Breakfast Leadership Show

The Power of Differentiation with Barry LaBov: How Iconic Brands Stand Out and Succeed

In this powerful conversation, Michael D. Levitt and branding expert Barry LaBov explore the critical role of differentiation in today’s hyper-competitive and fast-moving business world. It’s not about being the biggest or best in every category—it’s about being unmistakably you.
The Human Edge of DifferentiationBarry opens with a compelling take: while modern tools have made producing fast, mediocre content easier, what sets brands apart today is authenticity and humanity. He warns that failing to stand out leads to commoditization, lower profits, and disengaged teams. The takeaway? Know what makes you unique—and amplify it with intention.
Purpose Starts with "Who Are We?"Michael shares a story from a nonprofit healthcare board meeting where a simple but profound question was raised: “Who are we?” That moment sparked a conversation about alignment, identity, and clarity. He reminds leaders to pause regularly, assess direction, and stay grounded in purpose. Barry echoes this, referencing Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” but adds: you also need to clearly explain what you do and how it fulfills that purpose.
Belief Begins WithinBarry shifts the focus inward, discussing how employee belief in a company's mission and differentiation directly impacts its longevity—citing that 16 of 17 startups fail within 10 years. His latest book, written during the COVID-era resignation wave, focuses on helping companies win hearts and minds through internal and external clarity. Real-world stories and practical frameworks help teams rediscover what makes them special.
Small Shifts, Big ImpactMichael dives into adaptability with a brilliant metaphor: changing the lighting in a room can completely alter its feel without replacing the furniture. In the same way, businesses often need thoughtful tweaks—not complete reinventions. He also addresses current workplace trends—like post-2021 turnover and return-to-office debates—urging leaders to listen to their people and lead with empathy and internal communication.
Say It Like You Mean ItWrapping up, Barry and Michael discuss how language shapes culture. Self-deprecating phrases like “best kept secret” can quietly undermine confidence inside and outside the organization. Instead, leaders should communicate honestly and boldly about their value—without veering into ego. Michael even mentions recommending Barry’s book to a client struggling with this exact challenge.
Key Takeaways:
True differentiation stems from authenticity, not superiority.
Purpose is revealed by asking the hard questions—internally and externally.
Your team must believe in what sets your organization apart.
Minor shifts in leadership and culture can produce major results.
How you describe your business matters—internally and externally.
🎧 Tune in to gain clarity, purpose, and practical insights that help your brand rise above the noise—without losing your soul.
Barry is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and founder of LABOV Marketing, Communications, and Training. He has helped global brands like Harley-Davidson, Audi, and The Macallan Scotch differentiate and thrive.
 
He’s also the author of The Power of Differentiation, a #1 New Release in Marketing on Amazon, now distributed by Simon & Schuster and requested by universities like Cambridge, Stanford and Chicago Booth.   
 
Beyond brand strategy, Barry co-hosts Difference Talks, where he’s interviewed best-selling authors like Bob Chapman, Seth Godin, Ron Baker, and Joe Pine; CEOs including Johan de Nysschen and Betsy Pepine; and Grammy winners Ranaan Meyer and Cliff Goldmacher.
 
With over 80 podcast appearances, he’s passionate about sharing real-world lessons on differentiation, leadership, and overcoming challenges.  
 
https://labov.com
https://BarryLaBov.com
Book:  https://amzn.to/3YxmUD3
 
 

