Proven Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Chris Van Dusen—investor and managing partner at Solyco Capital—to explore how disciplined thinking, long-term vision, and operational focus drive enduring business value. Chris unpacks his journey into private investing, sharing how Solyco Capital partners with founders and management teams to scale companies with intention, not hype. From evaluating opportunities beyond surface-level metrics to building businesses that can withstand market cycles, Chris explains what truly separates sustainable growth from short-term wins. He dives into the mindset of patient capital—why alignment, leadership, and execution matter just as much as financial engineering—and how the right partnerships unlock exponential outcomes over time. Together, they examine the realities of modern investing, the importance of capital stewardship, and how operators and investors can work in harmony to build companies that last. The conversation reframes success as more than just exits or returns—it's about creating resilient organizations with strong fundamentals, clear strategy, and values that scale. This isn't just a conversation about capital allocation. It's a blueprint for building durable businesses, making smarter investment decisions, and creating long-term value that outlives market cycles. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Van Dusen built his investing philosophy around discipline, patience, and long-term value creation -Why sustainable growth matters more than short-term returns or hype-driven wins -How Solyco Capital partners with operators to scale businesses through alignment and execution -The difference between financial engineering and real operational value Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:08 – Inside the mindset of patient capital: Chris explains how his early experiences shaped his long-term approach to investing—while Charles reframes investing as partnership, not prediction. 05:12 – Beyond the numbers: Chris breaks down why metrics alone don't tell the full story—while Charles highlights the importance of leadership, culture, and execution. 09:47 – What makes a great operator-investor partnership: Chris shares how alignment creates scale—while Charles explores why trust and shared vision unlock value. 14:33 – Financial engineering vs. real growth: Chris explains the danger of chasing leverage—while Charles emphasizes building businesses that last. 19:26 – Capital stewardship and responsibility: Chris discusses the role investors play beyond capital—while Charles reflects on accountability and long-term thinking. 24:58 – Scaling through fundamentals: Chris unpacks how strong systems and processes protect companies during downturns—while Charles connects fundamentals to resilience. 30:41 – Navigating market cycles: Chris explains how patient investors prepare for volatility—while Charles reinforces why timing matters less than durability.

In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, culture strategist, author, and former Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Amp, to explore how values, leadership, and intentional culture drive sustainable performance in modern organizations. Jessica unpacks what workplace culture really is, challenging the idea that it's about perks or slogans, and revealing how shared behaviors and belief systems shape everything from engagement to execution. From helping companies navigate rapid growth and change to decoding why culture breaks down during moments of pressure, Jessica shares what it takes to build environments where people actually thrive. She explains how leaders can translate values into daily actions, create trust at scale, and align teams around a clear sense of purpose, without sacrificing accountability or results. Together, they dive into the future of work, why culture must evolve alongside technology, how transparency and feedback fuel high-performing teams, and why leadership today is less about control and more about connection. This conversation reframes culture as a strategic advantage, not a "soft" concept, and shows how the strongest organizations are built from the inside out. This isn't just a conversation about company culture. It's a blueprint for building workplaces people believe in, contribute to, and choose to stay part of. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Jessica Kriegel became a leading culture strategist by turning data, behavior, and psychology into actionable workplace insights -Why company culture isn't about perks or slogans—but about consistent behaviors and shared beliefs -How leaders unintentionally break culture during periods of growth, pressure, or change -Why values only matter when they show up in daily decisions and actions Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:10 – What culture really means: Jessica challenges the idea that culture is about perks and slogans, while Charles reframes culture as the invisible system driving behavior, trust, and results. 04:55 – How leaders unintentionally break culture: Jessica explains how growth, pressure, and misaligned incentives erode culture, while Charles reflects on why leadership behavior sets the tone more than any mission statement. 09:42 – Values vs. behaviors: Jessica breaks down why values only matter when they show up in daily actions, while Charles emphasizes the gap between what companies say and what they actually reward. 14:28 – Culture as a strategic advantage: Jessica reveals how strong culture directly impacts performance and retention, while Charles explores why culture should be treated like any other core business system. 19:36 – Trust, transparency, and feedback: Jessica explains how open communication fuels engagement, while Charles highlights why feedback loops are essential for high-performing teams. 24:51 – Leadership in the modern workplace: Jessica discusses the shift from control to connection, while Charles ties this evolution to empathy, accountability, and clarity. 30:14 – Navigating change without losing alignment: Jessica shares how organizations can scale without cultural breakdown, while Charles reflects on the importance of consistency during uncertainty.

