Conversations That Grow

This episode centers on the essential role of meaningful dialogue in leadership and the impact of personal experiences on professional development. We delve into the insights shared by Mike Schentrup, a retired police captain and founder of Advanced Police Concepts, who reflects on his extensive career in law enforcement and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Notably, Mike emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior as a leader, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond mere authority and requires genuine engagement with others. We also explore how effective communication, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, fosters trust and cohesion within teams. Ultimately, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how our conversations shape not only our careers but also the communities we serve.Links referenced in this episode:AdvancedPoliceConcepts.compodjunction.comlinkedin.com/in/mikeschentrupCompanies mentioned in this episode: Advanced Police Concepts University of Florida Gainesville Police Department Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon

In this powerful episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, author, and speaker whose life is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.Terry shares his extraordinary 13-year journey battling a rare form of melanoma after being told he had just two years to live. He reveals how finding "meaning in misery" has helped him persevere through multiple amputations and experimental treatments.Drawing from his unique background in law enforcement and his ongoing cancer battle, Terry offers profound insights on building trust, influencing others during crisis, and leading with empathy. He explains why "leaders eat last" and how shifting focus away from ourselves during hardship can provide unexpected purpose.Whether you're navigating business challenges or personal setbacks, Terry's wisdom on resilience, trust-building, and meaningful connections will transform how you approach leadership when everything feels like it's falling apart.Links MentionedTerry's website: motivationalcheck.comSadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this eye-opening conversation, host Sadaf Beynon sits down with Christina Langdon, a former media executive who spent two decades climbing the corporate ladder, including 19 years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and as CRO at Fast Company.After facing a life-changing leukemia diagnosis just as she was pivoting to a new career path, Christina's perspective on success underwent a dramatic transformation. Now, as a coach and consultant, she helps leaders tap into what she calls "human AI" – awareness and imagination – to create more meaningful success and avoid burnout.Links mentioned:LinkedIn: Christina LangdonInstagram: @christinalangdonbossladyWebsite: kite-labs.com or christinalangdon.comSadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we chat with Drew Donaldson, strategist and founder of GroHaus. Drew shares why building relationships trumps talking business, revealing his unconventional sales approach that lets clients speak uninterrupted for the first 15 minutes. He takes us through buying out his business partners while his wife was six months pregnant, and how he immediately turned the company profitable by cutting unnecessary expenses. Drew offers fresh perspectives on contentment versus complacency, meaningful happiness versus status symbols, and why truly understanding your customers drives business success.Links Mentioned: GroHaus.org

In this episode, we dive deep with Matt Blair, COO and founding partner of REI Capital Growth. Matt shares how a single rainstorm conversation with his father in an empty Dallas apartment sparked a business that's revolutionizing how small balance investors access commercial real estate opportunities.We explore how conversations have shaped both Matt's business and personal life - from the month-long phone calls that formed the foundation of his relationship with his now-wife, to the persistent debates that helped refine their investment model through multiple SEC rejections.Links & Companies MentionedREI Capital Growth: reicapitalgrowth.comREITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

In this episode of "Conversations That Grow," Dr. Ken Gembel reveals how a single conversation with an automotive CEO completely changed his career trajectory. The founder of Luck Unlimited (which stands for "Laboring Under Complete Knowledge") shares powerful leadership insights from manufacturing trenches to motocross tracks.Ken unpacks his unconventional approach to problem-solving, why he values listening to frontline workers, and how true success comes from passionate engagement rather than comfortable mediocrity. His story reminds us that behind every successful person isn't just "luck" but disciplined labor and complete knowledge of their craft.A must-listen for anyone wanting to transform their leadership approach and build teams that actually want to show up for work.Links Referenced:Instagram: @LuckUnlimitedApparel Instagram: @LuckUnlimited "Luck It With Lexi" podcast

