Breakfast Leadership Show

A Daughter of An Assassin: A Conversation with Dr. Rhoda Banks

From Parking Garage Cashier to Executive Leader: Rhoda Banks’ Inspiring Career Journey
🎙️ In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, host Michael D. Levitt sits down with Rhoda Banks, a powerhouse in culture and inclusion leadership. Rhoda shares her remarkable journey—from working as a cashier in a hospital parking garage to becoming a senior executive in a financial institution. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, her passion for leadership development, and how her networking skills opened doors in the HR space.
Growing Up in an Inner-City Community
Rhoda reflects on her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, where she experienced both the resilience and hardships of inner-city life. She shares how her strong community roots shaped her understanding of connection and support, despite the trauma surrounding her environment. A recent visit to her childhood neighborhood served as a powerful reminder of how far she has come—reinforcing the importance of personal growth and forward momentum.
Overcoming Family Challenges & Personal Growth
Rhoda opens up about her family dynamics, including her father’s past as a hitman and the profound impact of her mother’s mental health struggles. She candidly discusses how these experiences shaped her resilience, influenced her parenting, and fueled her drive to succeed. Her time at a private high school became a pivotal turning point, exposing her to opportunities she had never imagined.
The Power of Mental Health & Self-Reflection
Michael and Rhoda dive into the importance of addressing mental health challenges for personal and professional growth. Michael draws parallels between Rhoda’s journey and his late mother’s, highlighting the necessity of healing past wounds. Rhoda emphasizes that success isn’t just about external achievements—it’s about doing the inner work to truly thrive.
Rhoda Banks’ Book Release – May 17th 📖
Rhoda introduces her upcoming book, inspired by the acronym DOA (Dead on Arrival)—a term she refuses to accept as her fate. In her book, she shares lessons of resilience, transformation, and the mindset shifts needed to break free from generational cycles. She also encourages listeners to connect with her on social media for updates.
Mentorship & Its Lasting Impact on Entrepreneurs
Rhoda shares a powerful story of mentorship—guiding a young woman named Carmen from an entry-level assistant role to a thriving serial entrepreneur. Her journey serves as a testament to the ripple effect of positive influence. Michael and Rhoda discuss the importance of acknowledging those who have shaped our paths and paying it forward.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✅ The role of resilience and adaptability in career advancement✅ How community experiences shape personal and professional growth✅ The impact of mentorship in transforming lives✅ Why addressing mental health is crucial for success✅ Rhoda’s journey to authorship and her mission to inspire others
🎧 Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media!
📢 Follow Rhoda Banks:📌 Instagram | 📌 LinkedIn | 📌 Twitter
🚀 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on this episode using #BreakfastLeadershipShow
Dr. Rhoda Banks brings unique leadership insights from an unlikely source - growing up as the daughter of St. Louis's most notorious assassin before becoming a corporate DEI executive.Leadership takeaways for your audience:1. Building trust when your background raises eyebrows2. Leading authentically in predominantly white spaces3. Creating inclusive cultures from ground up4. Rising from parking attendant to executive leadership5. Transforming adversity into business advantageHer new memoir "Daughter of an Assassin" launches in May. She offers practical strategies for leaders navigating complex organizational challenges.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhoda.banks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualrhodabanks/; website: vantageandvox.com