The Revival of American Watchmaking – With R.T. Custer

this episode, I sat down with R.T. Custer to explore how he's bringing precision craftsmanship back to American soil. As the founder of Vortic Watch Company, R.T. began his journey a decade ago by upcycling antique American pocket watches into stunning wristwatches—each a one-of-a-kind blend of history and innovation. Now, with the launch of Colorado Watch Company, he's scaling that mission, aiming to produce over 500 watches a month. It’s a bold step forward for U.S. manufacturing.
Investing in American-Made Legacy
R.T. and I dug deep into the growing appetite for American-made products. There’s something powerful about choosing to support local—whether it's your community’s small businesses or the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving. We shared our hopes that more consumers will embrace domestically produced goods—not only for the quality, but because they represent a future built on sustainability, resilience, and meaningful employment.
A Return to Craftsmanship and Physical Innovation
One of the themes that resonated with me most was the tactile joy of building physical products. R.T. shared how fulfilling it is to work with his hands—and to create meaningful jobs for others doing the same. We discussed how newer generations are rediscovering analog experiences, from vinyl records to mechanical watches, in a digitally saturated world. There’s a renaissance happening—and it’s reminding us that innovation isn’t just digital. It’s human.
The Market Potential for American-Made Watches
We also touched on market opportunity—how entrepreneurs and cultural leaders like Kevin O’Leary are championing American craftsmanship. R.T. envisions producing up to 1,000 watches per month through Colorado Watch Company, bringing premium, American-made timepieces to a niche yet growing audience. This isn’t just about watches—it’s about reclaiming our manufacturing heritage and proving that we can lead with quality and purpose.
Reviving Industry in the American West
Our conversation closed on a big-picture note. We talked about Colorado’s roots in innovation and industry—and how the American West once symbolized opportunity, grit, and reinvention. Today, that spirit is still alive. R.T.’s work isn’t just about making watches—it’s about modeling what’s possible when we believe in rebuilding. We need more of that energy. More leaders. More makers. And more belief in what’s possible—right here at home.
 
To make his American Dream come true. With his back to the wall, R.T. Custer sold his car to make payroll. 
 
With a few grand wired directly into a fledgling watch company that builds every piece, case, crown, and buckle on U.S. soil. Vortic Watch Co. is one of the last remaining brands to manufacture wristwatches entirely in America, sourcing, machining, and assembling everything on U.S. soil. 
 
In a market where "resilience" is just a branding exercise, R.T. made it real. This is what actual entrepreneurship looks like: gritty, unfiltered, and painfully honest. And in a sea of curated founder stories, R.T.'s hits like a punch to the gut.
 
“We’re all a little delusional. You have to be. You either believe in yourself or fold. I chose belief.” R.T. Custer
 
Website:  https://coloradowatchcompany.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtcuster/
Website:  https://www.rtcuster.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rtcuster/?hl=en
 

Efficient Hiring & Scalable Growth with Truffle's Sean Griffith

On this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, a forward-thinking hiring platform that's changing how small and mid-sized businesses approach talent acquisition.
🔍 Truffle’s Smarter Hiring ModelSean shares how Truffle uses asynchronous audio and video interviews with structured, role-specific questions to efficiently filter large applicant pools. Designed especially for growing teams that can’t afford bulky enterprise software, Truffle delivers rich, manageable insights to help organizations hire not just for skills but also for trajectory and culture alignment.
🤖 AI-Powered Job Matching with a Human TouchWe unpack Truffle’s AI matching system that ranks candidates based on their responses, spotlighting the top 10% so hiring managers can focus their time wisely. I emphasize how this tech helps reduce bias and allows candidates’ personalities to shine—leveling the playing field and building more equitable workplaces.
🔧 Origins Rooted in Real-World GrowthTruffle was born from Sean’s experience scaling a company that was ultimately acquired. He reflects on how great hiring drove that success—and how Truffle is now a tool to replicate that process by identifying value- and mission-aligned talent from the outset.
🛠️ Customer-Led Innovation Meets Lean Product DevelopmentSean shares how Truffle has evolved by co-creating with customers, staying close to their hiring workflows. I connect this to the Lean “Gemba” principle—learning directly from the source. Together, we explore how AI, humility, and industry-crossing insights are fueling a product that grows alongside its users.
📈 Scaling Through Systems: EOS, ‘Who’ Hiring, and Internal AlignmentWe dig into the practical challenges of scaling from 50 to 200 employees and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped Truffle’s leadership stay grounded. Sean details how the Who method and consistent check-ins fostered accountability and clearer communication across teams.
🧩 Operational Rigor with FlexibilityWe explore the need for scalable hiring systems that still honor a company’s unique culture. From adapting hiring tools like Truffle to incorporating checklists and agendas, the conversation zeroes in on what it really takes to grow intentionally without burning out your teams.
🚀 Looking Ahead: Truffle’s FutureAs interest in Truffle expands to larger organizations, Sean invites listeners to explore more at hiretruffle.com and sign up for a trial. 

