Breakfast Leadership Show

SIMPLE Ways to Boost EMPLOYEE MORALE Today!

Learn how to boost employee morale with these simple yet effective strategies, which can be implemented today! Low employee morale can decrease productivity, lead to high turnover rates, and create a hostile work environment.
This episode will explore practical tips and ideas to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall job happiness. We've covered you, from recognizing and rewarding employees to fostering open communication and creating a positive work culture. Watch to discover how to boost employee morale and take your team to the next level!
If your company needs help boosting employee morale, visit https://BreakfastLeadership.com/contact and let us help you today, before it's too late!

Creating Belonging in Leadership: Boost Engagement & Well-Being with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Belonging in the Workplace and Leadership
In this episode, Beth and I dive into the crucial role of belonging in the workplace and its direct impact on employee engagement, collaboration, and retention. When employees don’t feel a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to experience stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and even physical health issues.
We discuss how leaders play a pivotal role in fostering this sense of connection, yet many aren’t equipped with the right training or skills to do it effectively. Beth highlights that leaders must first understand their own sense of safety and belonging, as this deeply influences their leadership style and personal well-being. We also touch on the reality of leadership burnout—a growing issue that can lead to high turnover and organizational disruption when left unaddressed.
Addressing Leadership Struggles and Burnout
Leadership struggles don’t just affect leaders—they trickle down and impact productivity, morale, and workplace culture. Beth and I discuss the misuse of resilience as a blanket solution when, in reality, organizations need to tackle the root causes of burnout rather than expecting employees to simply "push through."
Instead of a "do more with less" mentality, organizations should focus on removing obstacles, supporting well-being, and creating environments where people can actually thrive. We also touch on the dangers of instant gratification in workplace culture and how companies need to prioritize long-term growth, creativity, and sustainable success.
Investing in Employees for Nurturing Work Environments
A strong workplace culture starts with leaders who embody and uphold an organization’s mission, vision, and values. Beth and I emphasize that leaders must act as performance coaches—not just managing people but truly supporting their mental health and well-being.
Surface-level efforts aren’t enough. Employees can see through performative culture initiatives. To build a genuinely nurturing environment, leaders must be intentional about investing in their teams—because when employees feel valued and supported, it translates to better customer experiences and long-term organizational success.
Leadership, Stress, and a Philosophy of Care
We round out the conversation by reflecting on stress in leadership and how critical it is to remove unnecessary interference that holds teams back. Beth underscores the need for leaders to listen, learn, and adapt, rather than relying on outdated policies and rigid structures.
I share a story from my experience in healthcare leadership, where we implemented a philosophy of care—a shift that was met with overwhelming support from the team. It reinforced a core truth: when leaders prioritize human-centered policies and well-being, organizations don’t just function better—they flourish.
Beth wraps up by emphasizing a key takeaway: you are not alone in your leadership struggles. There is always support, and together, we can create healthier, more effective workplaces.
 
Website:  https://drbethkaplan.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-kaplan/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drbethkaplan/
X:  https://x.com/drbethkaplan
Book:  https://amzn.to/4hNBTjN
 

Unlock Growth: Transform Leadership by Asking the Right Questions with Dave Reynolds

Business Coaching for Sustainable Growth
In this episode, Michael sits down with business coach Dave Reynolds to explore the strategies that drive sustainable growth. Dave shares his journey from selling his previous company and working in telecommunications to becoming a business coach. He highlights the power of asking the right questions and taking an outside perspective to help organizations uncover hidden opportunities.
Michael and Dave dive into a common challenge: many businesses have growth ambitions but lack a clear, structured plan. They discuss why scalability and sustainability are more critical than ever, especially in today’s unpredictable business environment. Dave explains how small, strategic adjustments—paired with the right structure and discipline—can lead to significant, long-term success. They also emphasize the value of collaboration, ensuring that businesses build proactive habits and internal problem-solving skills to manage challenges like capacity constraints effectively.
Dave’s Journey to Sharing His Coaching Process
Dave opens up about his decision to write a book, which started as a personal goal and evolved into a way to share his coaching insights with a broader audience. He reflects on the writing process, the challenges of recording an audiobook, and why chapters 3 through 8 are particularly impactful. These chapters outline key coaching principles, including discovery, self-awareness, focus, and commitment.
Michael reinforces the power of writing a book—not just as a tool for thought leadership, but as a gateway to other opportunities like courses, coaching programs, and speaking engagements. They discuss the importance of a follow-up culture in organizations and how Dave ensures his book provides actionable takeaways for readers.
The Power of Collaboration and Visibility
Dave and Michael wrap up by discussing Dave’s engagement on LinkedIn and how his company is expanding its reach. From Kindle to Barnes & Noble to Amazon, Dave shares how his work is gaining traction across multiple platforms. Their conversation underscores the importance of visibility, connection, and continuous learning in today’s business landscape.
Actual Growth Begins with the Right Questions
A thriving workplace isn’t built on luck but on consistency, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement. But before success takes root, leaders must cultivate an environment where genuine growth can happen. And that starts with asking better questions.
In Radicle Growth, Dave Reynolds shifts the leadership conversation from command and control to collaboration and accountability. He challenges leaders to do less telling and more asking, empowering their teams to take ownership of their growth. Through purposeful conversations and a fresh leadership mindset, Reynolds lays out a framework for driving meaningful, sustainable change for individuals and the organizations they serve.
It’s time to move beyond outdated, transactional leadership styles. With Radicle Growth, leaders gain the tools to foster deep engagement, inspire innovation, and create a culture of accountability. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game, this book is your next step toward transformational leadership.
About the Author
Dave Reynolds is a serial entrepreneur and the founder/CEO of The Rumin8 Group, a growth consulting firm helping businesses think strategically, develop high-performing teams, and navigate crucial conversations. With two decades of experience in sales leadership, performance management, and succession planning, Dave is passionate about unlocking potential through the power of the right questions. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 
Book:  https://amzn.to/42YPVdK
Website:  https://rumin8group.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-reynolds-99a71047/
 

