Show Notes:Special thanks to the guests of Pensacola Naval Air Station class 1958 (28-58) for their time and insight.Captain Walter "Dub" Fields aka "Fireball"Captain Bill Solms Captain Rodney Neibauer aka "Rocket Rod"Commander Bob Vollaire LT Floyd Joramo (13:15) What was America like in 1958 when you were entering the military? What was the world like?(18:27) Dub recalls meeting and hanging out with Elvis Presley in Kilgore, Texas.(23:00) Advice and words of encouragement to young people and to the country during a time of division.Capitalism vs. SocialismProblems with the mediaAmerica needs energy independence(35:00) Dub recalls classmate Bob Flynn who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam war and his "six principles" that helped him survive 5.5 years in prison all of which were in solitary confinement.#1 God#2 Duty#3 Honor#4 Country#5 Family#6 Self(37:00) How to make decisions in life.(42:00) Capt Bill Solms gives a warning about China, debt, and a divided America."You can't be afraid to fail." - Rodney Neibauer(47:00) Capt Bill Solms decides to do a loop - "The smartest thing I did was start that at 20,000 feet!"An old aviator saying, "Three things a pilot does not need; Altitude above you, runway behind you, and fuel left in the truck!"Advice for parents raising kids.(56:00) If you could give a state of the union address to the American people what would say?Why optimism is a difference maker!(1:02:45) - Bob Dickie's "call to action" for the men and women who are enjoying freedom today! 

Show Notes: Oren is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach & Harvard Business SchoolYoung President's Organization (YPO) memberMarc Andreessen “Software is eating the world!”Flock Freight – “We are building an enormous tech stack and incredible cutting-edge technology business while building a best-in-class freight block – algorithmic ride-sharing of freight.” https://www.flockfreight.com/about-us/50% of the semi-trailers on the road are only 50% full. This is wasteful of space and increases carbon emissions to move cargo.Terminal-free or hubless shipping to move cargo across the country.Key performance indicators in the freight industry.On-time pick upOn-time deliveryDamageTransit timeLoss/theft(9:45) HBS Professor Francis Frei - Three Wedges of Business Customer DelightSupplier SurplusProfits for the FirmFlock Freight is the only Certified B-Corporation in the freight industry!It is important to be environmentally AND financially sustainable(18:00) Is deflation coming to the freight industry? Transportation as an industry is $7 Trillion globally and $1 Trillion in the US(20:50) How does Oren pivot and tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship while dealing with the stress of the job?“It is better to expect that you will have to chew glass daily!”“Because it is hard it is worth doing! Don’t expect hard things to be easy.”(27:00) Why is it important to have close friends, confidants, mentors, and coaches around you on your journey to help you?(29:00) “Business is like middle school.”(33:00) What is it like to navigate an 18-month near-death experience for his business?(39:00) What is it like to have big outside investors like Softbank, Google Ventures, GLP, and Signal Fire as investors in your company? (49:00) Why is it important to wear your values on your sleeve as a leader and CEO?(50:40) Why does Oren invest so much in continuing education? Why I started vs. Why I stayed.“I loved it because I felt safe.”(1:04:00) How can society come together to communicate better and see different points of view?Be conscious about the world around usBe thoughtful about others’ viewpoints and perspectives“99% of the world is the same…we all want to live in peace and raise our families in peace and prosperity.”As you move up Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, you are able to have different types of conversations.(1:11:45) What is coming down the pike with technology advancements, AV (autonomous vehicles) and how will this impact the economy?Upwards of 2.5m truck drivers could lose their jobs over timeCreative destruction in all industries are changing jobs and careers across many sectors…causing “career migration or career immigrants”(1:22:00) We love our truck drivers!“It’s hard…Let’s do it!”“The benefit of being a for-profit is we are sustainable! You can do well by doing good.”Book RecommendationsMornings on Horse Back – David McCulloughWar and Peace – Leo TolstoyWashington – Ron ChernowHamilton – Rob Chernow(1:25:00) Why Oren is reading historical biographies of leaders“They were people who worked on big things with a lot of purpose behind what they did and many times were reluctant but they felt called and felt compelled into service.”“I’ve been filling up my tank on people doing hard things!”Final Question: If you had the ability to give a state of the union address to the American people what would you say?Follow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickieFollow "Taking the Leap Podcast" on Youtube.com