Building Connection: Dan J. Berger on Community, Belonging, and Leadership

Dan’s Journey to Idaho Retreats
In this episode, Michael welcomes Dan to discuss his incredible journey from Israel to the United States, where he built a career in programming and later wrote a book to help people discover their sense of belonging. Now, Dan is focused on building retreat venues nationwide, creating spaces for people to reconnect with themselves and others.
Michael shares a personal story about his cousin, who turned a passion into a thriving business, reinforcing that pursuing what truly fulfills you can lead to success. Dan explains why he chose Idaho as a base for his retreats, highlighting the state’s balance of recreation and work-life harmony. Michael reminisces about his experiences in Idaho, including an unforgettable snowball fight in 95-degree weather.
Overcoming Personal Challenges to Find Belonging
Michael and Dan dive into the deeply personal journey of overcoming challenges, from addiction to finding true purpose. Dan reflects on his own path of self-discovery, which led to writing his book on belonging. He shares a powerful insight: before we can feel a sense of belonging in our careers or teams, we first need to cultivate it within ourselves.
They explore how self-awareness and understanding are crucial in fostering a work environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Michael reinforces that personal growth isn’t just about success—it’s about aligning with what truly matters.
Building Strong Teams Through Connection
Michael shares his experience working for an insurance automation company in the late ’90s, where he and a team of 12 traveled across the country to install automation systems at independent insurance agencies. Recognizing the need for team cohesion, leadership made it a priority to bring everyone together at least once or twice a year. This simple investment in team bonding paid off, leading to a tight-knit group that could execute high-stakes projects—like a complex, week-long installation in New Orleans—with confidence and success.
The key takeaway? A strong sense of belonging isn’t just about the workplace—it’s about trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
The Power of Belonging in Leadership & Business
Dan and Michael close the conversation by emphasizing the importance of fostering belonging in organizations. Dan shares his simple yet powerful framework for building psychological safety and engagement at work. He introduces his new company, Assemble Hospitality, and discusses his book, which lays out strategies for leaders to create cultures of belonging.
Michael reflects on his own experiences working at companies that truly prioritized a sense of connection—and the stark contrast of workplaces that failed to do so. They also touch on the challenges men face in today’s society when it comes to identity and belonging, reinforcing the need for self-discovery and purpose-driven leadership.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create meaningful connections, whether in business or in life.
Dan J. Berger (www.danjberger.com) is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, author, and community builder dedicated to fostering connection and belonging. His book, The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging (Forbes Books), cements his place as a thought leader on this essential human need. As the founder of Social Tables, an award-winning event design software company acquired by Blackstone-owned Cvent for $100 million, Dan revolutionized the events industry, helping people connect at scale. A recipient of multiple awards, including the Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, he now leads Assemble Hospitality Group, reimagining corporate retreats to cultivate belonging and transform team dynamics.
An avid community builder, Dan founded the Idaho Israel Alliance, a nonprofit combating antisemitism after the October 7 attacks in Israel. He also spearheaded a prominent Idaho men’s group and actively participated in YPO and Tiger 21. Dan holds an MBA from Georgetown University and lives with his wife and daughter in Boise, Idaho.  

How LOOR.tv Empowers Indie Artists & Disrupts Hollywood – with Marcus Pittman

Overview of LOOR and its mission @ 0:00
Marcus Pittman, the CEO and founder of LOOR.tv, explains that he created the platform to address the lack of entertainment content and programming targeted at younger, college-age audiences, particularly those with more conservative or faith-based leanings. LOOR aims to be an independent, crowdsourced platform that empowers young, emerging artists to create and fund their own projects without the constraints and regulations of the traditional Hollywood system.
Challenges with the current Hollywood model @ 1:14
The discussion covers how the major Hollywood studios have become overly risk-averse, relying heavily on remakes, sequels, and reboots rather than investing in new, original IP. This is driven by the high costs and union regulations that make it difficult for independent filmmakers to break into the industry. As a result, audiences - especially younger generations - are becoming increasingly disengaged from mainstream Hollywood content.
Democratizing content creation with technology @ 4:00
The conversation highlights how emerging technologies like AI and crowdfunding platforms are empowering independent artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and create their own content. This democratization of the creative process allows for more diverse voices and perspectives to reach audiences. The LOOR model in particular leverages video game-style microtransactions to fund projects directly from subscribers, reducing financial risk for creators.
The future of entertainment and LOOR's role @ 11:04
Looking ahead, the discussion explores how LOOR aims to become a cultural incubator for new talent, similar to how platforms like MTV and Saturday Night Live launched many successful careers. By providing a supportive environment for young, independent artists to experiment and develop their skills, LOOR hopes to uncover the next generation of entertainment industry leaders and disruptors.
Closing and next steps @ 28:48
In closing, Marcus invites the audience to learn more about LOOR, either by subscribing to the platform, investing in the company, or connecting with him directly. He emphasizes the company's plans for growth and scaling the platform to reach a national audience.
Subscribe:  https://www.loor.tv/sign-up/step-1
Invest:  https://www.loor.tv/surveys/investor

