Breakfast Leadership Show
The Breakfast Leadership Show is a top 20 global podcast hosted by Michael D. Levitt.
It features thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, experts, and influencers, focusing on leadership, burnout prevention, workplace culture, and personal growth. The show provides listeners with actionable insights on improving productivity, fostering resilience, and enhancing well-being in both professional and personal life.
Want to be a guest on the Breakfast Leadership Show?
Visit https://BreakfastLeadership.com/PodcastGuest
The Breakfast Leadership Show may include sponsored guest appearances, which means the guests may have provided financial compensation to participate in the podcast.
Episodes

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
The Cybersecurity Landscape in Austin
In this episode, Alison Dixon shares insights into the fast-evolving cybersecurity environment in Austin, Texas. She discusses the rising importance of protecting both personal and corporate data amid growing cyber threats, emphasizing the dual challenge of convenience versus protection. Alison and Michael explore how AI complicates the landscape—accelerating innovation but also introducing new vulnerabilities. They underscore the urgent need for smarter, password-free security solutions and thoughtful tech adoption that prioritizes user safety.
AI Integration with Intention
Michael and Alison explore the importance of deliberate, strategic integration of AI into business operations. They agree that AI should serve genuine business value, not simply act as a marketing add-on. Clear processes and structured systems must precede AI adoption to avoid inefficiencies. Michael points out that transparency in AI systems, such as chatbots identifying themselves and providing human contact options, can significantly enhance customer trust. Both emphasize the need for balance, restraint, and purpose when embracing new technologies.
Balancing AI Budgets and Cybersecurity Priorities
The conversation turns to the tension between investing in AI and maintaining strong cybersecurity foundations. Alison warns that over-investing in AI while cutting cybersecurity budgets increases the risk of attacks like phishing and ransomware. Michael shares a real-life story about a senior manager’s phone hack that illustrates the importance of vigilance and response protocols. Alison reinforces the need for proactive defenses and risk-reduction strategies rather than reactive training.
AI Voice Scams and Public Awareness
Michael recounts a growing trend of AI-driven voice scams, where criminals mimic loved ones’ voices to exploit victims. He shares a case involving an elderly Toronto couple who lost nearly $100,000 to a voice fraud scheme, stressing the importance of using family “safe words” to verify identity. The discussion underscores how easily anyone—public figure or private citizen—can become a target, highlighting the growing sophistication of AI misuse.
Human Factors and Preventive Strategies
Alison and Michael discuss why human behavior remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. They argue that education alone is insufficient and that organizations should focus on eliminating risk exposure through stronger systems and policies. Practical steps such as multi-factor authentication, unique passwords, and an “assume it’s fake” mindset can dramatically reduce vulnerability. Alison notes that leadership accountability and proactive system design are the true foundations of digital safety.
The Role of Two-Factor Authentication and Holiday Vigilance
In closing, Michael and Alison revisit the vital role of two-factor authentication (2FA). While it adds a few extra seconds to login, they agree it is a small price for peace of mind. They also caution that the holiday season often brings a spike in cyberattacks, as people let their guard down. Their message is clear: cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about disciplined habits, awareness, and making security a leadership priority.
Alison Dixon, the Chief Customer Experience Officer at Portnox, a leading zero trust network access control platform. Alison is at the forefront of shaping how technical, high-stakes industries like cybersecurity can deliver world-class customer experiences.
With a background that spans HR, Sales Enablement, and IT, she brings a uniquely holistic view to customer success—balancing strategy, empathy, and execution. At Portnox, she’s led the charge in transforming onboarding into a competitive advantage, expanding CX beyond support, and building programs that reduce churn and drive long-term value.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-dixon-msod/

Monday Nov 24, 2025
Adapting to the Video Content Era with Ryann Liebl
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
In this episode, Michael sits down with Ryann to explore the evolving landscape of marketing and the undeniable rise of video content. Ryann shares her experience working with Fortune 500 companies to produce everything from commercials and documentaries to HR training videos, while Michael highlights the growing demand for dynamic, story-driven content that connects brands with younger audiences. Together, they discuss why video and social media are no longer optional. They are essential.
The conversation dives into the challenges businesses face when creating content, especially with limited bandwidth or resources. Ryann explains how her agency, Light Touch Media Group, acts as an extension of in-house teams, delivering both urgent content solutions and long-term strategy. Michael and Ryann also emphasize the importance of carefully vetting marketing providers, avoiding costly missteps, and balancing AI-driven support with the human creativity that fuels authentic storytelling.
