaos? That’s your signpost that something’s off. Tim shares his emotional mapping system, while I add insight on how untrained managers often default to poor leadership patterns due to lack of emotional grounding and practical guidance.
Emotional Ownership: The Cornerstone of Healthy Work Cultures
We take an honest look at the drama that unfolds when leaders deflect emotional responsibility. Tim breaks down how full ownership of our emotional responses dismantles blame and invites maturity into the workplace. I couldn’t agree more—teams thrive when leaders stop pointing fingers and start showing up with accountability and self-awareness.
Foresight in Leadership: Seeing the Iceberg Before You Hit It
I share a recent conversation with an organization considering a bold move they may not be ready for—an all-too-common scenario. Using an oceanic analogy, I explain why leaders must develop foresight to navigate risk and avoid future burnout. It’s not about playing it safe—it’s about making sure your ship is seaworthy before you launch into deeper waters.
Capability Development: Growing Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Tim outlines the predictable stages of business growth and the leadership capacity needed at each level. Whether you're leading a team of 10 or scaling to 1,000, the same principles apply: sharpen your skills, solidify your culture, and develop internal navigational systems that support sustainable growth. And yes, this applies whether your team is made up of employees, freelancers, or AI tools—culture and capability remain your anchors.
Curiosity, Reflection & Purpose: A Blueprint for Leadership Renewal
We talk about the often-overlooked power of self-reflection. I encourage listeners—whether you're on the front lines or in the C-suite—to step back, get curious, and revisit past experiences with grace, not judgment. The goal? To realign with your purpose and reignite your leadership impact. Distraction is the disease—curiosity is the cure.
Authentic Culture: More Than Ping-Pong Tables and Mission Statements
Tim shares a powerful case study of a software company that had great perks but lacked true cultural alignment. Once the leadership reconnected with their original vision and re-established meaningful cultural agreements, collaboration and energy returned. The result? A culture that magnetized both top talent and ideal customers. As I often say—culture isn’t what you write on the wall, it’s how your people feel every day they walk through the door.
Tim’s Upcoming Book: A Must-Read for Every Leader Navigating Change
We wrap with a preview of Tim’s upcoming book, launching August 2025. Packed with stories, case studies, and actionable strategies, this book is designed for businesses of every size—from startups to scaling giants. You can pre-order your copy now at tolemy.com. If you’re serious about leading with clarity and growing without losing your soul, this one’s for you.

Spiritual Intelligence, Calm Leadership & AI Resilience with Amy Lynn Durham: How to Thrive in the Future of Work

Unlocking Spiritual Intelligence, Calm Leadership, and AI Resilience in the Workplace
In this compelling episode, I sit down with Amy to explore three powerful themes that are reshaping today’s workplaces: spiritual intelligence, leading through chaos, and navigating the rise of AI with confidence and compassion.
Part 1: Spiritual Intelligence in the WorkplaceAmy shares her transformational journey—from corporate executive to purpose-driven leader—sparked by a personal spiritual awakening. We dive into how spiritual intelligence can create workplaces that foster well-being, alignment, and sustainable productivity. This isn’t about religion—it’s about intentional awareness, empathy, and a values-driven culture that fuels human performance.
Part 2: Navigating Chaos With Calm and InnovationTogether, we examine how calm leadership can be a competitive advantage in uncertain times. Amy introduces the concept of “Edgewalkers”—individuals who thrive on the edge of chaos and help others find clarity amid the noise. I reflect on my own leadership experiences, including how postmortem meetings helped my teams learn from failure and bounce back stronger. Innovation, we agree, often emerges in the messiest moments—if leaders are equipped to lead with presence and poise.
Part 3: Addressing AI and Automation FearsWith automation accelerating, fear is rising among employees. Amy and I tackle the emotional side of digital transformation, emphasizing the need for leaders to recognize change archetypes within their teams. We discuss how trust, transparency, and emotional intelligence can ease transitions and unlock the creative potential of AI. The future of work isn’t just about tech—it’s about trust, connection, and leading from within.
🎙️ Tune in if you’re a leader, changemaker, or future-focused professional ready to lead with clarity, calm, and compassion.
 
As the founder of the executive coaching firm Create Magic At Work®, Amy Lynn Durham is a seasoned business leader and executive coach with a bold vision: transforming workplaces into vibrant centers of creativity, productivity, and fulfillment. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a former corporate executive in the telecommunications industry, Amy emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to organizational development and leadership enhancement.
The executive coaches at Create Magic At Work® envision workplaces where magic is not just a mystical concept but a tangible reality, brought to life through intentional leadership, innovative strategies, and a culture of collaboration. As the driving force behind Create Magic At Work®,
Amy hosts the globally renowned Create Magic At Work podcast and authorizes a book by the same name. The team at Create Magic At Work® aims to inspire and help foster workplaces that thrive as environments where magic is not just a mystical concept but a tangible reality.
Connection Links:
Book:  https://amzn.to/4bg4oUU
Website:  https://createmagicatwork.net
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylynndurham/
LinkedIn Business:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/create-magic-at-work/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/createmagicatwork
X: https://x.com/durham_amy