Breakfast Leadership Show

How a Legendary Advocate Saves Hispanic Accident Victims from Exploitation with Tito Alvarez

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODEIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Tito Alvarez, a name synonymous with advocacy and integrity in California’s Hispanic communities. Known as California’s most trusted Hispanic advocate during the 1980s and 90s, Tito built one of the state’s most recognized accident support brands—and now, he’s come out of retirement with a mission: to protect victims from being exploited by high-volume legal "settlement mills."
With over 1,200 families helped and a legacy of putting victim care over case volume, Tito shares how his proprietary system is changing the narrative around legal representation for vulnerable accident victims. We dive deep into why the first 72 hours after an accident can determine your future, how to spot predatory legal tactics, and why most victims choose the wrong attorney.
Through his latest work with TitoParaTi, Tito is building a new standard in personal injury support—where families receive not just legal aid, but compassion, clarity, and care every step of the way.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
The hidden crisis hurting Hispanic families in the legal system
What makes TitoParaTi radically different from traditional law firms
The 3-minute decision that could protect (or jeopardize) your family's future
How Tito built—and rebuilt—a movement to restore dignity in legal advocacy
🎓 ABOUT TITO ALVAREZ
Helped 1,200+ victims receive ethical, personalized legal support
Built California’s most recognized Hispanic advocacy brand in the 80s/90s
Developed a client-first system that puts care ahead of case volume
Returned from retirement to lead an ethical revolution in personal injury law
📩 Connect with Tito & Learn MoreWebsite: https://titoparati.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/titoparatiofficial/.  DM Tito365
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titoparatiofficial_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TitoParaTi
Phone:  1(909)909-9090
 
 
 

Scaling Success in Business and Nonprofits with Dr. Jairo Borja

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Jairo Borja, President and CEO of Borja Consulting Group, to explore how he's helping both entrepreneurs and nonprofits scale their impact. Dr. Borja shared details about his 90-Day Mastery Program—designed specifically for coaches and consultants ready to level up—and his curriculum development work with nonprofits focused on entrepreneurship. He also talked about his latest book, DealMaker: How to Easily Raise the Limit of Capital Deals, which has opened new speaking opportunities and platforms to share his knowledge. And yes, we even took a nostalgic detour back to our teenage years, remembering the long wait in line for WrestleMania 3 tickets during a frigid winter.
Unexpected Wins from Group SessionsI shared how group coaching sessions often produce unexpected breakthroughs. Many participants, after just 9 weeks, find themselves launching businesses or uncovering opportunities they never planned for. The group environment fosters connection, networking, and accountability—elements that spark real momentum and transformation in a short amount of time.
The Power of Accountability and Support in CoachingWe dove into the structure and benefits of group coaching—weekly lessons, community support, and ongoing dialogue through platforms like WhatsApp. These elements keep participants engaged and focused. I stressed how small wins—like acting on a downloaded tool or applying a new framework—often lead to big shifts. Group coaching isn't just about content; it's about action and growth, powered by community. And yes, I couldn’t resist comparing the coach’s role to Paul Heyman’s legendary presence in wrestling—because every great performer needs a strategic voice in their corner.
Mentorship and Peer Support: Game Changers for GrowthWe highlighted how peer support and mentorship aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re often the missing piece that unlocks major breakthroughs. I shared personal stories where relationships and guidance made all the difference, especially in scaling nonprofit and business initiatives. These kinds of groups provide encouragement, real-time feedback, and actionable insights that accelerate success.
Real Estate Lessons from DealMakerDr. Borja also expanded on his book DealMaker, which chronicles his journey in real estate—from securing a 52-unit property in North Carolina to learning from failed deals in Allentown, Memphis, and Madera Beach. The book outlines strategies for accessing capital—like term loans, business credit lines, and self-directed IRAs—and it serves as a tool to attract coaching clients, enroll members into his "Elevation" program, or draw in passive investors. He also teased a busy speaking schedule, with events in Miami, Atlanta, and more—even during August, a month usually slow for conferences.
Building Business Through Clear CommunicationI shared insights from my own recent speaking engagements, reflecting on the dynamics of in-person versus virtual events. One consistent truth: having a book is a game-changer. It builds instant credibility and creates powerful networking opportunities. I also emphasized the importance of refining your message when pitching for capital—and how being in a group coaching environment sharpens that message and broadens access to strategic resources. If you’ve read my book, I encourage you to share it with your own mentorship circle. The impact multiplies when we grow together.
Why Small Business Still MattersWe wrapped up with a discussion on the pivotal role small businesses play in the economy. With half of the Fortune 500 companies from the year 2000 now gone, it’s clear: agility, innovation, and community matter more than ever. Dr. Borja announced the launch of his next program cohort kicking off in late July or early August, and he’s welcoming new participants. You can connect with him directly via LinkedIn or visit Borja Consulting Group and Borja Capital to learn more.
 