Deep Dive: Navigating Toxic Workplaces: Strategies for Mental Health and Resilience

Let’s face it—hostile workplaces are more common than we care to admit. Whether it’s passive-aggressive emails, micromanagement, gaslighting, or relentless pressure that crosses the line into emotional fatigue—these aren’t just “bad days.” They’re environments that chip away at your mental health.
But here’s the good news: you are not powerless.
This isn’t just about “getting through it.”It’s about transforming how you show up—with boundaries, support, and a deep commitment to your own growth.
By the end of this episode—and ideally by the end of the full program—we want you walking away with three superpowers:
The confidence to protect your time and emotional energy.
The tools to build support networks that lift you up.
And the mindset to focus on your growth, not the toxicity around you.
Because yes—you can thrive in difficult environments. And when you do, you become not just burnout-proof—but bulletproof.

Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace with Andrew Ronchetto

Episode Title: Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael connects with business strategist Andrew Ronchetto to explore how organizations must evolve their approach to wellness, leadership, and performance in an ever-changing workforce.
Redefining Wellness & Feedback in the Modern WorkplaceMichael and Andrew dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s workforce and why it’s time to rethink traditional wellness programs and feedback mechanisms. Andrew shares insights from his business consulting background, along with lessons from a recent personal transformation. The discussion underscores the power of continuous learning and agility in responding to new challenges.
Holistic Workplace Wellness: Going Beyond the SurfaceThey highlight why organizations must move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to address root causes of burnout and disengagement. Michael and Andrew advocate for a holistic approach—blending tech-enabled solutions with human-centered design—to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders, they note, must take action at the same level their teams are operating—grounded, informed, and proactive.
Intentional Onboarding: The First 90 Days MatterAndrew emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting up new hires—and newly promoted leaders—for success. Whether stepping into a new company or transitioning roles, the first 90 days are a window of opportunity. Michael adds that intentional onboarding directly impacts employee retention and performance, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability from day one.
Defining Roles to Drive Clarity and SuccessClarity in roles and responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s mission-critical. Michael and Andrew compare well-functioning organizations to orchestras or military units, where each member understands their role and how it connects to the bigger picture. They also touch on the unique value consultants bring in fostering team alignment and strategy execution.
Supporting Small Businesses Through WellnessSmall business leaders often overlook wellness, assuming it requires massive overhauls. Michael and Andrew challenge that thinking, showing how simple, intentional adjustments can spark better team flow, innovation, and performance. A few small shifts can make a big difference.
Final Takeaway:The future of work demands intentional leadership, personalized wellness strategies, and environments where feedback and growth are constant. Tune in to discover how small changes in approach can drive massive impact—no matter your team size or industry.
 Website:  beonplatform.com
 

Adapting for Impact: Lessons in Resilience and High-Performance from Fighter Pilot-Turned-Entrepreneur Boo Boucousis

From Cockpit to Boardroom: Boo's High-Performance Flight Path
In this compelling episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael chats with Boo—former fighter pilot turned entrepreneur—about his extraordinary journey from the Air Force to launching ventures in the Middle East, real estate, and digital publishing. Boo opens up about navigating the early days of Facebook and Google ads, and how his involvement with Afterburner, a company built on the high-performance mindset of fighter pilots, led to acquiring the business and driving it forward today.
Rethinking Leadership to Reignite Engagement
Michael and Boo explore one of today’s most pressing workplace challenges: leadership credibility and employee engagement. Drawing from Gallup’s recent findings that only 21% of global employees are engaged at work, they discuss how leaders must evolve. The conversation emphasizes trust, credibility, and a radical mindset shift—from managing to truly leading. Leaders must transform good intentions into impactful outcomes and be willing to operate in a “zero authority” culture, where every voice on the team can contribute meaningfully.
The Leadership Learning Curve
Transitioning from a high performer to an effective leader is no small feat. Boo shares stories from his aviation days, where leadership was learned not from textbooks but through real-world experience under pressure. Michael echoes this, highlighting his own growth through trial, missteps, and reflection. The discussion underlines the importance of patience, humility, and a long-term vision—especially crucial for those shifting from individual contributor to leadership roles.
Promotion Pitfalls: The Competency Gap
Boo and Michael tackle the common but dangerous trap of promoting team members beyond their readiness—particularly in sales and production environments. Boo argues that misaligned promotions can do more harm than good, while Michael urges leaders to go deeper—looking at organizational silos, misaligned deliverables, and turnover before reacting. The takeaway? Leaders must have the courage and insight to address these core issues head-on with senior stakeholders.
Disruption as a Leadership Choice
What if disruption wasn’t something to fear—but something to choose? Boo makes the case for embracing disruption through continuous learning, feedback, and iteration. He calls out the rigidity of traditional leadership models and invites leaders to embrace a more agile, mission-driven approach—focusing on progress over perfection.
Mission Clarity in a Noisy World
In today’s hyper-distracted digital era, clarity of mission is more vital than ever. Michael and Boo wrap up with a powerful discussion on the importance of staying focused amid constant change. Drawing on lessons from both fighter pilots and nonprofits, they emphasize strategic anticipation, adaptable leadership, and the need to stay grounded in purpose—no matter how turbulent the skies may get.
 