Michael brings his own perspective, sharing how renegotiating contracts once saved a nonprofit $250,000 in overhead costs. Those funds were redirected into new programs. He also underscores the role of storytelling in business success, from Kmart Australia’s detailed brand story to overlooked industries struggling to recruit due to weak branding efforts.
This episode is packed with practical insights on adapting to today’s video-driven world, outsourcing effectively, and making marketing a top priority even when budgets are tight.
lighttouchmg.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lighttouchmediagroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighttouchmg/posts/?feedView=all
Ryann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryann-liebl-488887240/

Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
AI Startup Funding Models
Gerry Hays, a professor of venture capital with 21 years of experience and a history of investing in 75 startups, discussed his work in supporting founders to create AI-focused startups through a grant-based funding model. He explained their "Venture Staking" system, which allows individuals to invest small amounts of money in startups early on, with the potential to earn 10x returns if the company succeeds. Michael shared his experience working in IT during the dot-com era and emphasized the importance of accessible funding for new businesses, highlighting how Gerry's approach provides an alternative to traditional VC funding by building a community of potential investors.
Community-Driven Investment Transformations
Michael and Gerry discussed the transformative power of community-driven investing, emphasizing its potential to foster genuine interest and engagement in ventures beyond mere financial returns. Michael highlighted how such investments create a sense of belonging and collaboration, comparing it to cheering for a team, while Gerry stressed the future importance of community and networks in startups, contrasting them with easily replicable software. They agreed that early participation in ventures offers significant advantages, including learning opportunities and potential financial gains, as well as the chance to be part of a community that drives innovation and growth.
Alternative Investments: Volatility and Returns
Michael discussed the high volatility and potential for significant returns in alternative investment platforms, contrasting them with traditional stock markets where 52% of Fortune 500 companies from 2000 have since disappeared. He emphasized the transformative nature of current market shifts and the importance of active engagement in investments, which fosters community and deeper research. Michael highlighted how such platforms encourage users to delve into detailed analysis, unlike the surface-level engagement often seen on social media.
AI and Entrepreneurship Growth Strategies
Michael and Gerry discussed the value of experience in entrepreneurship and the importance of regular updates to investors for accountability. They highlighted how AI, like previous tools like the internet, can enhance business operations but should be used as a tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. Gerry emphasized the potential for small investments in innovative businesses to grow significantly, citing the rise of no-code tools and AI as enablers of this transformation.
Adapting to Startup Challenges
Michael and Gerry discussed the importance of adaptability and risk-taking in the startup world, using examples like Pets.com and Comscore Networks to illustrate the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies. Gerry explained the unique features of Dorio.com, a platform that allows non-accredited investors to test the waters and gain insights into startups before making larger investments. They emphasized the value of calculated risk-taking and the platform's ability to make venture capital more accessible to a wider audience. Michael encouraged listeners to explore Dorio.com as a potential holiday gift or investment opportunity.
About Gerry Hays
Gerry Hays is redefining how startups are funded—and who gets to participate. As the founder of Doriot and the creator of VentureStaking™, a patent-pending investment model, Gerry is challenging the traditional venture capital system and opening the door for everyday people to invest in high-growth startups—without needing to write a five-figure check or place risky early bets.
With more than 25 years of experience as a serial founder and startup investor, Gerry has successfully launched, scaled, and exited multiple companies. He’s taught entrepreneurial finance and venture capital at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where he mentored hundreds of emerging founders across the globe.
Gerry is also the author of the 5-star-rated book, The First-Time Founder’s Equity Bible, a practical guide that demystifies equity structures and funding for new entrepreneurs. He created Fantasy Startup®, the world’s #1 startup investing simulation with over 14,000 downloads. And in his push to democratize access to private markets, he developed the QAI (Qualified Accredited Investor) Certification, empowering non-traditional investors to confidently and knowledgeably enter the world of private equity.
But Gerry’s mission goes far beyond credentials. Through Doriot and the VentureStaking™ model, he’s flipping the script on startup investing. Instead of gambling early like traditional angels or waiting for IPO access on Wall Street, investors can now earn the option to invest in startups once they've begun to succeed—radically lowering risk and broadening participation. This isn’t crowdfunding. It’s a smarter, more inclusive, and capital-efficient way to back innovation—and benefit from it.