Disruptive Thinking: Fresh Perspectives on Business Turnarounds with Ted Santos

 
In this dynamic episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Ted Santos—founder of Turnaround Investment Partners—for a powerful conversation on leadership, disruption, and transforming companies from the inside out.
With over two decades of experience turning around distressed businesses and scaling organizations growing faster than they could handle, Ted brings a wealth of insight. He shares his early leadership journey as a COO in the transportation and translation sectors, where he radically improved operations by shifting culture and introducing new service lines. One standout story: how his lack of industry knowledge in translation actually became his superpower. Ted spearheaded cultural translation services for websites—an innovative leap that reshaped how companies approached global communications.
That sparked a familiar theme for me. I reflected on my own healthcare leadership journey—stepping into the industry without direct experience. Sometimes, not knowing “how it’s always been done” is exactly what’s needed to drive game-changing innovation.
Reimagining Growth Through Diverse Lenses
We explored how bringing in external perspectives—whether from different industries, cultures, or life experiences—is a powerful way to break the echo chamber of internal assumptions. I shared a story from my days running a multicultural healthcare clinic, where dialogue and inclusion—not rigid policies—became the key to navigating cultural complexity and driving operational excellence.
Ted offered insights on his disruption framework for organizations, helping leaders embrace volatility and turn it into a strategic advantage.
Discomfort as a Catalyst for Innovation
Ted and I went deep into why organizations must learn to disrupt themselves before the market does. Drawing on both history and personal experiences, Ted cited icons like Rockefeller and Ford, reminding us that lasting innovation doesn’t come from comfort zones—it comes from shaking them up.
As leaders, we must be willing to challenge norms, ask uncomfortable questions, and reinvent systems. I added some examples from my own path—like pivoting to virtual events long before it became a necessity—and how that foresight unlocked unexpected growth.
Leading With Boldness in a Changing World
Ted laid out a compelling case for what he calls "disruptive leadership"—the ability to invent new possibilities and even “create problems” that force organizations to stretch. We discussed how leaders must confront blind spots (both personal and organizational), embrace continuous learning, and build the muscle to delegate strategically if they want to scale sustainably.
Owning Your Narrative: Responsibility and Reinvention
We closed on a deeply personal note—how early life experiences shape behavior, and how owning your story is the first step in transforming it. Ted and I unpacked the role of ego, unconscious patterns, and the necessity of unlearning behaviors that no longer serve our leadership.
It’s a conversation about growth, yes—but more importantly, about responsibility. Innovation isn’t just about ideas—it’s about the inner work we do to lead ourselves and others through disruption.
Connect with Ted Santos:Ted’s work is ideal for organizations navigating rapid change or seeking bold new strategies. If you're looking to challenge your current trajectory, this episode is your invitation to start.
Ted Santos is the ultimate “Disruptor of Limits”—a bold strategist who trains and develops  CEOs and executives to stop solving problems and start creating them to fuel breakthroughs that redefine industries.
 