Sleepmaxxing – The Secret to Beating Burnout & Unlocking Peak Performance

Episode Summary:In today’s fast-paced world, burnout is a growing epidemic. But what if the secret to higher energy, sharper focus, and sustainable success isn’t working harder—but sleeping smarter? Enter sleepmaxxing, a game-changing approach to optimizing rest for peak recovery, clarity, and mental well-being.
In this episode, we dive into:✅ How sleepmaxxing prevents burnout and boosts resilience.✅ The science behind high-quality sleep and cognitive performance.✅ Proven strategies to improve sleep and enhance mental clarity.✅ The ripple effect: How better sleep transforms productivity and leadership.
If you’re a high achiever struggling with stress, decision fatigue, or exhaustion, this episode is a must-listen!
🔔 Subscribe & Share with fellow professionals who need this life-changing sleep strategy!
💡 Key Takeaways:✔️ Burnout Prevention – Sleep restores energy, reduces stress, and regulates emotions.✔️ Peak Mental Clarity – Sleep enhances focus, memory, and problem-solving.✔️ Maximizing Recovery – Sleepmaxxing optimizes rest to fuel sustainable success.
📢 Resources & Links:🛏️ Top Sleep-Enhancing Tools & Trackers📘 Recommended Reading on Sleep Science💡 Follow Us for More High-Performance Strategies
🎧 Listen now and transform your nights to supercharge your days! 🚀
 

Conscious Leadership: How Seema Dhanoa's Book Aims to Transform Organizations

Seema’s Leadership Journey and Insights
Seema, a leader in business transformation, shared how she realized that leadership needed a serious overhaul to create value without causing harm. Her experience launching Canada’s first Social Finance Bank and working in finance across the country gave her a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t in leadership. I recognized her drive to improve leadership and make a real impact, something she’s now bringing to the world through her book.
Addressing Toxic Work Environments
Seema and I had a tough but necessary conversation about why so many workplaces today are toxic. The issue isn’t just lousy management; leaders are laser-focused on short-term targets while ignoring the human side of business. We both agreed that authentic leadership means creating an environment where people feel valued, engaged, and can do meaningful work. People don’t quit companies—they leave bad leaders.
Leadership Through Humility and Listening
I shared my experience turning around a high-turnover primary care clinic by doing something surprisingly simple—listening. Great things happen when leaders stop dictating and start understanding their people’s needs. Humility is key. Seema echoed this, emphasizing that leadership is about gathering perspectives, being fully present, and observing challenges with a fresh lens. If leaders truly listened more and talked less, they’d be amazed at what they could learn.
Seema’s Book on Consciousness Transformation
Seema’s new book explores how consciousness can transform organizations and society. She first felt the pull to write in 2016, but the pandemic gave her message new urgency. Despite the skeptics, she boldly chose to walk away from a corporate consulting gig in Toronto to finish her book. That level of commitment to change is precisely what leadership needs today.
Adaptation and Awareness in Leadership
We talked about how leaders who fail to adapt don’t just hurt their businesses—they create ripple effects that impact families and communities. History is full of once-dominant companies that collapsed because their leaders ignored external changes. The lesson? Adaptability isn’t optional. Leaders must be open to new experiences, actively listen to their teams, and adjust their strategies before it’s too late. Business isn’t static, and leadership shouldn’t be, either.
Leadership, Learning, and Team Cohesion
Great leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers—they ask better questions. I emphasized the power of vulnerability in leadership, while Seema reinforced the importance of trusting the expertise within your team. When leaders foster a culture of learning and openness, innovation thrives. Seema’s book, launching March 28th, aims to start a much-needed dialogue about this shift in leadership.
Podcast Impact and Self-Care
Seema and I also discussed the impact of our respective podcasts. She praised the conversational nature of my show, and we explored the role of storytelling in leadership. We also touched on her journey from burnout to being a book author, which is an essential reminder that leaders must prioritize their well-being to make a lasting impact.
Book:  https://amzn.to/43jGXI6
Website:  https://www.seemadhanoa.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemadhanoa/
 

