Apogee Strong

Aspiring to become a responsible leader often sparks a deeper journey of personal growth. It’s more than just acquiring skills; it’s about developing self-awareness, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. The path can be challenging, but it’s filled with opportunities to reflect, learn, and evolve into a leader who makes a meaningful impact. Danny Silk is a renowned expert in leadership, marriage, and personal growth. With over 40 years of marriage and decades of experience in counseling, Danny has become a sought-after speaker and author dedicated to transforming lives through connection and vulnerability. Today, Danny dives into crucial topics such as the essence of leadership, the importance of building connections over control, and the challenges of marriage. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “When we get scared, we focus on trying to control what's scaring us. But that's completely backwards from what actually works.” – Danny Silk “You are living in the tomorrow that you built yesterday.” – Danny Silk “You want to feel respected, connected, and loved. That’s it. Go tell her exactly that. Lay those three things at her feet and let her figure out how to meet them.” – Danny Silk Takeaways: Make a conscious effort to lead with vulnerability and take ownership of your actions and emotions. Reflect on where you can improve self-control and how you can contribute to healthier relationships. Focus on creating a safe space where those around you feel seen, valued, and respected. Consider how you're currently connecting with others and what steps you can take to deepen those connections. Assess how you express love and respect in your relationships. Ask yourself if your actions meet the needs of your partner or loved ones and how you can better align your efforts to show appreciation and support. Identify areas in your life where you experience challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Make a plan to learn from these experiences and apply the lessons to elevate your personal and professional life. Engage with resources to cultivate your leadership abilities. Consider what qualities you admire in effective leaders and how you can integrate these traits into your own leadership style. Conclusion: Building meaningful connections through vulnerability and mutual respect is crucial for growth in both relationships and leadership. Effective leadership also requires self-control and a focus on empowering others. By addressing personal challenges with honesty and open communication, individuals can foster stronger connections and drive improvements in their personal and professional lives. This approach leads to deeper relationships and more impactful leadership.

Struggling to find direction and purpose as a young man can be deeply frustrating, especially when it feels like the traditional education system and societal norms aren't providing the guidance needed for the future. It’s easy to feel lost in a world that often seems disconnected from the challenges you’ll face in life. Finding a path that aligns with your values and ambitions can seem overwhelming in the midst of this uncertainty. Jon Hamilton is a former Green Beret and the founder of Infinite Grit, a fitness and mentorship program tailored for aspiring tactical athletes. After overcoming his own struggles with the traditional education system, Jon discovered the power of skill acquisition, consistency, and delayed gratification - traits that fueled his success in the elite Special Operations community. Today, Jon shares his unconventional upbringing, military journey, leadership insights, transition to entrepreneurship, and strategies for helping young men build mental toughness and physical resilience. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you aim to uphold it on a daily basis, the buy-in is the key ingredient to make that happen.” – Jon Hamilton “I think our future is built on the young men in this call and the young men who want to stand out from the crowd.” – Jon Hamilton “There are only going to be a few opportunities throughout our lives to see how far we can truly go.” – Jon Hamilton “Commitment is a word that has, in many ways, lost its honor in our culture. Somebody will say they are committing before they actually show that they are committed.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Identify your authentic, long-term goals and keep them at the forefront of your mind. Avoid being swayed by short-term distractions or societal pressures. Commit to consistently learning and implementing new skills, even when it's challenging. Track your progress to stay motivated. Be willing to put in the hard work over an extended period to achieve your most meaningful ambitions, rather than seeking instant gratification. Draw inspiration from the experiences of others who have overcome adversity. Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Look beyond the traditional education system and societal norms to find role models and mentors who can guide you towards your goals. Their unique perspectives may be the key to unlocking your full potential. Conclusion: Developing a clear, long-term vision is essential for achieving meaningful goals. Paired with the willingness to put in consistent hard work, this focus provides direction and motivation through challenges. By staying committed to a steady effort, individuals can make progress and bring their vision to life. Ultimately, success is built on a foundation of persistence and dedication over time.