What your audience will take away:
How to begin startup investing with as little as $10
Why VentureStaking™ may be the most game-changing asset class since crypto
How access to private markets is being reimagined for the 99%
What it really means to own equity in the next unicorn—before Silicon Valley gets in
If your show dives into entrepreneurship, disruption, financial empowerment, or emerging investment trends, Gerry Hays will bring bold, practical insights—and a roadmap for how your audience can take a real stake in the future.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/doriot/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerryhays/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doriot_venture
Website: https://www.doriot.com/

Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Deep Dive: The Loyalty Illusion: Customer Experience Survey 2025 from PwC
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Understanding the Modern Customer Experience: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals
1.0 Introduction: The Great Customer Experience Divide
In today's competitive market, the customer experience isn’t just a part of the brand; it is the brand. Every interaction, from a first glance at a social media post to a final click on a purchase button, serves as a referendum on a company's value and trustworthiness. Get it right, and you build loyalty. Get it wrong, and customers will walk away without a second thought.
1.1 The Loyalty Illusion
A significant conflict is brewing between how businesses perceive customer loyalty and how customers actually feel. This "loyalty illusion" creates a dangerous blind spot for executives who believe they are succeeding while their customer base is quietly eroding.
Executive Belief
Consumer Reality
~90% of executives believe customer loyalty has grown in recent years.
Only 40% of consumers feel they have become more loyal to brands.
This perception gap isn't just a difference of opinion; it's a direct threat to revenue.
"About nine out of 10 [executives] say customer loyalty has grown in recent years, but only four in 10 consumers say the same."
The business risks of this blind spot are clear: 52% of consumers have stopped buying from a brand due to a bad product or service experience, and 29% have abandoned a brand due to poor customer experience. To close this gap, companies must first understand the entire modern customer journey, which starts long before a customer ever visits a website or store.
2.0 The Customer Journey: From First Glance to Final Click
2.1 Redefining the Starting Line
Customer loyalty no longer begins at a company's digital or physical front door. It's now seeded much earlier in what can be called the "experience supply chain"—the connected sequence of interactions that moves a person from curious to committed. This journey often starts in the realm of indirect influence.
Key "indirect influence" touchpoints include:
A friend’s recommendation
A discussion thread on Reddit
A product review on an independent site
While price remains the single most significant factor for 69% of consumers when making a purchase decision, mastering these early stages of discovery and influence is critical for building the long-term commitment that defines true loyalty.
2.2 What Brands Can Do
To win customers in this new landscape, brands must adopt a more holistic and proactive approach to the customer journey.
Analyze the Journey: Use data analytics and AI to forensically examine every step of the customer life cycle. This allows you to identify and fix points of friction before they drive potential customers away.
Embrace New "Front Doors": Treat online comment threads, product comparison sites, and even AI-generated search results as strategic entry points to your brand. These platforms are where modern discovery happens.
Ensure Consistency: Align every touchpoint—from social media chatter to post-purchase support—with a cohesive brand narrative. This consistency builds the trust necessary for a customer to move from awareness to action.
Understanding the full customer journey is the first step. The next is understanding what customers truly expect from a brand during that journey.
3.0 Beyond the Basics: What Customers Truly Value
3.1 Table Stakes vs. True Delight
In the modern marketplace, fundamentals like fair pricing and product quality are no longer differentiators. They are simply "table stakes"—the minimum cost of entry to compete. The real opportunity for brands lies in their ability to layer personalized, meaningful value on top of these basics to create moments of true delight.
Factor
Considered a Minimum Expectation (%)
Considered a Bonus (%)
Good value for price
77%
19%
Product/service quality
76%
20%
Transparent business practices
58%
35%
Personalized experiences
17%
62%
However, many companies are struggling to keep up. A staggering 70% of executives feel that customer expectations are evolving faster than their company can adapt. This widening gap creates a significant risk of eroding customer trust and losing business to more agile competitors.
3.2 The Generational Lens
Customer expectations are not one-size-fits-all; they vary significantly across generations. A strategy that delights one demographic may alienate another. Brands must segment their approach to meet these diverse needs.
Boomers: This group is generally less likely to be influenced by a brand's social media presence or its sustainability efforts.
Millennials and Gen Z: In contrast, these younger consumers pay close attention to a brand's values, online activities, and social impact.
Successfully meeting these varied and rapidly evolving expectations increasingly involves technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
4.0 The AI Paradox: A Tool for Help and Hindrance
4.1 High Ambition, High Anxiety
Artificial Intelligence represents the new frontier in customer engagement, but its rapid adoption has created a central paradox. While companies are rushing to implement AI-driven solutions, many customers remain wary.
