Breakfast Leadership Show

Vivian’s Sales Success Journey From Brazil to Miami, Vivian’s story is nothing short of transformational. After facing the collapse of a business investment and a divorce, she pivoted into sales—and within six months, she was earning $150,000. In less than a year, her team was generating over $1 million a month. Today, she leads multiple organizations valued at over $100 million and teaches influence and sales mastery through her program, Influence OS. I was inspired by her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, especially in how she turned challenges into a system that redefines how sales is done. Breaking Through Personal Sales Ceilings Vivian shared that becoming an elite salesperson wasn’t about working harder—it was about shifting psychology, mindset, rituals, and identity. Along her journey, she built over 20 companies designed to support her broader ecosystem. Central to her approach is her CROWN Framework: Clarity, Relationships, Ownership, Wealth, and Neuroscience. It’s a roadmap for breaking personal ceilings and training ourselves to embrace growth. Sales Influence and Organizational Clarity We discussed the idea that everyone is in sales, whether in business or in life. Vivian highlighted the difference between selling with presence versus selling with pressure. I connected with her point on clarity—how it’s essential for growth and adaptability in any organization. I also emphasized that discipline, more than motivation, drives long-term success, something Vivian models so well. Authentic Sales Intuition Vivian explained how listening to her intuition transformed the way she evaluates opportunities. Early in her high-ticket sales career, she was taught manipulative tactics, but she chose to trust her instincts instead. By aligning her approach with authenticity and values, she built a more ethical—and more successful—path in the sales world. Mastering Influence and Adaptation Influence, as Vivian described, is a superpower. By reading body language and physiology, she can assess opportunities and people in seconds. I also admired her journey of learning English and adapting to a new culture—proving that resilience and curiosity are just as vital as business strategy. Gratitude and Life Direction What stood out most to me was Vivian’s commitment to gratitude and perspective. From climbing 14 flights of stairs daily to practicing meditation and journaling each morning, she grounds her success in conscious choices. She shared that material wealth didn’t bring the happiness she expected, but gratitude and clarity about life direction did. Final Takeaway Our conversation was as energizing as it was insightful. Vivian’s story is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of influence done right. You can learn more about her work at vivianWeyll.com  