Unlocking Government Grants and Bridging the Wealth Gap: Insights from Entrepreneur and Community Advocate Matthew Lesko

Matthew Lesko, an 81-year-old entrepreneur, shared his life journey, his realization about government money programs, and his desire to educate people about them. He also discussed the importance of giving and helping others, the role of technology in sharing information, and the significant income disparity in the US. The conversation concluded with a discussion on personal growth, the widening income gap, and the importance of taking control of one's own destiny.
 
Community Economy and Capitalism Discussion
Matthew Lesko shared his experiences and insights about the balance between the community economy and capitalism in the US. He emphasized that the community economy, which includes government and nonprofit organizations, accounts for 40% of the economy, while the remaining 60% is driven by capitalist ventures. Matthewlesko also discussed his personal journey, from growing up in a working-class family to becoming a successful consultant and entrepreneur. He expressed his frustration that many people, particularly those struggling financially, are unaware of the government programs and resources available to them, and that those who are more affluent often exploit these systems for personal gain.
The Value of Giving and Helping
Matthew and Michael discussed the importance of giving and helping others, drawing from their personal experiences and observations. Matthew shared his journey of realizing the value of giving and how it has grown over time, particularly through his subscription service that has helped 15,000 people access grants. He emphasized the importance of sharing one's unique talents and not copying others. Michael agreed, highlighting the positive impact of Matthew's service on society. They also touched on the idea of finding one's own unique talents and not being afraid to fail while pursuing them. The conversation ended with Matthew expressing his frustration over the misconception that his subscription service was a strategic branding move, when in fact, it was born out of a desire to help others.
Google's Impact on Income Inequality
Matthew expressed his belief that Google is negatively impacting society, particularly those who are struggling financially. He pointed out that the average income for the bottom 90% of earners has not increased significantly over the past 40 years, while the top 10% have seen substantial growth. This, he argued, has led to a higher poverty rate in the US compared to other developed countries. Michael responded with a non-committal "Hmm".
Widening Income Gap and Society
Michael and Matthew Lesko discussed the widening income gap and its impact on society. Matthew shared his belief that the gap started around 1979 and that it's not just about wealth, but also about skills and education. They agreed that there are programs now for skills training, which could lead to higher-paying jobs without the need for a college degree. They also touched on the topic of greed and dissatisfaction, which they believe contribute to hatred. Matthew emphasized the importance of personal growth and comfort in improving one's life and society as a whole. They concluded the conversation with Matthew sharing his community resources and Michael expressing his appreciation for Matthew's service and insights.
 

Transformative Leadership: Embracing Trust and Culture for a Thriving Workplace with Monika Guzek

Transformative Leadership Insights: As the founder of Conscious Business Consulting, Monika has empowered high-profile clients like EY, Unilever, and Toyota to enhance their leadership capabilities and prevent burnout, showcasing her ability to drive results across diverse industries. Her work with leaders from 68 countries provides unique cultural perspectives that can inspire actionable changes within workplace environments.Innovative Approaches to Resilience and Inclusivity: Monika’s innovative methodologies, including the use of LEGO® Serious Play in her coaching, align perfectly with the Breakfast Leadership Show's focus on personal growth and mental resilience. Her passion for cultural diversity and inclusion is poised to offer listeners fresh strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces and enhancing overall well-being.
Website:  https://monikaguzek.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-guzek/
Courses:  https://monikaguzek.com/sklep/
 