Feeling like you don’t belong can be tough, but for some, it becomes a powerful motivator. That sense of not fitting in can ignite a drive to outwork everyone and prove your place. Instead of letting isolation hold you back, it pushes you to excel and rise above expectations, turning the feeling of being an outsider into a source of strength. As a trailblazing filmmaker and philanthropist, Kerry David has dedicated her career to amplifying untold stories and giving voice to the voiceless. With an innate curiosity and fearless spirit, she has navigated an unconventional path, from working with Hollywood icons to building a nonprofit that supports women on the frontlines of the poaching crisis in Africa. Today, Kerry discusses her fascinating career journey as a filmmaker and philanthropist and shares how she stumbled into the film industry. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I realized that while we may express emotions more because we've been allowed to, men have equal emotions; they just aren't always encouraged to express them.” – Kerry David “Just because you can work with difficult people doesn't mean you have to.” – Kerry David “My worry is that with all of this short-form content, we'll lose something important. Kids' attention spans aren't there to invest in a film anymore. They're so used to the quick hits of dopamine or serotonin from doing a million things at once that they won't understand the beauty of just relaxing into something that might take two hours to reveal itself.” – Kerry David Takeaways: Cultivate a growth mindset by reframing "failure" as an opportunity for learning and development. Encourage this perspective in young people. Prioritize open communication and setting clear expectations when managing employees, especially those with differing work ethics. Find the balance between pushing people and allowing them to grow at their own pace. Invest time in long-form storytelling, whether through films, books, or other media. Counteract the trend of short attention spans by exposing young people to the value of immersive, emotional journeys. Reflect on your own work-life balance. Are you operating out of fear or a genuine desire to excel? Identify ways to dial back the intensity without compromising your passion. Foster a supportive community of women who can uplift, encourage, and challenge one another. Recognize the power of female solidarity and how it can transform individual and collective experiences. Conclusion: Cultivating resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset is essential for young people's development. These qualities help them navigate challenges, adapt to change, and approach life with confidence. By fostering these traits early on, we equip young individuals with the tools they need to thrive in both personal and professional environments. Ultimately, building these skills sets the foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.

Maintaining a competitive edge as a high-performing athlete while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat. It requires a delicate juggling act between training, family time, and managing a business. Finding the right balance means prioritizing discipline, time management, and focusing on what truly matters in each area of life without losing sight of personal goals. Lance Palmer is a true renaissance man of combat sports. As a two-time PFL tournament champion, four-time NCAA All-American, and OHSAA wrestling legend, he has proven his mastery of the physical and mental demands of elite-level competition. Today, Lance discusses his unique upbringing and shares insights into balancing his successful MMA career with the responsibilities of fatherhood. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “The biggest thing I’ve had to focus on over the past three and a half years is patience, because I’ve never had much of it in life, and it’s something I’ve really had to work on.” – Lance Palmer “When I think of ‘engaging,’ I picture a clutch or a motor engaging—like being locked in. That’s what those words mean to me more than just being present.” – Lance Palmer “If they really want to be serious, or if they want to be successful at it, or even have a chance at success, they need an honest answer about the work required to reach the next level.” – Lance Palmer “It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to switch back and forth between roles, and the quicker we can do it, the better.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Develop patience and presence - Implement strategies like focusing on your senses (smell, touch, sight) to stay grounded in the moment, whether training or spending time with family. Set clear boundaries with technology - Establish rules and limits around phone/screen time to ensure you are fully present and engaged with your children. Communicate openly with your children about their goals and commitment level - Have honest discussions about the level of dedication required to excel in a sport and allow them to make informed decisions. Explore sports psychology and mindset coaching - Consider working with a sports psychologist to help you optimize your performance and maintain a healthy mindset. Seek out opportunities to share your personal story in a way that inspires and empowers others. Your vulnerability can plant seeds of change and help those who feel alone in their struggles. Conclusion: Maintaining a balanced and intentional approach is essential for success in high-performance endeavors, whether in athletics, entrepreneurship, or parenting. This balance helps manage the demands of each role while fostering personal growth and well-being. By staying focused and purposeful, individuals can achieve long-term success without sacrificing their overall quality of life.