Show Notes:Jim Paullin – MBA from Emory University, division manager for a global paper company, and now an entrepreneurKathy Paullin – BS from Emory in Chemistry, worked at the CDC and Monsanto, and now an entrepreneur(6:45) “Joe Darkangelo, I need your help. I have slight chest pains.”(10:15” ****Code Blue****(17:15) “The most important realization we had about this heart attack was that God was in control….if we had the heart attack at home he might not have made it.”(21:10) “All I can remember is I WANT SOME OXYGEN!”(25:50) Why it is important to invest consistently through life.(29:00) Why you buy insurance when you don’t need it.(31:00) Jim Paullin gives advice to young people of what he has learned in life.We decided to do life togetherLearning soft skills and personal development in life is criticalThe secret to success is to ask questions and then LISTEN.Get mentors and coaches that can help you in life.(41:00) The hare vs. the tortoise. (46:45) Words of encouragement to Jim Paullin about his mission for the next generation. The best days of America are ahead, and there is hope and opportunity!(56:00) Jim & Kathy’s parting words of wisdom“The life you want is easily obtained by getting new information.”Book RecommendationsLeading With A Limp – Dan AllenderThink and Grow Rich – Napoleon HillHow to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale CarnegieFollow Bob Dickie in Twitter @RobertDickieFollow "Taking the Leap Podcast" on Youtube 

Thundering Aspens Sportsman Club – Mesic Michiganhttp://thunderingaspenssportsmanclub.com/about/Ken Herman – sportsman, teacher, coach, business leaderKen is passionate about teaching and coaching kids in sports and life.Joe Darkangelo is an entrepreneur but formerly served as a firefighter and police officerJoe wants to make a difference in people’s life.Isaac Darkangelo, his nephew is playing linebacker for the University of Illinois and having a great season at 7-1!How you prepare for a hunt is similar to how you prepare for victory in life.Take counsel from people who have the expertise and it can make a difference in your life.Thundering Aspens Sportsman Club – Mesic, MichiganJonathan Wright – World-Class and World Champion Taxidermy ArtistA family business run by Jonathan, Jason, and Gregory Wright brothers.People love being around people who are “all in” and enjoying and maximizing life!Following the basics in any pursuit is critical for success.“There is no better way to spend your life than in the service of others.”Ceaser Guerini Shotguns https://gueriniusa.com/shotguns/forum-sporting/Field Sport – Purveyor to the Wingshooterhttps://www.fieldsportltd.com/Book RecommendationsLeading with a Limp – Turning Your Struggles Into Strengths - Dan AllenderWhale Done – The Power of Positive Relationships – Ken BlanchardThe Obstacle is the Way – The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph – Ryan Holiday “Shoot and Move – always work to improve your fighting position.” US Army RangersFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickieFollow "Taking the Leap Podcast" on Youtube.com