A majority of consumers (58%) report being "only somewhat or not at all comfortable" using AI tools to engage with brands. This suggests that AI implementation is often driven more by a company's internal ambition for efficiency than by genuine customer demand, creating a gap between what brands offer and what customers actually want.
4.2 Finding the Right Balance
Consumer acceptance of AI is highly nuanced and depends heavily on the specific task.
More Likely to Use AI for: Simple, transactional tasks like tracking an order or delivery status (49%).
Less Likely to Use AI for: Sensitive interactions like making a payment (29%).
Crucially, despite the rise of automation, 86% of consumers still say that human interaction is moderately or very important to their brand experience. The key insight for aspiring professionals is that successful brands don't choose between AI and human support; they integrate them. They use AI for efficiency where it adds value but provide clear, fast paths to human support when empathy, nuance, and judgment are required.
This balance between technology and humanity extends to the data that fuels these systems, bringing the issue of privacy to the forefront.
5.0 The Data Dilemma: Balancing Personalization and Privacy
5.1 The Trust Trigger
Personalization presents another paradox for modern brands: customers want it, right up until the moment they don't. The desire for a smooth, tailored experience often conflicts with concerns over data privacy, creating a delicate balancing act for companies.
"More than half of consumers (53%) think that it’s worth it to share personal information if it makes their experience interacting with a brand smoother. But mishandle that data and 93% say that a brand will lose their trust."
This dynamic means that every personalization strategy carries a built-in "trust trigger." Respecting data boundaries is no longer just about legal compliance; it has become a powerful competitive advantage.
5.2 What Brands Can Do
To navigate this dilemma, brands should adopt a set of core principles that build trust while delivering value.
Focus on low-intrusion data: Prioritize using information like stated preferences and past purchases to tailor experiences. This provides value without crossing sensitive privacy lines.
Be transparent: Clearly communicate what data is being collected and why. When customers see an immediate and tangible benefit in return, they are more likely to trust the exchange.
Empower the customer: Give customers a sense of control over their data. When personalization feels like a choice, it becomes a driver of loyalty, not a red flag.
By internalizing these lessons, companies can reshape their approach to building lasting customer relationships.
6.0 Actionable Principles for a Modern Customer Experience
To succeed in today's landscape, aspiring professionals should focus on a set of core principles that connect the entire customer journey, from discovery to long-term loyalty.
Treat discovery like a make-or-break moment. A customer's journey starts long before they visit your website. Design every early touchpoint as a seamless, story-driven experience.
Rebuild loyalty based on behavior, not fantasy. Reassess loyalty programs based on real customer actions and measurable business goals, not assumptions.
Segment smarter and personalize with purpose. Move beyond generic demographics to target customers by generation, behavior, and emotional triggers to deliver true relevance.
Pair AI with empathy and know when to hand off. Use AI to streamline simple tasks, but ensure a quick and easy path to human support when nuance and empathy matter most.
Win the moments that matter or lose customers. Identify the high-stakes moments in the customer journey where loyalty can be instantly won or lost, and design solutions to win them decisively.
Turn privacy into a competitive advantage. Build trust by being transparent, providing clear value, and giving customers control over their personal data.
Measure what actually moves the needle. Go beyond traditional metrics to track the behavioral, emotional, and financial impact of your customer experience initiatives.
These seven principles are the foundational building blocks for anyone seeking to create the exceptional and effective customer experiences that define modern brands.
Source: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/2025-customer-experience-survey.html

Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Roberta Ravella On Finding Joy and Curiosity in Life and Work
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Finding Joy Through Lifestyle Change
Roberta shared her mission to help people rediscover joy and fulfillment by believing that change is possible. She explained how many individuals stay stuck in pain because they cannot envision a different reality. Michael reflected on his own journey, describing how meaningful work has been a powerful source of joy. Together, they encouraged listeners to evaluate their daily habits and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Embracing Career Transitions with Curiosity
Michael opened up about his unconventional career path, from accounting to IT to non-profit leadership, before founding Breakfast Leadership Network. Roberta emphasized that people often view career changes through a lens of judgment or failure rather than exploration. She invited listeners to reconnect with curiosity and imagination instead of constantly chasing the next milestone. Both agreed that fulfillment comes from living with intention, not from accumulating achievements.