Feeling like you don't belong can be a lonely experience, where no matter where you go, it seems hard to truly connect with others. It can feel isolating, as if there's an invisible barrier between you and the people around you. This sense of disconnection can be difficult to shake, even in familiar places or with close acquaintances. Sean Corcoran is a powerful voice in the pro-life movement. After a devastating abortion decision at 18 sent him spiraling into substance abuse, Sean found the strength to turn his life around and become a successful lawyer. Today, Sean shares his powerful personal story of overcoming addiction, the impact of an unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and his journey to becoming a leader in the pro-life movement through his work with the nonprofit organization Men for Life. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “95% of biologists and geneticists, most of whom are pro-choice, agree that human life starts at conception. This means that it's not just your body; it is a human body and another human being.’” – Sean Corcoran “Never really having tight connections—I think that lack of connection led to a lot of difficulties for me.” – Sean Corcoran “The purpose is to initiate thought, to provoke critical thinking. If we can provoke thought, then maybe down the line, it will lead to change.” – Sean Corcoran “Your confidence in knowing something breeds patience. It's a byproduct of that confidence.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on how instability and lack of belonging in your childhood may have impacted your ability to form deep connections later in life. Consider how you can create more stability and a sense of community for the young people in your life. Recognize the importance of having tough conversations with your children about sensitive topics like sex, drugs, and alcohol. Open communication can help prepare them for the challenges they may face. If you have a loved one struggling with addiction, set firm boundaries and refuse to enable their destructive behavior. Provide support, but make it clear you will not participate in or cover up their addiction. Challenge the common pro-choice arguments around "bodily autonomy" and "healthcare" by highlighting the scientific consensus that abortion ends a human life. Be prepared to have thoughtful, nuanced discussions on this complex issue. Seek out opportunities to share your personal story in a way that inspires and empowers others. Your vulnerability can plant seeds of change and help those who feel alone in their struggles. Conclusion: Instability, lack of belonging, and unresolved trauma can profoundly shape an individual's life trajectory. These factors can create lasting challenges that impact personal growth and well-being. Addressing them early is crucial for fostering resilience and a healthier path forward.

Transitioning from military life to the civilian world or building a business from scratch can both present significant challenges. Adjusting to new environments and navigating unfamiliar territories requires resilience and adaptability. Each journey involves overcoming unique obstacles and finding strategies to thrive in new roles and situations. With over 26 years as a Navy SEAL, William Branum has faced the ultimate test of transitioning from the high-stakes world of special operations to the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship. Today, William shares his experiences navigating the challenges of transitioning from a military career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of developing a unique personal brand, balancing masculinity and emotional intelligence, and adopting a resilient mindset to overcome major life changes. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you want to offend me, tell me a lie. If you want to offend the weak one, tell them the truth.’” – William Branum “Curiosity over certainty. Everyone wants certainty, but the world doesn't work that way. If you're curious and ask more questions, you'll get more answers.” – William Branum “The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the questions that you ask yourself.” – William Branum “That's why people fail in business, I believe: it takes so long to develop the plan and then continually adjust it.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Develop a "signature presentation" or talk that encapsulates your unique expertise and experiences. Use it as a foundation to serve others. Implement a daily planning routine that prioritizes easy, high-impact tasks to build momentum and reduce overwhelm. Embrace a mindset of "curiosity over certainty" - be willing to ask tough questions, learn from failures, and continuously evolve. Cultivate the ability to lean into conflict and maintain your masculine power, without letting your ego derail productive conversations. Create contingency plans for major life transitions and be prepared to adapt your strategy as circumstances change. Conclusion: Building a unique personal brand and developing expertise are crucial for standing out and achieving success. At the same time, maintaining flexibility and resilience allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and stay relevant. Balancing these elements ensures long-term growth and the ability to navigate various challenges effectively.