Philip’s Business Journey and Nashville Insights In this episode, I sit down with Philip, an entrepreneur with an impressive track record of founding or leading 10 businesses across commercial printing and real estate. With a 4-4-2 record of wins, losses, and draws, Philip embodies the resilience every leader needs. Today, he’s the semi-retired CEO of Benchmark Realty, the largest real estate brokerage in Tennessee. Philip shares candid insights on Nashville’s explosive growth, its infrastructure challenges, and what the city needs to thrive in the years ahead. Failure as a Teacher Philip and I explore why failure should never be the final word, but rather a stepping stone. Drawing from his military background, Philip explains how mastering the mundane and making incremental improvements create lasting success. We both agreed that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but embracing them as learning opportunities that sharpen your leadership and strengthen your business. Growth Through Adversity We dive deep into why true business growth rarely happens during comfort and ease. Philip and I shared stories of entrepreneurs who found creative ways to market themselves, including a startup cleaning business that used electrical tape as signage. These scrappy beginnings sparked a broader conversation about how society often fails to encourage entrepreneurs. Our conclusion: leaders must balance critical thinking with encouragement, because innovation thrives where support exists. Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone Philip offered a powerful reminder: success lives outside our comfort zones. He compared critics to chickens pecking at those who dare to stand out, urging us to see criticism as a sign we’re on the right path. He stressed that money is not the end goal, but rather the measure of how much value and service we bring to others. True business and life success, he explained, is rooted in serving people first. Legacy and Lessons for the Next Generation Our conversation closed on a reflective note. Philip shared why he dedicated two years to writing his book—a legacy project to pass down four decades of hard-earned wisdom to future generations. He wants millennials, in particular, to access the kind of business education he wished he had early in life. While he admits the book was never about profit, it’s about equipping others to sidestep avoidable mistakes and find their own success path. For those interested, Philip’s book and insights are available at phillipcantrell.com.   Failing My Way to Success Lessons From 42 Years of Winning (and Losing) in Business Book Description : Success doesn’t follow a straight line—and failure isn't the enemy. In Failing My Way to Success, veteran entrepreneur Phillip Cantrell shares a candid, no-fluff account of 42 years navigating the real-world highs and lows of business leadership. From building startups to scaling multimillion-dollar enterprises, Cantrell’s journey is a testament to the fact that failure, when embraced with clarity and courage, can become a strategic advantage. With a personal record of 4 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties across ten companies, Cantrell breaks down the often-unspoken truth: you don’t need an Ivy League degree, perfect timing, or a flawless resume to win in business. What you do need is grit, focus, and a relentless commitment to self-awareness and improvement. Through stories both humbling and empowering, Failing My Way to Success delivers real-world insights on: Developing a resilient, high-performance mindset Building systems that scale sustainably Leading with integrity and emotional intelligence Learning from your missteps without letting them define you This is more than a business book. It’s a leadership manual for anyone who’s been knocked down—and is ready to get back up stronger. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a startup, or reinventing your career, this book is your reminder that setbacks are setups for the future you’re building. Author Bio: Phillip Cantrell is a tenacious entrepreneur and thought leader who knows firsthand that resilience is the cornerstone of success. As founder and CEO of Benchmark Realty, LLC, he’s led one of the Southeast’s most respected real estate brokerages, with offices across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. In 2025, Phillip was named one of the 200 most influential people in real estate by the Swanepoel Power 200—a recognition earned through decades of leadership, innovation, and principled growth. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Strategy for United Real Estate, where he helps guide a national team of over 25,000 agents and $35 billion in annual revenue. Beyond titles and metrics, Phillip is a mentor at heart. He believes success is built on values, not vanity metrics—and he’s committed to sharing the lessons, losses, and breakthroughs that have shaped his career. A proud alumnus of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Phillip lives in Tennessee with his wife Amanda. Together, they continue to invest in people, community, and a legacy of courageous leadership.

We discuss Michael's book Workplace Culture, and discuss  contemporary organizations are facing a "culture shortage," not merely a "labor shortage." The source emphasizes that talent retention and attraction hinge on cultivating a positive workplace environment rather than solely relying on financial incentives. It outlines five essential strategies for leaders to adopt, including fostering trust and psychological safety, embracing workplace flexibility, prioritizing mental health and preventing burnout, investing in employee growth and career mobility, and implementing personalized recognition. Ultimately, the piece asserts that businesses prioritizing a strong culture will be the ones to thrive in the evolving landscape of work.  