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Diversity
Monika and I dove into the tough realities of today’s world—everything from the lingering effects of the pandemic and global conflicts to economic struggles and shifting governments. One of the biggest challenges we see? The decline of joy in the workplace. Monika pointed out that the blending of personal and corporate life plays a huge role in this. She stressed the importance of embracing cultural and generational diversity, with leaders stepping up to empower their teams and create truly inclusive environments. We also explored how social skills are critical in today’s workplace—many people feel overwhelmed and struggle to manage their workload effectively.
Embracing Diverse Communication and Cultural Nuances
Communication in a diverse workplace isn’t just about words—it’s about understanding the meaning behind them. Monika emphasized the need to strike a balance between positivity and tough conversations, as well as the importance of reading between the lines in different cultural contexts. I completely agreed. Clear communication is key, but so is recognizing cultural nuances. Personally, I appreciate direct communication and love using humor as a tool—even if it doesn’t always land perfectly. We both agreed that embracing these differences leads to stronger collaboration and better teamwork.
Fostering a Healthy Workplace Culture
We also explored what it takes to build a thriving workplace culture—one where people feel connected and supported. Monika highlighted the importance of playfulness and fun at work, even bringing up how something as simple as Lego can spark creativity. That said, there’s a balance—some industries require a more structured approach. We also touched on the insights from The Culture Map, discussing how different cultural dimensions influence workplace interactions. At the end of the day, considering different perspectives makes for a more productive and enjoyable work environment.
Building Trust in Diverse Workplaces
Trust is the foundation of any great workplace. When leaders and employees trust each other, they can create better products and services that make a real impact. I emphasized how crucial it is for leaders to foster that trust—because without it, everything else falls apart. Monika added that trust-building requires awareness of cultural differences and individual needs. It’s all about open communication, self-awareness, and a conscious approach to understanding those we work with. When we get this right, we create workplaces where people feel valued, heard, and truly connected.
 

Mastering Delegation for Resilient Leadership

In this episode, we explore the art of delegation—a vital skill for executives aiming to lead resilient, adaptable organizations. Many leaders struggle to relinquish control or feel swamped by daily tasks. Discover three essential strategies for effective delegation, uncover common obstacles, and learn actionable solutions to empower your team and prioritize strategic leadership.
 
Keywords: delegation strategies, effective leadership, resilient companies, executive delegation, team empowerment
 
What You’ll Learn
How to assess tasks and decide what to delegate
Tips for selecting the right team member for the job
The importance of clear expectations and instructions
Common delegation pitfalls and how to overcome them
Why delegation is key to surviving recurring business challenges
Key Segments
1. Crucial Exercise #1: Assess the WorkDelegation begins with evaluation. Ask: Is this task central to your leadership role? If not, identify the skills required and match them to a capable team member. Learn to let go of non-essential duties to focus on high-impact priorities.
2. Principle #2: Choose the Correct PersonPicking the right individual is crucial. Evaluate expertise, workload, and readiness to ensure the task lands in capable hands. Delegation isn’t just offloading—it’s about empowering the right people.
3. Essential Practice #3: State Expectations and DirectionsClear communication drives successful delegation. Find out how to set detailed expectations, provide resources, establish deadlines, and check in without micromanaging.
4. Overcoming Delegation ChallengesFrom fear of losing control to doubting your team’s abilities, delegation can be tough. This episode breaks down common hurdles and shares proven techniques:
Foster open communication
Set clear guidelines to minimize errors
Invest time upfront to save effort later
Use delegation as a growth opportunity for your team
5. Conclusion: Build a Resilient FutureEffective delegation isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a leadership essential. By mastering these strategies, you can create a trusting, capable team and focus on high-impact strategic initiatives.
Featured Quote
“Delegation takes time upfront but saves you from burnout and rework in the long run.”
Resources Mentioned
Blog Post: Mastering Delegation for Resilient Leadership
Books:
Burnout Proof (Amazon)
The Great Resignation & Quiet Quitting (Amazon)
369 Days: How To Survive A Year of Worst-Case Scenarios (Amazon)
Connect with Breakfast Leadership Network:
 
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Next Episode Teaser: Burnout-proof your leadership—tune in next week for practical tips to thrive under pressure.