Cultivating the next generation of principled leaders involves fostering values like responsibility, integrity, and dedication. Encouraging young men to take on challenges, make ethical decisions, and lead by example helps build strong character. Providing mentorship and creating environments where these qualities are modeled and rewarded can guide them toward becoming impactful leaders. As a decorated 31-year veteran of the United States Navy, Larry Getz has dedicated his life to developing the next generation of principled leaders. Larry's unique expertise lies in his ability to forge high-performing teams and cultivate a culture of excellence, even in the most challenging environments. Today, Larry shares powerful insights on building high-performing teams, developing unbreakable character, and forging the next generation of principled leaders through his remarkable journey from boyhood to manhood and decades of distinguished service in the United States Navy. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “If you embody the opposite qualities, you’ll attract the other type into your life. So, if you're kind and warm, if you're magnetic (not just good-looking), if you're respectful and disciplined, you will attract similar people into your life.’” – Larry Getz “Think of yourself as a servant. You’re not the person who has to come up with all the answers or the magic solution; you’re the one serving the team.” – Larry Getz “The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the questions that you ask yourself.” – Larry Getz “Good questions are always better than good answers.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate a strong support network of "Ride or Die" friends - a confidant, a truth-teller, and someone who will always have your back, no matter what. Approach leadership with a servant's mindset, focused on serving your team and helping them succeed, rather than having all the answers yourself. Be willing to ask questions and admit what you don't know - humility and a thirst for learning are essential qualities of great leaders. When facing a major transition or challenge, proactively communicate with your team to maintain morale and a sense of belonging, rather than letting it erode over time. For those leading younger teams, prioritize making the experience fun and engaging, while still subtly guiding them towards growth and improvement. Conclusion: Developing well-rounded leadership qualities is essential for effective leadership, extending beyond mere technical competence. Strong leaders must also cultivate skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. These qualities enhance their ability to inspire and guide teams, ultimately contributing to overall success and growth.

Do you struggle to connect with your partner and truly understand their needs? Many men find themselves trying to "fix" problems instead of truly listening and validating their partner's emotions. This can lead to frustration, disconnection, and the breakdown of the relationship. Relationships require a lot of effort and dedication. They can be challenging to maintain because they involve navigating different needs and emotions. Larry Hagner is a relationship expert on a mission to transform the way men approach marriage and fatherhood. As the founder of The Dad Edge, he helps husbands and fathers navigate the complexities of intimate relationships and raise the next generation of leaders. Today, Larry shares his expertise on building and maintaining healthy marriages and families. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I prioritize my marriage over parenting. I know some people hear that and think, 'What the hell?' To me, it's not strange at all.’” – Larry Hagner “Emotions are neither bad nor good. They just are.” – Larry Hagner “I need to show these young men what it looks like to love a woman: how she's treated, how I love her, how I'm affectionate with her, how I communicate with her, and how I handle conflict resolution.” – Larry Hagner “Education is about who gets to transfer their way of life to your kids.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Prioritize your marriage over parenting - make your relationship with your spouse the foundation for a healthy family. Validate your partner's emotions, don't try to immediately fix the problem. Use phrases like "That sounds really hard" to create a safe space for them to open up. Teach your children what a healthy, loving relationship looks like through your own marriage. Be intentional about modeling respect, affection, and conflict resolution. Regularly check in with your partner and ask if they need you to listen and validate their feelings, or if they want you to help problem-solve. Adjust your approach based on their needs in the moment. Implement financial literacy lessons with your kids, even at a young age. Sit down weekly to discuss budgeting, saving, and the value of money - equipping them with crucial life skills. Conclusion: Prioritizing your marital relationship, developing emotional intelligence, and teaching valuable life skills to children are essential for a healthy family dynamic. These efforts strengthen bonds, promote understanding, and prepare children for success. Together, they create a foundation for lasting relationships and personal growth within the family.