Show Notes:Dean is a graduate of Liberty University & Harvard Business School and a member of the Young President's Organization (YPO).“You will meet the same people on the way up that you do on the way down in your career. Treat all people with respect in all situations.”“A non-self-examined life is a life not worth living.” No amount of success will fill a previous wound or hurt. At some point, you will have to address and deal with the problem. “Leadership is about serving the people.”“I was running from the pain…it never fixed the issue. I felt devalued and so I was trying to create value for myself with my business and success. I had to discover that I was enough as Dean Parker.”We have the power to break muti-generational curses.The saddest thing in life is to see a leader that does not have a story arch of change and growth. “When one door opens another will open but you have to be looking for it.”“I have all my employees take the 5 Love Languages test because I want to know what is most meaningful to them.”The key to business is to give more than you receive.“Always expect the worst in people and you will not be disappointed.” – Dr. Ben CarsonDr. Ben Carson asks Dean Parker to be the national finance chairman of his political campaign.“Dean, God is going to do something great through us, I just don’t know what it is.”What Dean learned about politics.It is all about the money. You need money to win and have influence.If you provide enough vision and people believe in that vision it’s amazing what you can accomplish.If someone in power with influence validates you, you get positional authority whether you have experience or not.Sadly, many times those who do the wrong thing often time get rewarded because they are owed a favor.Many times in politics people in opposite parties want the same thing but have different views on how to get there.Advice from Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey – Former YPO memberMake sure your family is on boardMake sure you have enough money that you don’t have to sell your soul to the devil. Donald Trump’s philosophy during the campaign was, “Say what I have to say to own the media and I will win the election.”Dean’s opinion is that the national economy will hinge on the mid-term elections. Many places around the country will be resilient…the southeast will continue to grow as the economy thrives and people leave places like Chicago and Illinois. The political campaigns changed overnight after the Paris attack. One event can be a hinge point that changes everything. Dean talks about the shifts in the country to states that are losing power and states that are gaining economic opportunity and freedom.Dean thinks we will have a “V” shaped recovery for a lot of the US but many places like LA will have a longer road to recovery due to bad politics.America needs to be able to have messy conversations to get to the heart of issues and find common ground. We have to get rid of polarization and that starts by seeking to understand the other's point of view.Book Recommendations5 Love Languages – Dr. Gary ChapmanPersonality Plus – Florence LittauerThink Big – Dr. Ben CarsonGifted Hands – Dr. Ben CarsonNetworking is not Working – Derek CoburnGame Change – John MeilemannFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickieFollow "Taking the Leap Podcast" on Youtube.comFollow Dean Parker on Twitter - @DeanParker

Drayton Wade, with a Clemson undergraduate degree and London School of Economics (LSE) Master's degree decides to go back to get an MBA at Dartmouth Tuck School of Business.Left UIPath after their IPOThe key data point for SAS (Software as Service Companies) – ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue)Drayton realized he enjoyed the chaos of start-ups instead of the structured systems of a public company. This led him to make a leap.Drayton realized he wanted to grow in sales development but also wanted to get an MBA to get more business experience.The lifeblood of all business is sales (8:45)Key to success for young people? “Seek out more responsibility. Add value.” (12:00)Different people are created for different companies AND even different stages of companies. You have to know what your gifting is and where you will thrive. What is the culture and what will be rewarded? (16:00) To achieve "outsized" success you have to go “all-in.”  Do you know what you want? Do you know how you are designed? (19:00)Smaller college towns do a better job of fostering community and engagement. Drayton joined Kogintos as Director of Business Development and Operations while he is finishing his MBA. www.Kognitos.com “Kognitos is the world's first automation solution that understands English. This means any business user can create, modify, and maintain automations. Kognitos can automate the many tasks that run your business such as quote generation, invoice processing, credit card payment reconciliation, bills of laden entry, or any other repetitive process.”Much of what you learn at a top-tier MBA program can be learned via www.Coursera.org Drayton learns about the issues with impact investing and ESG and “greenwashing.” (32:00)Book RecommendationsThe Power Law – Sebastian MallabyAI 2041 – Ten Visions for our Future – Kai-Fu Lee Angel – Jason CalcanisThe Firm – Duff McDonaldThe Terminal List – Jack CarrAmazon Unbound – Jack StoneMeditations – Marcus AureliusThe Daily Stoic  - Ryan HolidayHow to use Meditations to control emotions (49:00) The benefit of "first principle" thinking and removing emotions from a critical decision moment to stay focused on the logic of the issue. You will obtain better results and not make bad decisions. (52:00)Drayton wonders if Gen-Y has over-corrected and is too emotional and vulnerable and taking it to far. Emotions are not built and are not founded in logic. Kognitos allows you to write in English and create automation for your business. (1:05:30)The story arch of data processing using from using coding languages like Python to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to Kognitos…the process continues to get better all to help take data and clean it, process it, and give it to the right people so analysis can take place faster and cheaper.What do you look for in a job interview?Drayton asks Bob for his Tennessee football prediction for the Florida game and 2022 regular season record 9-3 for the regular season 35-21 Vols over Florida (actual score 38-33)“Everything rises and falls on leadership!” John MaxwellFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickieFollow "Taking the Leap Podcast" on Youtube.com