Crowdsourcing Cybersecurity: How CrowdSec's Firewall Battles Malicious IPs with Philippe Humeau

Philippe is the Founder of CrowdSec, an open-source multiplayer firewall that analyzes visitor behavior and provides an adapted response to all kinds of attacks. It leverages crowdsourced power to generate a global IP reputation database that protects the user network.
As of today, CrowdSec boasts 250k+ user installations from 185+ countries and 50M+ malevolent IPs blocked. The CrowdSec community's users include governments, major e-commerce actors, media and financial institutions, armed forces, universities, hospitals, research centers, and others—the company raised $15M+ in series A funding just last year!The company’s ingenious software is built on the idea of “safer together.” Not only does CrowdSec block individual user attacks, but it also identifies each malevolent IP address during an attack. It uses this information to protect everyone in the CrowdSec community from future attacks.Philippe received an MBA in Computer Sciences from EPITA. He has created five start-up companies and is a seed investor in ten others. He is on the front line of major innovations in tech use and security, and he loves to share his wealth of knowledge in podcasts and public speaking events.
Philippe loves to discuss:
The most significant issue facing cybersecurity is how open-source cybersecurity platforms combat them.
Why multiplayer firewalls can help limit zero-day attacks and minimize cyberwar from attempting to “divide and conquer” businesses.
Why does Philippe believe malevolent IP attacks are growing in size, and how can everyday users equip themselves to protect their data?https://crowdsec.net/https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippehumeau/?originalSubdomain=fr&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Disrupting Search: Vikas Sehgal on HyperDart's Game-Changing Approach

Disrupting Search: A Conversation with Vikas on HyperDart
In a recent discussion, I spoke with Vikas, an entrepreneur and computer engineer with a track record of launching game-changing ventures. From founding Nagaro to building HyperDart, his latest innovation in the search engine space, his entrepreneurial drive is undeniable. We talked about the cycles of tech disruption—how every 20 years, industries are reshaped by fresh technologies or business models. HyperDart is positioning itself as the next big shake-up in search, and I couldn’t agree more with its potential to redefine how we access and monetize information.
Rethinking Search with HyperDart
The search landscape revolves around directing traffic and summarizing content, often leaving content creators scrambling for revenue. HyperDart is flipping that model. Instead of linking users to external pages, it allows knowledge creators to plug their insights into the search experience. Imagine search results that aren’t just static links but dynamic, intelligent answer cards—interactive, engaging, and built for today’s digital world. Not only does this enhance user experience, but it also creates a built-in monetization system, sharing revenue with the very people generating valuable information. The social layer of the platform further empowers users to customize their search experience and build audiences within HyperDart itself.
A Smarter Approach to Monetization
Vikas and I dug into what this means for businesses and content creators. Traditional search platforms rely on broad, one-size-fits-all advertising models, but HyperDart is changing the game by enabling highly targeted, subject-specific search results. This opens up massive opportunities for organizations to generate new revenue streams by leveraging their existing content, websites, and social media presence. Businesses that understand the power of multichannel engagement can now build a direct, monetizable relationship with their audiences, right within search.
Search as a Platform, Not Just an Engine
We also explored a bigger shift: rethinking search not as a passive tool but as an active platform. HyperDart enables businesses, creators, and even large publishers to seamlessly integrate their knowledge into the search ecosystem through programmatic access. This is similar to the evolution we've seen in other industries—just as ride-sharing transformed transportation, HyperDart is revolutionizing how knowledge is distributed and consumed. By making search more dynamic and intelligent, we’re moving toward a world where authoritative, high-quality information is instantly accessible, bridging the gap between online discovery and real-world experiences.
HyperDart is more than just another search engine—it’s a new way of thinking about digital knowledge. If you’re as excited as I am about the future of search, I encourage you to dive deeper and explore what HyperDart offers.
About Vikas Sehgal
Vikas is a visionary technology entrepreneur known for founding a highly successful tech startup that scaled to over a billion dollars in revenue. With a proven track record of innovation and leadership, he is now focused on building his next groundbreaking venture - HyperDart, a revolutionary internet search engine designed to reshape how people access and interact with information online. His work combines cutting-edge AI with expert-driven knowledge curation, positioning him as a key disruptor in the tech industry.
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsehgal/
Website:  https://HyperDart.com/

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