Struggling to find balance as a woman while trying to reclaim your power and make a meaningful impact can be challenging. The desire to serve others often clashes with the need to prioritize self-care, leading to feelings of being stretched too thin. It’s hard to juggle these responsibilities while staying true to your personal well-being and greater purpose. Visionary coach and leader Jessie Torres is on a mission to help women alchemize their pain into power and cultivate soulful, impactful leadership. With a background in overcoming trauma and an abusive marriage, Jessie has developed a transformative approach to reconnecting women with their authentic, sensual selves and bridging the gap between love and business. Today, she discusses her holistic approach to helping women "alchemize" their pain into power and cultivate soulful, impactful leadership. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Guilt is never the right answer. If your ‘no’ is a no, you are beautiful, magnificent, and wonderful. It's okay to say, ‘That's a no for me.’” – Jessie Torres “Love is an act. Sometimes, saying no is the greatest act of love.” – Jessie Torres “Wealth follows service. When you make an emotional connection, when you feel the desire to come alive and want that for others because you know they are suffering, it will drive what you do.” – Jessie Torres “The resistance is the fear of leaving the problem we're currently in because we feel like we can manage that and live with it.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Define what love means to you - is saying "no" sometimes the greatest act of love? Reflect on how you can set boundaries with love. Identify where you may be resisting the next level of growth or transformation in your life. What fears are holding you back from living fully? Examine your relationship with guilt. Challenge the notion that guilt is a necessary emotion when setting boundaries or prioritizing self-care. Consider how you can model healthy boundary-setting and resilience for the young people in your life. What lessons do you want to teach through your actions? Reflect on your "why" - what is the deeper purpose or desire that drives you to serve others? Stay connected to that as the foundation for your work and business. Conclusion: Transforming pain into purpose, setting boundaries with love, and cultivating resilience are powerful strategies for personal growth and effective coaching. By turning challenges into meaningful goals and maintaining compassionate boundaries, individuals can build strength in themselves and those they guide. These practices not only foster personal development but also enhance the overall coaching experience.

It's common to feel like external circumstances or societal norms are hindering personal growth. Many people encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable, often due to systemic issues or traditional expectations. However, recognizing these barriers can be the first step toward overcoming them, whether through self-reflection, seeking supportive communities, or challenging the norms. By focusing on personal strengths and setting clear goals, it's possible to carve out a path that aligns with your true potential. Dale Dupree is a sales rebel on a mission to transform an industry plagued by manipulation and empty promises. As the son of an entrepreneurial trailblazer, Dale learned early on that the traditional path isn't always the right one. He's built a thriving sales community centered on authenticity, service, and personal growth. Today, Dale discusses his family legacy and early influences, his transition from music to sales and business leadership, and much more. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “My rebellion is built on hope, not on pitchforks, flamethrowers, or burning down everything in my path.” – Dale Dupree “Good leaders sacrifice. We sacrifice comfort and the status quo because we don't want to conform to them. We challenge the myths around discomfort and push beyond them.” – Dale Dupree “There are no shortcuts or hacks for it. The one thing I would encourage people to think differently about is this: What are the things in your life that are going to be permanent?” – Dale Dupree “We often think of being rebellious in a negative way, defining it as going against a status quo that should exist. However, sometimes being rebellious and leading is really hard.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate a "rebellion built on hope" - Identify areas where you can challenge the status quo in a positive, constructive way to drive change. Embrace mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth - Distinguish between permanent failures and temporary setbacks that can make you better. Surround yourself with a community of supportive, like-minded peers - Seek out mentors and friends who are going through similar struggles and can provide accountability. Prioritize authenticity and service over sales tactics - Focus on providing an excellent experience and truly understanding your customers' needs. Invest time in your spiritual life and relationship with God - Develop a daily practice of seeking guidance, wisdom and strength through prayer and reflection. Conclusion: Authentic leadership, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a strong spiritual foundation are key to personal and professional growth. These principles foster resilience, guide decision-making, and help individuals lead with integrity. By embracing them, one can create a lasting impact and navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.