Curiosity and Career Growth
Michael described how curiosity has shaped his career decisions, allowing him to adapt and thrive across industries. Roberta expanded on the connection between burnout and curiosity, explaining that chronic stress can suppress creativity and focus. She emphasized that rest and nervous system recovery are essential steps toward reigniting curiosity and personal growth.
Managing Stress in the Mortgage Industry
The conversation turned to burnout in high-pressure fields like the mortgage industry. Michael and Roberta discussed how identity and self-worth often become tied to professional success. Roberta shared her experience of losing her job during the 2008 market collapse and the emotional toll it took on her confidence. Michael noted that while workplace stress is real, much of it stems from internal expectations. They encouraged listeners to replace fatigue with curiosity and focus on what can be controlled.
Rebuilding Self-Worth After Burnout
Roberta opened up about how losing her career led to deep questions about identity and purpose. Michael shared that his own journey through adversity helped him rediscover meaning and direction. They agreed that personal growth requires reflection and a willingness to define happiness on one’s own terms. Both highlighted the importance of mindset ownership and the courage to rebuild with clarity.
Embracing Joy in Business
Michael and Roberta concluded with a discussion on the intersection of joy, curiosity, and entrepreneurship. Drawing insights from Roberta’s book Open for Business, they explored how business owners can integrate playfulness, experimentation, and authenticity into their work. They encouraged listeners to pursue their goals with curiosity rather than fear, reminding them that joy is not the absence of struggle—it is the presence of purpose.
Episode Theme:Rediscovering joy, curiosity, and fulfillment by embracing change, managing burnout, and building a mindset of exploration in both work and life.
Related Links:
BreakfastLeadership.com/blog – Articles on leadership, burnout recovery, and workplace culture.
The Joy Experiment – Learn more about Roberta’s work helping people find joy and meaning through lifestyle transformation.
Helping Women Build a Life & Business Rooted in Joy, Ease, and Aligned SuccessRoberta Gill Ravella is the visionary behind The Joy Experiment—a transformative framework designed to help women step out of struggle and into a life and business filled with joy, ease, and flow. Drawing from her decades of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Roberta helps clients rewrite the rules of success by leading with alignment, worthiness, and purpose.After years of chasing achievement through hustle and burnout, Roberta asked a powerful question: What if success didn’t have to be so hard? That question sparked the creation of The Joy Experiment, a values-based coaching approach that guides women to reconnect with their core, simplify their path to growth, and build success that feels just as good as it looks.Roberta works with purpose-driven women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are ready to replace self-doubt with self-trust, confusion with clarity, and pressure with peace. Her message is a refreshing antidote to hustle culture—and a rallying cry for those seeking a more intentional, fulfilling way to grow.When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find Roberta exploring the mindset shifts that turn burnout into balance and teaching others how to lead with joy, not just chase it.

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Erik Braund, CEO of Katmai Tech, to explore how immersive 3D virtual collaboration is transforming the future of work. Katmai’s groundbreaking platform redefines remote interaction by combining video presence with spatial freedom—creating an environment that mirrors the energy and spontaneity of a physical office.
Inside Katmai’s Virtual Collaboration Platform
Erik explains how Katmai bridges the gap between traditional video conferencing and in-person work. Unlike static grid calls, Katmai enables users to move freely in a 3D virtual space, sparking natural, spontaneous conversations. The result?
A 70% reduction in standing meetings for users
Average engagement of 23 hours per week—nearly double the time people typically spend on Zoom or Teams
Shorter, more meaningful interactions, averaging 15 minutes among small groups
Erik shares how these immersive environments foster authentic collaboration, serendipitous moments, and stronger team culture—elements often lost in remote work setups.
The Power of Remote Work Flexibility
Michael builds on the conversation by highlighting the evolving nature of work. He references insights from leaders like Jamie Dimon, exploring how workplace flexibility enhances autonomy, engagement, and performance. Michael notes that trust and choice are central to preventing burnout and driving productivity.
He humorously recalls a company that had to schedule a meeting—ironically—to discuss having too many meetings, reinforcing the idea that tools like Katmai can make communication more efficient and human-centered.
Balancing Efficiency and Well-Being
Erik and Michael dive into the psychology of remote work, discussing the pitfalls of multitasking and blurred boundaries. Both stress the need for intentional systems that support focus and well-being.
Erik explains how Katmai’s user-friendly interface helps teams stay connected without overwhelming them with constant pings or apps. The platform promotes mindful communication, encouraging quick, productive exchanges rather than endless calls.