As the creator of the Disruptive Leadership Model, Ted flips conventional wisdom on its head, proving that chaos isn’t a threat—it’s the catalyst for transformation. With a track record of turning impossible visions into unstoppable growth, Ted challenges leaders to think bigger, act bolder, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
 
Whether he’s helping businesses scale without breaking or reshaping corporate cultures to thrive under pressure, Ted is the go-to expert for leaders who refuse to settle for incremental growth and are ready to disrupt their way to dominance.

Double Your Profits in a Year: Cary Prejean's Proven Strategies for Business Growth

Cary works with small to medium-sized business owners to help them break through growth barriers. It's incredible how Cary helps businesses double their profits in under a year while ensuring all operations run like a well-oiled machine. And who wouldn't want their business to run smoothly? That's the reality Cary creates for her clients.Cary sets business owners up with tools to manage by the numbers, allowing them to handle unexpected challenges with precision. This approach allows leaders to stay ahead and design the future they envision for their business. Cary could bring a whole new perspective to your audience, with practical insights and a real-time management style.
Cary Prejean is a CFO consultant and executive coach. He has an accounting and CPA background with several companies primarily in the manufacturing, wholesale and construction industries. He is also a certified ontological coach since 1992 by Newfield Network, giving him unique insight in working with executives. Cary’s mission is to turn business owners into visionaries and prime business generators vs. minutiae managers.
https://strategicbusinessadvisors.orghttps://strategicbusinessadvisors.us/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryprejean/

Tech-Driven Leadership: Coaching for Growth in a Changing World, with Mohamed Hamza

Evolving Leadership in a Tech-Driven RegionIn this episode, Michael chats with Mohamed—an Egyptian leader based in Saudi Arabia with a wealth of experience across the Middle East and Europe. The conversation explores the region’s tech-fueled transformation and how it’s reshaping business and leadership. With a young, dynamic population and a high-growth environment, the demand for leadership coaching is on the rise. Mohamed shared that leaders are realizing that information alone doesn’t drive transformation—coaching does. Michael added that resilient leadership thrives in spaces where people feel empowered to adapt and grow, especially in today’s fast-changing world.
Coaching as a Catalyst for Leadership GrowthMichael and Mohamed dive into why coaching is no longer optional—it's essential. Michael emphasized the power of being coachable and how reaching out to mentors can elevate a leader’s impact. Mohamed echoed this, noting that one of the biggest hurdles in leadership development is working with individuals unwilling to learn. Together, they highlighted how coaching unlocks personal clarity and drives sustainable leadership growth—though not everyone is ready to embrace the process.
From Fear to the Front of the Room: A Nurse’s Speaking BreakthroughMichael shared an inspiring story of a nurse educator he once hired who struggled with public speaking. With encouragement and support, she stepped out of her comfort zone, pursued speaking opportunities, and eventually landed a leadership role in the healthcare system. The takeaway? When we identify and support the unique passions of our team, we unlock potential that transforms careers—and organizations.
The Human Side of AI in LeadershipAI may be changing how we work, but as Michael and Mohamed discussed, it can’t replace the human elements of leadership—empathy, coaching, and connection. Mohamed shared thoughtful insights on the evolving role of AI in the workplace and the need for leaders to remain adaptable. Michael noted that while AI can supercharge productivity and creativity, the true essence of leadership will always be rooted in relationships.
Global Impact: Mercer’s Role in Leadership DevelopmentThe episode wraps with a look at the global work Mohamed is doing with Mercer, helping shape the next generation of leaders through innovative coaching and development programs. He encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn for more on Mercer’s approach to building resilient, future-ready leaders around the world.
 