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business. RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/ THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/ FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/ PODCAST: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast --------------------------------- Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation. He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025). Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

Chris Naugle, a former pro snowboarder turned wealth strategist and founder of The Money Multiplier, shares insight on the Infinite Banking Concept. He explains how becoming your own bank through specially designed whole life insurance can lead to financial control and uninterrupted compounding returns. The discussion delves into real estate investing, tax strategies, and the implications of digital currencies. Chris challenges conventional views on debt and security, offering a fresh blueprint for building generational wealth and mastering cash flow.

In this candid and fast-moving episode, Charles sits down with Richard White—founder and CEO of Fathom AI, the top-rated AI note-taking platform on G2 and HubSpot—to unpack the truth behind the AI gold rush. Richard shares why only 5% of internal AI initiatives actually succeed, and what separates innovation from illusion in today's hype-driven market. Together, they dig deep into the harsh realities of building and buying AI software—from skyrocketing failure rates and short model lifecycles to the "LLM treadmill" that forces companies to constantly rebuild just to keep up. Richard breaks down why most big corporations are struggling to adapt, how startups can outmaneuver them with speed and focus, and why the future of work will favor the few who learn to "think with AI." The conversation stretches beyond business—exploring the coming social upheaval, the rise of one-person billion-dollar companies, and the ethical crossroads of automation, employment, and human creativity. Both Charles and Richard keep it honest, funny, and forward-looking as they challenge listeners to rethink what it means to lead, learn, and stay relevant in the AI age. This isn't just another talk about artificial intelligence—it's a survival guide for entrepreneurs, employees, and visionaries navigating the most disruptive technological shift since fire itself. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why the future belongs to those who learn to think with AI, not compete against it -How automation is paving the way for one-person billion-dollar companies -The ethical and human implications of an AI-driven economy—and how to stay grounded amid disruption -The mindset shifts needed to stay relevant, creative, and adaptable in the AI age Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:18 – The 5% reality check: Richard opens up about why 95% of internal AI initiatives fail—while Charles unpacks what separates companies that truly innovate from those just chasing the hype. 04:42 – From bootstrapping to breakthrough: Richard shares the journey of building Fathom AI into a top-rated platform—while Charles highlights the timeless lessons in execution, focus, and product-market fit. 08:15 – The LLM treadmill explained: Richard reveals how rapid model updates force companies to constantly rebuild—while Charles reflects on why adaptability is now the ultimate competitive edge. 13:28 – The illusion of enterprise AI: Richard breaks down why corporate AI projects struggle to deliver results—while Charles explores how small, agile teams can move faster and smarter. 20:04 – Thinking with AI, not competing against it: Richard discusses how humans and AI can complement each other—while Charles reframes the idea of "AI replacement" into one of "AI augmentation." 26:51 – The one-person billion-dollar company: Richard predicts a future where automation and leverage allow individuals to achieve massive scale—while Charles examines what this means for the workforce and leadership. 34:22 – Ethics, disruption, and the human future: Richard warns about the social impact of AI's rapid acceleration—while Charles challenges listeners to shape technology with purpose, empathy, and accountability. 41:10 – Staying relevant in the age of acceleration: Richard closes by sharing how curiosity and lifelong learning keep innovators ahead—while Charles reminds us that the real advantage isn't AI itself—it's how you use it.