Christian "Boo" Boucousis, known simply as Boo, started with a strong passion for aviation from an early age. Despite academic challenges, his determination led him to the Australian Air Force, where he became a fighter pilot. Boo’s time in the Air Force was transformative; he mastered the art of high-stakes execution, situational awareness, and structured debriefing—core principles that define his approach today.After nine years, Boo's career as a fighter pilot came to an unexpected halt due to a rare medical condition. Faced with the need to pivot, Boo didn’t shy away from challenges. Instead, he set out to apply the rigorous, high-performance methodologies he learned in the Air Force to the business world. Starting a humanitarian business in Afghanistan, he quickly scaled it to employ over 1,600 people, eventually becoming one of the largest humanitarian support companies globally.His next ventures were just as ambitious, including developing a $42 million high-rise hotel and transforming a print publishing company into a successful digital entity. Boo’s proven success is rooted in his use of military-inspired frameworks like structured debriefing and realistic goal-setting, which enable individuals and organizations to achieve "mission objectives" with high success rates.Through Afterburner Inc, Boo now brings these methodologies to corporate audiences, training teams on how to achieve extraordinary results by focusing on resilience, adaptability, and transparent, actionable steps. His story is one of reinvention, and his techniques help listeners find clarity, optimize performance, and unlock their potential.This journey makes Boo a compelling speaker who not only inspires but equips listeners with practical, results-oriented strategies.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/Website 1: https://callmeboo.com/Website 2: https://afterburner.com/

The Power of Video with Ryan Carey How BetterOn Elevates Team Development and Confidence

Video Leadership Presence for Personal Growth
In this episode, Michael and Ryan explore the power of video-based platforms in building authentic leadership presence. They discuss how confidence, executive presence, and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth. Ryan shares his journey in leadership development and how it shaped his company, Better On. Michael reinforces the idea that presence isn’t just about appearance—it’s about taking ownership of your growth, self-care, and professional development rather than outsourcing it to others.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Self-Recording
Michael and Ryan tackle the common challenges people face when recording themselves on video. Many struggle with self-observation and discomfort, but Ryan explains how small, intentional steps can help build confidence. He highlights the importance of creating a safe space for people to embrace their presence and reframe their mindset. They also discuss how people often lack an understanding of how their audience perceives them—and how gaining that perspective can be a game-changer for communication and leadership.
Overcoming Fear Through Personal Experience
Michael shares a pivotal story about his journey in overcoming the fear of public speaking. A required presentation in a business writing class once filled him with dread—until he unexpectedly had to deliver it while battling chickenpox. Despite his discomfort, his authenticity and delivery earned a standing ovation from his classmates. This experience reshaped his confidence, proving that presence and self-belief matter more than perfection. He reflects on how this breakthrough influenced his career as a healthcare executive and later as a business leader.
Public Speaking, Communication, and the Role of Technology
Michael and Ryan emphasize that public speaking is no longer just for executives—it’s an essential skill for everyone. Whether in boardrooms or virtual spaces, mastering communication can open doors to new opportunities. They discuss how practicing presentation skills leads to greater confidence and effectiveness, regardless of natural talent. Ryan also highlights how technology is leveling the playing field, making it easier than ever for individuals to share their ideas and perspectives on a global scale. The episode concludes with Ryan offering insights and resources for those looking to sharpen their communication skills.
 Ryan Carey has the key for your next team development initiative, and he wants to share it with your audience!
 
With the steady rise of remote jobs in the past few years, on-camera presence has become a vital skill for companies worldwide. And if you could secure more deals, sell more products, or reach higher levels of success just by developing your team’s recording confidence, wouldn’t you?
 