Mohamed Hamza is a renowned authority on leadership assessment and development. As a certified executive coach, facilitator, and assessor, he has made significant impacts across the GCC, Europe, and Africa. Mohamed currently designs and delivers cutting-edge leadership solutions to top clients as Senior Client Success Director at Mercer.With over 15 years of experience, Mohamed has coached over 3,000 leaders from future talents to C-suite executives in over 60 multinational organizations like PepsiCo, Microsoft, and Saudi ministries. He has trained 200+ professional coaches and established corporate academies generating multi-million dollar revenues. Mohamed holds coaching credentials from the International Coach Federation (PCC), Center for Creative Leadership, and Ashridge-Hult.
Mohamed can share invaluable insights into leadership development, coaching, and building high-performing teams. His diverse experiences assessing and developing leaders globally across cultures allow him to discuss a wide range of relevant topics. Podcast hosts and audiences can expect practical wisdom and real-world examples from Mohamed's extensive expertise in this field.
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-hamza-b9a54b28/
Website:  https://thetalententerprise.com/
 

Aligning Culture and Capability: Smarter Systems for Sustainable Leadership with Matthew Person

In this insightful episode, Michael D. Levitt explores the Square Management System Alignment Model, a framework by Matthew Person designed to foster organizational alignment without the need for micromanagement. Developed by Matthew from Town Square Advisors, this model is grounded in real-world executive and M&A experience. It focuses on aligning employee beliefs and behaviors with company systems to prevent culture drift and enable long-term, sustainable growth. Michael underscored the urgent need for such systems, sharing examples of organizations that significantly improved through alignment—not turnover—by earning employee trust and recognizing internal capability.
The Power of “Constrained Independence”
Matthew introduced the concept of constrained independence, a four-part management model built on Identity, Instruction, Intercommunication, and Information, with ten key operational elements. This framework helps leaders strike a balance between empowering staff and maintaining clarity. Listeners were invited to assess their own organizations using a free quiz at TownSquareAdvisors.com. Michael emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and cultural measurement—warning that top-down approaches to diversity and alignment can sometimes lead to unintended tension unless rooted in authenticity and openness.
Lessons from Championship Teams
Drawing from professional sports, Michael shared a compelling analogy about leadership, team culture, and performance. While the 1990s New York Yankees focused on acquiring high-priced talent, it was the Boston Red Sox's commitment to balanced teams and deep culture, under leaders like Tito Francona, that ultimately led to their championships. The lesson? A deep bench, clear roles, and trust in your team’s abilities drive real, repeatable success.
Trust, Decision-Making, and Human-Centered Leadership
Trust emerged as a recurring theme—especially in how it empowers independent decision-making and employee engagement. Matthew contrasted toxic, high-constraint workplaces with cultures that reward initiative. Michael reflected on his own experience of being hired for his potential, not just his résumé, and how adaptable systems that honor both organizational needs and individual strengths pave the way for high-performance cultures.
Hiring, Retention, and Thriving Work Environments
With over 18 years of leadership experience, Michael emphasized the importance of cultivating an environment where employees can grow, not just work. Culture isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about designing systems and environments where your people can thrive. He challenged the myth of a “correct culture,” advocating instead for cultural authenticity and values-based alignment tailored to each organization.
Ethical Offboarding and Supporting Career Growth
When it comes to letting people go, Michael shared his values-driven approach: treat exits with dignity, and support people in finding better fits elsewhere. Drawing on personal experiences from both sides of the table, he emphasized the long-term value of trust, transparency, and doing what’s best for the individual, even when it's a tough call.
Culture Meets Data: Using Analytics to Lead Smarter
To round out the discussion, Matthew dove into how the Square Management System uses analytics to assess culture across various organizational levels. This diagnostic tool is especially helpful for startups and mission-driven entrepreneurs aiming to build cohesive teams from the start. The system doesn’t promise perfection, but it delivers clarity—giving leaders the actionable insights they need to close culture gaps, improve communication, and align operations with purpose. Listeners are encouraged to explore the free tools and resources at TownSquare-Advisors.com.
 