🚀 Big news! Push to Be More is transforming into something new—welcome to Conversations That Grow!After three years of deep conversations with business leaders, Matt Edmundson reveals why it’s time for a change. In this special episode, Matt sits down with Sadaf Beynon to share the surprising insights he’s gained about vulnerability, connection, and the magic that happens when people open up on a podcast.Listen as they announce exciting changes, including Sadaf stepping into the host role and the podcast’s sharper focus on how conversations fuel business growth and influence.Don’t miss this honest chat about the power of meaningful dialogue—and why even the best things sometimes need to evolve. Hit subscribe and get ready for what’s next!---Timestamps0:00 - Welcome and introduction to special announcement1:50 - Matt reflects on the history of Push to Be More4:18 - What Matt learned from hosting the podcast11:36 - The surprising vulnerability of podcast conversations15:32 - Announcement of the podcast's name change20:15 - Introducing Sadaf as the new host22:38 - The new guiding question for "Conversations that Grow"27:20 - Information on how to stay connected with the show---If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

Ever wondered why everyone else seems so confident when you don't? Join Sadaf Beynon as she speaks with Therese Gopaul-Robinson, who reveals the shocking truth that 78% of leaders struggle with confidence issues. From crying in her car before work to transforming organizations with her "security stacking" method, Therese shares the three-step framework that helped one company improve performance metrics from 16% to 82% in just one year. Discover how to build your confidence muscle and transform not just your leadership, but your entire organization.---What You'll LearnWhy confidence isn't a personal issue but a business concern that affects entire organizationsHow to "borrow belief" when you can't find confidence within yourselfThe three-part "security stacking" method for building sustainable confidenceWhy 78% of leaders struggle with confidence despite outward successHow one leader's confidence transformation improved company metrics from 16% to 82%---LinksTherese Gopaul-Robinson's website: www.theresegr.comTherese's LinkedIn profile: www.LinkedIn.com/in/Therese-Gopaul-RobinsonTherese's Instagram: @therese_gopaulrobinsonPush to Be More website: www.pushtobemore.comPodJunction website: www.podjunction.com---If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

When transplants move to Greenville, South Carolina, they often find a beautiful city but struggle to find connection. Enter Hunter Patrick, a former geometry teacher turned real estate agent who engineered an unconventional solution to urban loneliness. In this conversation, Hunter reveals his deliberate approach to building happiness in a city of strangers, sharing how his community has grown from casual meetups to holiday celebrations and lasting friendships. Discover why he left teaching, how he's applying lessons from his college days to create meaningful connections, and why being kind might be the strongest thing you can do.---What You'll Learn:Why traditional social groups might be limiting genuine connectionsHow to intentionally build community in a city of transplantsThe relationship between kindness and strength in leadershipWhy specific hobby groups often miss the mark on connectionThe power of giving people your undivided attentionHow to maintain authenticity while pursuing growthWays to balance risk-taking with personal values---If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.---Links referenced in this episode:PushToBeMore.compodjunction.comHunter's Email - hunter.t.patrick@gmail.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Push to Be More Podjunction Greenville Happiness

Want to push yourself to greater heights in business and leadership? Join Matt Edmundson as he talks with Glenn Poulos, a serial entrepreneur who built and sold multiple successful companies by mastering the art of human connection. From getting his sales team out of the office and in front of customers, to leveraging AI while maintaining the personal touch, Glenn shares actionable insights for anyone looking to grow their business and deepen their impact. Discover how combining timeless leadership principles with modern tools can help you achieve greater success and meaning in your entrepreneurial journey.---Key TakeawaysLeadership requires maintaining the human touch, even as technology advances. Glenn emphasizes that while AI and digital tools are valuable, they should enhance rather than replace personal relationships. True leadership means being present with your team and customers, creating genuine connections that technology alone cannot replicate.Success comes from being "a pleasure to do business with." Glenn built his business around this principle, ensuring every interaction, from answering phones to meeting clients, focused on creating positive experiences. This approach not only drove business growth but created lasting relationships that transcended traditional business boundaries.Growing businesses requires strategic thinking about equity and partnerships. Glenn shares valuable insights about when to partner, when to go solo, and how to make smart decisions about sharing equity. His experience selling multiple companies provides practical wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.Personal growth and business success are interconnected. Glenn's story demonstrates how maintaining interests outside of business - from DJing to pickleball - contributes to overall leadership effectiveness and personal fulfillment. His commitment to continuous learning, especially with emerging technologies like AI, shows how leaders can stay relevant while honoring timeless principles.---If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.---Links referenced in this episode:pushtobemore.compodjunction.comglennpoolis.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: NWS Podjunction Gap Wireless