In this powerhouse episode, Charles sits down with Setema Gali—former NFL Super Bowl champion turned elite coach, speaker, and entrepreneur—to unpack the raw truth about what it really takes to win in business, leadership, and life. Setema shares his transformation from professional athlete to purpose-driven mentor, revealing how the same mindset that wins championships also builds unstoppable leaders. He dives deep into the "dragon-slaying" philosophy—facing hard truths, confronting excuses, and building habits that create sustainable success across every area of life. From calling out toxic comfort and fake positivity to breaking down the power of radical accountability, Setema and Charles strip away the fluff and expose the realities of high performance. Together, they explore the price of true transformation—why most people never achieve it, and how those who do build unshakable confidence, discipline, and integrity through consistent, uncomfortable action. This isn't motivational talk—it's a masterclass in mental toughness, ownership, and the psychology of winning long after the game ends. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Setema Gali transformed his identity from Super Bowl champion to world-class coach by redefining what real winning means -Why true greatness isn't about talent or trophies—but about integrity, consistency, and inner mastery -The power of "dragon slaying": confronting your fears, excuses, and self-sabotage to unlock purpose and power -How to lead yourself before leading others—through discipline, accountability, and emotional control Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:05 – From the NFL to a new mission: Setema shares his journey from Super Bowl champion to transformational coach—while Charles highlights how reinvention begins when identity no longer depends on titles or trophies. 04:28 – Redefining what it means to win: Setema breaks down the difference between external success and internal fulfillment—while Charles reflects on how chasing validation keeps many high achievers stuck. 08:15 – The power of personal standards: Setema explains why discipline and integrity are the true markers of greatness—while Charles connects this to how leaders create culture through consistency, not charisma. 12:40 – Slaying the internal dragons: Setema reveals his framework for confronting fear, pride, and self-sabotage—while Charles notes how facing your "dragons" becomes the path to freedom and clarity. 16:10 – Leading yourself first: Setema emphasizes that leadership starts with self-mastery—while Charles points out that emotional regulation and humility separate good leaders from exceptional ones. 20:30 – Sustaining success through structure and spirit: Setema discusses how faith, family, and focus form the foundation of lasting achievement—while Charles ties it to the balance between grind and grace. 25:45 – Legacy over lifestyle: Setema closes with a call to pursue impact over image—while Charles reminds listeners that real success is measured not by what you gain, but by who you become.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Edwards, an executive coach and author of Bridge the Gap, shares her insights on curiosity and connection in leadership. She emphasizes the importance of showing up 'clean' to foster genuine relationships. Jennifer introduces practical tools to disrupt habitual thinking and encourages mindful practices like breathwork and walking meditations. They explore how to create dialogue without defensiveness and the significance of surrounding yourself with transformative peers. This conversation is a masterclass in nurturing impact over ego.

Kris Dehnert, founder of Dehnert Media Group and Dugout Mugs, scaled a niche product into a $55M brand, all with just five employees. He shares how a simple kitchen sketch transformed into a beloved MLB-licensed product and the resilience learned from costly failures in various industries. Kris emphasizes building efficient, small teams, leveraging AI to reduce overhead, and creating systems that allow founders to step back. He also discusses the importance of fun and reflection in entrepreneurship, turning setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Naveen Jain, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Viome, discusses the power of audacious thinking and counterintuitive parenting. He emphasizes redefining success by measuring the impact on lives rather than wealth. Naveen shares insights on parenting that foster curiosity and independence in children. He dives into his innovative approach to healthcare through personalized nutrition and the importance of asking 'why' to address root problems. This conversation inspires listeners to break boundaries and create lasting change for future generations.

In this inspiring episode, Charles sits down with Stephen Scoggins—serial 9-figure entrepreneur, author, and speaker—to explore how resilience, faith, and vision can transform a life from homelessness to extraordinary success. Stephen unpacks his remarkable journey from sleeping in his car to building multiple businesses across construction, real estate, and personal development. He shares the pivotal lessons learned along the way—how to turn pain into purpose, setbacks into stepping stones, and vision into a vehicle for lasting impact. Together, they dive into the mindset shifts that separate those who stay stuck from those who rise: the power of faith-driven leadership, the discipline of consistent action, and the courage to pursue a calling bigger than yourself. This isn't just a story about building businesses—it's a blueprint for anyone ready to break through limitations, reclaim their future, and build a life of both impact and abundance. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Stephen Scoggins went from homelessness to becoming a 9-figure serial entrepreneur -Why faith, vision, and resilience are the foundations of long-term success -The mindset shift required to turn pain and setbacks into fuel for growth -How to build businesses that create both profit and purpose Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:15 – From rock bottom to rebuilding: Stephen opens up about his journey from homelessness to finding the courage to start over—while Charles reflects on how hitting bottom often sparks reinvention. 05:02 – The role of faith in entrepreneurship: Stephen explains how leaning on faith gave him clarity and strength through uncertainty—while Charles highlights the timeless link between belief and resilience. 08:40 – Turning pain into purpose: Stephen shares how his struggles became fuel for his mission—while Charles points out that setbacks often hide the seeds of transformation. 12:18 – Building 9-figure businesses with values: Stephen unpacks the principles behind scaling multiple companies—while Charles emphasizes the importance of aligning success with service. 16:55 – Identity drives destiny: Stephen reveals why lasting change begins with who you believe you are—while Charles ties this to the idea of becoming the person your goals demand. 21:30 – Consistency beats talent: Stephen explains why showing up daily outperforms waiting for the "perfect moment"—while Charles stresses that discipline compounds into destiny. 26:12 – Leaving a legacy of impact: Stephen closes by challenging listeners to pursue success that outlives them—while Charles reflects on how true wealth is measured in lives changed, not just money earned.