With BetterOn, your listeners can help their teams grow – and not just on camera. BetterOn has helped countless professionals improve their interpersonal skills, speech skills, mental health, and confidence, increasing their quality of life and feelings of satisfaction/success far beyond their desks. 
If your audience is interested in learning how asynchronous video presence can help their and their teams become better professionals, leaders, friends, family members, and team members, Ryan would be a great fit for your show. In your interview he can touch on:
Ryan’s Journey from YouTube Employee #41 to BetterOn Founder: hear all about how the explosive growth and transformative power of YouTube inspired Ryan to create BetterOn to harness the power of video and elevate workplace communication.
Investing in Your Team: Great leaders invest in their teams’ success, so everyone comes out a winner.
Develop Yourself: By prioritizing your own career development as a leader, you’ll model proactive growth and advancement, and your team will follow your lead.
The Link between Personal Satisfaction and Professional Success: when your employees feel like their best selves outside of work, they feel like their best selves at work. Learn how BetterOn prioritizes developing the whole self so your team can thrive.
Website:  https://betteron.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancarey/
 

Why Estate Planning Is a Must-Have Leadership Skill with Fiduciary Expert Sara Ecklein

The Leadership Legacy: Estate Planning with Purpose
In this insightful series, I sit down with Sara Ecklein, a California-based professional fiduciary, to unpack the often-overlooked leadership responsibility of estate planning. We explore how proactive planning—through trusts, wills, and end-of-life directives—is not just about assets, but about clarity, care, and legacy.
🔍 Why Estate Planning Matters for LeadersSara and I dig into the reality that only one in three Americans have an estate plan. We challenge leaders to rise above this statistic, recognizing that thoughtful planning sets a tone of responsibility, transparency, and foresight for families, teams, and future generations. I reflect on my own estate planning experiences and the emotional fallout that can result when plans are vague or outdated.
🧭 Trusts vs. Wills—And Why Updates MatterSara explains the advantages of trusts over traditional wills, particularly when it comes to avoiding disputes and streamlining administration. I share a personal story about naming a guardian in my will and how changing family dynamics made me rethink that choice. We both stress that estate plans aren’t one-and-done—they must evolve as your life, relationships, and leadership journey unfold.
🏢 Estate Planning for Business Owners and EmployersWe explore why estate planning isn’t just personal—it’s professional. I encourage business leaders to consider offering estate planning benefits to employees, knowing that the peace of mind it provides has a ripple effect on workplace culture. Sara shares a sobering story of inheriting poorly managed client files, driving home the point: leaders must live—and plan—with integrity.
🛠 Succession and End-of-Life Planning: The Gaps Leaders MissDespite careful strategic planning in business, many leaders fail to prepare for succession or end-of-life decisions. Sara and I discuss the humility required to ask for help and the courage it takes to prioritize these uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We offer practical advice: if you can’t do it all at once, start small—but start now.
👪 Naming Guardians and Decision-Makers with IntentionWe dive into the importance of selecting guardians and healthcare proxies who are not just family, but fit. Sara emphasizes the value of involving professionals in high-stakes or high-conflict situations, while I remind listeners that choosing the right people—accessible, trustworthy, aligned—is one of the most meaningful decisions a leader can make.
📘 Resources to Get You StartedTo support listeners on their estate planning journey, Sara shares her workbook and website—essential tools to help demystify the process. Estate planning isn't just paperwork; it's a leadership legacy that reflects your values, your vision, and your care for those you lead and love.
 
Meet Sara EckleinRedefining Legacy with Compassion and Intention. How we prepare for life’s most challenging moments defines the legacy we leave behind.Sara Ecklein is passionate about guiding individuals and families with peace, clarity, and compassion through life’s most difficult transitions. As the founder of Trust & Honor, a mindful fiduciary agency based in Northern California, she serves as a trusted advocate for clients navigating end-of-life decisions and planning meaningful legacies. Sara is also the creator and host of The Legacy of Love podcast, where she offers a holistic perspective on redefining the meaning of legacy.Her mission is deeply personal. After witnessing a loved one’s final three days of life, she gained a profound understanding of the importance of end-of-life care and legacy planning.With over a decade of expertise in the private fiduciary profession, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to help seniors and families navigate complex family dynamics, end-of-life care, and trust and estate administration.A California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Certified National Guardian, Sara is dedicated to helping her clients build legacies rooted in love and intention. Through her work and family life, Sara continually shapes her own legacy of love—building connections, sharing values, and inspiring others to do the same. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-eckleinFacebook: @Sara Ecklein, CLPFInstagram: @themindfulfiduciaryWebsite: www.trustandhonor.coPodcast: http://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rssFree Legacy of Love Workbook: www.trustandhonor.co/workbook