Welcome to another episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, where we dive deep with leaders reshaping how we work, lead, and live. Today’s guest is Matt Person—a strategic powerhouse with more than two decades of experience in M&A, organizational design, and aligning people with purpose.
Matt is the mind behind the Square Management System, a practical framework that brings clarity and cohesion to companies' operations by aligning people, processes, and performance. His upcoming book, The Culture of Alignment, explores this in depth and is a must-read for leaders building resilient, high-performing organizations.
With a career that spans global corporate development, private equity-backed ventures, and even a decade in professional baseball leadership, Matt brings a truly unique perspective. Recognized as a Rising Star by the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a Thought Leader of the Year finalist by the Alliance of M&A Advisors, his credentials are only matched by his passion for excellence.
Matt holds an MBA and an MS in Finance from Boston College, and a degree from Colgate University. He’s a guest lecturer, frequent industry speaker, and lives just outside Boston with his family—when he’s not refining growth strategies, you’ll find him on the golf course, hunting down vintage cars, or scouting out his next favorite restaurant.
Speaker Bio:  https://www.espeakers.com/dashboard/50932/profile
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdperson/
Website:  https://www.townsquare-advisors.com/
 

Deep Dive: The Engagement Illusion: Rethinking Workforce Trends with a Human-First Lens

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, the hosts explore the key themes from the recent article, “Redefining Workplace Culture: A Human-Centered Approach to Engagement and Wellbeing.” Serving as a pointed response to the 2025 Gallagher Workforce Trends Report, this conversation challenges surface-level interpretations of employee engagement, workplace culture, and inclusion initiatives—offering a bold alternative grounded in human-first leadership.
The hosts question the validity of engagement metrics derived from surveys, calling out what they term the "engagement illusion"—a widespread misinterpretation that equates participation with satisfaction. They unpack the growing disconnect between career development and employee wellbeing, warning that promotion pipelines without adequate emotional and workload support can accelerate burnout rather than boost loyalty.
In discussing I&D (Inclusion and Diversity) efforts, the conversation highlights how many initiatives fall short of meaningful impact, often skewing performative rather than truly transformative. Instead, the hosts emphasize the need for authentic inclusion practices that uplift underrepresented voices and embed equity into daily operations.
They also examine the shifting expectations around flexible work arrangements, stressing that flexibility is no longer a luxury, it’s a baseline requirement for modern talent. The conversation moves beyond logistics, focusing on how to design flexible cultures that still promote connection, accountability, and performance.
The core takeaway? Sustainable organizational performance doesn’t stem from patchwork solutions. It begins with systemic cultural change rooted in a genuine, human-centered approach to leadership and strategy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why traditional engagement surveys can paint a misleading picture of employee satisfaction
How burnout is often an unintended consequence of unchecked career growth pressure
What makes the difference between performative and meaningful I&D efforts
Why flexible work is now a fundamental expectation—not a competitive edge
How to lead with empathy and redesign culture for long-term success
Relevant Links & Resources:
Read the full article: Redefining Workplace Culture
Explore the Breakfast Leadership blog: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog
Get the book Workplace Culture: https://amzn.to/4ofDBxQ
For burnout solutions, check out Burnout Proof: https://amzn.to/4l3fW0M
Subscribe & Follow:Stay tuned for more conversations on the Breakfast Leadership Show, where the hosts challenge conventional wisdom and explore powerful strategies to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Episode 900 of the Breakfast Leadership Show

900 Episodes of Transformative Leadership
In this special 900th episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude. Hosting nearly a thousand conversations with thought leaders, change-makers, and everyday champions has been a true honor. Each episode is rooted in one mission:
Helping you lead a better life by navigating workplace stress, avoiding burnout, and stepping into the leader you were born to be.
I also shared a bit of my own growth journey, including how I’ve intentionally reduced screen time to reclaim focus and calm. It's a reminder that real transformation often comes from the small, intentional changes we make daily.
I invite you to ask yourself: What does your ideal life look like? And more importantly, What’s one step you can take today to move closer to it?
Navigating Change with Purpose
Change is inevitable—but how we respond is where our power lies. In this episode, I challenge listeners to stop waiting for the "right time" and start leading their own life transitions. Grab a journal and write it out: your goals, your challenges, and the specific actions required to create meaningful change in your career or life.
Motivation can be fleeting, but discipline? That’s where the magic happens. Whether you're switching careers, developing a new skill set, or simply craving more balance, clarity begins when you commit to action. Visualize the outcome, get honest about the work required, and give yourself permission to evolve.