Michael connects this to his Breakfast Leadership Network philosophy, emphasizing that burnout prevention begins with designing work environments—virtual or physical—that support energy, creativity, and balance.
Key Takeaways
Immersive collaboration is redefining remote culture by bringing “office energy” online.
Flexibility and autonomy are critical to engagement and performance.
Meeting reduction and better-designed communication tools lead to happier, more focused teams.
Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it.
Links & Resources
Learn more about Katmai Tech: https://www.katmaitech.com
Related reading on burnout, leadership, and workplace culture: BreakfastLeadership.com/blog

Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
A new Solitaire Bliss report reveals that 95% of managers monitor employees, but this growing trend may be damaging workplace trust and culture. Learn how constant surveillance increases burnout, reduces retention, and what leaders can do to rebuild psychological safety and transparency. Discover leadership strategies from the Breakfast Leadership Network to shift from control to trust-driven performance.
Article: https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-employee-monitoring-is-reshaping-workplace-culture-and-what-leaders-must-do-differently
Join our Workplace Culture Community: https://Community.BreakfastLeadership.com
Connect regarding healthcare savings

Monday Nov 17, 2025
Jim Fortin on How To Reprogram the Subconscious for Success
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Reprogramming the Subconscious for Success
In this episode, I sat down with Jim to explore the powerful role of the subconscious in shaping our lives. Jim shared how behaviors and outcomes are often dictated by subconscious identities, and how reprogramming these patterns can create lasting success. He walked us through his own journey—from a poor Texas farm boy to a multi-millionaire—showing firsthand what’s possible when you align your subconscious beliefs with your goals. I added my own reflections on reinvention throughout my career, reinforcing how our inner identity becomes the foundation for personal and professional growth.
Shaping Interests Through Early Experiences
We also explored how curiosity and interests are formed over time. I shared my shift from struggling in science classes to developing a genuine passion for it later in life, while Jim reflected on his early challenges with math. Together, we unpacked how childhood experiences and ingrained beliefs can set the stage for our strengths, struggles, and perceptions of ability later in adulthood.
Mindset Differences in Success and Failure
Jim drew a clear contrast between the mindset of successful millionaires and those who remain financially stuck. He explained that high performers are constantly driven to grow—either by the desire to surpass family achievements or by the fear of losing what they’ve built—while those struggling often default to excuses and fear of failure. We discussed how identity shapes habits and behaviors, influencing not just personal success but also the divides we see in today’s social and political climate.
Beyond Manufactured Identity Divide
Together, we explored how identity can unite or divide us. Using the metaphor of a tree fighting against itself, we reflected on how clinging to manufactured identities can lead to destruction. Jim and I both emphasized the importance of evolving beyond these surface-level divides and recognizing our shared human needs and goals as the path toward real progress.
Overcoming Subconscious Barriers to Growth
We closed by talking about the daily battle against subconscious barriers and external influences. Jim highlighted how his podcast helps listeners reprogram habits and reframe subconscious beliefs, while I reflected on the growing need to manage how social media and technology shape our identities. The key takeaway: true growth requires awareness, action, and the courage to break free from limiting patterns so you can step into your full potential.
Ready to truly transform your life—professionally, personally, and spiritually? Whether you’re seeking breakthroughs in business, deeper relationships, or inner alignment, Jim Fortin is the mentor high-performing leaders turn to when they’re ready to change from the inside out.
Jim is the creator and host of The Jim Fortin Podcast, a global chart-topper with over two million downloads in its first two years. Widely regarded as a leading voice in subconscious self-transformation, Jim has shared stages with icons like Tony Robbins, Dr. Phil, Robert Kiyosaki, and George Foreman, offering a unique blend of behavioral science and ancient wisdom to shift how people lead and live.
For over two decades, Jim has trained thousands—from Wall Street executives to local business owners—in the art of human effectiveness, sales influence, and his signature method: NeuroPersuasion®, a breakthrough system rooted in NLP, hypnosis, and brain-based performance strategies. Through his company Mind Authority, Jim has privately coached global changemakers in business, government, and social impact to access clarity, alignment, and elevated results.
His sought-after programs—The Transformational Coaching Program and Be Do Have Training Series—have helped individuals rewrite limiting narratives, dissolve sabotaging patterns, and create powerful shifts in every area of life.
Jim Fortin isn’t just teaching transformation—he’s helping people embody it.
Website: https://www.jimfortin.com/
Podcast: https://www.jimfortin.com/episode-1-transforming-your-life-from-the-inside-out/