In Episode 28, Bob Dickie sits back down with fan favorite guest Grant Webster to discuss the block chain revolution.Some of the topics discussed in this podcast are:The Afghanistan humanitarian crisisBlock chain technology revolution and what it isCryptocurrencyHelium and The People's NetworkFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickie

Jim Martin and Joe Darkangelo are both successful Bonvera Entrepreneurs who are radically changing the gig economy space with the banner of “Home Is Business”. Some of the topics discussed in this podcast are:Navigating and learning how to adapt as business owners during the Covid-19 pandemic.Adapting, growing, and overcoming as entrepreneursConnections and relationships in a virtual environmentBeing prepared for the rapidly changing economyKeeping a high standard of excellence in businessThe importance of connecting and building relationshipsF.O.R.M. (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Motivation)Insights into becoming a successful entrepreneurBook Recommendations:Speed of Trust - Steven Covey DNA of Relationship - Gary SmalleyMagic of Thinking Big - David SchwartzHow To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big - Scott AdamsRadical Candor - Kim ScottFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickie

On Episode 26 of Taking The Leap Podcast, host Bob Dickie interviews Triniti Gawthrop. Triniti is the CEO and founder of Ami Wellness, a plant-only wellness company that empowers women on their wellness journey. Triniti's own personal journey ranges from living the “hippie” lifestyle as a child to working in New York City as a Director of Marketing. This contrast has given her key insights into both eastern and western medicine practices that has inspired her approach to wellness. Some of the key points Bob and Triniti discuss are:Flexibility, tenacity, consistency, and dedication in all aspects of lifeLessons from the Covid-19 pandemicAdvice for young girls to female executivesThe entrepreneurial leap into creating your own businessPlant-based wellness Book Recommendations:Think Like A Monk - Jay ShettyThe Third Door - Alex BanayanThe Leap - Bob DickieLove Your Work - Bob DickieFollow Bob Dickie on Twitter @RobertDickie

Albert “Bud” Ayers is a lecturer at San Jose State University where he teaches social dancing. He has been dancing since 1990 and has taught thousands the joy of dancing as well as the physical and social benefits. Bud truly believes that if more people danced the world would be a better place because dance is an expression of joy. What separates Bud from the other dance instructors are his words of wisdom or life lessons he incorporates at the end of each class. He inspires his students to take risks, accept failure and be better at communication, and understand that dance is a metaphor for life. His varied experiences in manufacturing, distribution, personal growth, sports, communication, entertainment, entrepreneurship, public speaking and ballroom dance give him a unique supply of resources and perspectives on life. He is known for his passion for sharing his love of dance as well as helping others navigate their personal life challenges. Some of his students who took his class as a mere curiosity have taken his words and have changed their careers to become either professional or competitive ballroom dancers. He is happily married to his wife Deborah Borlase (whom he met dancing) and has three children and seven grandchildren.Key Learnings: Dance can help you be confident, and it brings joy to life.It’s also about communication, learning your partner, and how to work together in relationships.Life and dancing cross in showing us how to take risks, be afraid, and do it anyways.People’s thoughts don’t hurt them.Fear kills more dreams than death.Life is not just success. A lot of failure precedes the success.It’s about learning the struggle in the journey. Knowledge is the vehicle, passion is the gasoline.We reap more benefits when we live in the moment, not being focused on worries and preoccupations. You know what's expected of you. You know what's right.The seven C’s of life: Choice, challenges, character, change, charity, community, courage.Links:Napoleon Dynamite & Can’t Buy Me Love, other classic dance movies Bud Ayers Dance WebsiteBecome a Fan of Bud Ayers on Facebook  Words Matter website Tiger Mom, or Tiger ParentingWhat’s In the Way Is The Way To learn more about Bob’s two books, find them on Amazon here: The Leap and Love Your Work.