Leadership Through Engaging Questions Gary B. Cohen shared his career journey, starting with growing ACI Telecentrics from two people and $4,000 to 2,200 employees and taking it public, achieving 50% compounded annual growth for the first 10 years. He then transitioned to writing a book on leadership and coaching, emphasizing the importance of asking questions rather than telling to engage employees. Gary highlighted that leaders need to shift from being tellers to askers, changing their identity to foster engagement, and he now focuses on coaching, which he believes is more crucial than ever in today's workplace. Transforming Healthcare Through Employee Engagement Michael shared his experience transforming a healthcare organization with a high turnover rate by listening to employees and implementing their suggestions without conditions. He reduced the turnover rate from 86% to 6% in one year by asking questions, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where employees felt valued. Gary noted that this approach aligns with coaching principles, emphasizing the importance of moving from a position of knowing all the answers to one of curiosity and open-mindedness. Transforming Toxic to Collaborative Workplaces Michael shared his experience transforming a toxic work environment into a collaborative one, highlighting how addressing underlying issues and empowering staff led to significant improvements. He emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals have both authority and accountability, and noted that the same people can maintain positive change even after organizational transformations. Gary mentioned his passion for writing a second book with Robert Dora, focusing on digital manufacturing. Balancing Permission and Employee Autonomy Gary discussed the concept of employees feeling "on the hook" in a positive way, contrasting it with the negative connotation often associated with the term. He emphasized the importance of balancing permission-giving and permission-seeking between leaders and employees, noting that excessive permission-giving can disengage employees and reduce their sense of ownership over their work. Gary and Michael explored how guardrails, such as job descriptions and budget allocations, can provide structure without stifling creativity or initiative. They agreed that leaders should help employees recognize these boundaries while encouraging autonomy and accountability. Empowering Mental Health Workers Michael shared his experience with empowering mental health workers to develop new programming, which resulted in a successful poster presentation at a conference. He emphasized the importance of employee ownership and engagement, as well as the value of celebrating project outcomes rather than focusing solely on ideas. Michael also discussed his approach to leadership, including his practice of asking questions to maintain a state of wonder and curiosity, and the importance of active listening. Peak Leadership Question-Asking Styles Gary discussed a tool called Peak Leadership, which identifies four question-asking styles based on two dimensions: perspective/evaluation and knowledge/action. He explained that most people only use one of these styles, limiting their questioning to 25% of the available options, but the model shows that individuals can develop and expand beyond their natural style. Covey Assessment Tool Introduction Gary discussed his company's decision to offer a free 7-minute assessment tool based on Stephen Covey's 360-degree quadrant model, which helps individuals and organizations ask better questions and improve their performance. Michael encouraged listeners to take advantage of the tool, emphasizing its value for organizations of all sizes. Website:  https://co2coaching.com Book: Just Ask Leadership:  Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions  

In this deep dive conversation, we discuss highlights from Michael's pinnacle book, Burnout Proof. Learn more at https://BreakfastLeadership.com  

The Global Mental Health Crisis – A Call for Urgent Action Episode Summary In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we dive into the staggering findings from the World Health Organization’s latest report revealing that over one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions. The data paints a sobering picture of the economic and social toll of untreated mental illness, including lost productivity, rising healthcare costs, and alarming inequities between high and low-income countries. We explore why mental health is more than just a healthcare issue — it’s a fundamental human right and a strategic imperative for leaders and organizations everywhere. The conversation connects global statistics to the workplace, emphasizing that mental well-being is essential for organizational success, employee retention, and sustainable growth. You’ll also hear practical strategies for leaders to take immediate steps in supporting mental health within their companies, from fostering a culture of openness to investing in accessible resources and support systems. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why over one billion people are affected by mental health conditions worldwide — and what this means for all of us. The economic consequences of poor mental health, including its impact on productivity and organizational outcomes. The widening gap in access to care between high and low-income nations, and why this disparity must be addressed. How leaders can make mental well-being a central part of workplace culture. Actionable steps organizations can take now to invest in employee mental health and avoid greater long-term costs. Why This Matters Mental health is no longer a topic we can afford to sideline. It’s a human rights issue that directly influences organizational resilience, performance, and innovation. The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of investment. Resources and Links Read the full WHO report: WHO – Over a billion people living with mental health conditions Breakfast Leadership Blog article: Over One Billion Minds in Crisis: Why We Must Scale Mental Health Services—Now Books by Michael D. Levitt: Burnout Proof Workplace Culture Toxic Workplace Help Community (get Workplace Culture book for just $7!) Burnout Help Community (get Burnout Proof book for just $7!)

This Deep Dive episode presents a "Three-Bucket Money Plan" designed to reduce financial stress and increase control through simplicity. The core idea involves assigning every dollar a specific purpose, dividing income into three categories: Save, Spend, and Grow. The "Save" bucket acts as a safety net for emergencies and short-term goals, "Spend" covers daily needs and wants, and "Grow" focuses on long-term wealth building through investing. The plan emphasizes automation and consistent habits, suggesting a 50/30/20 split as a starting point and encouraging adjustments to fit individual circumstances, ultimately aiming for steady financial progress over perfection. Read the full article:  https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/save-it-spend-it-grow-it-a-no-drama-money-plan Join our workplace culture community:  https://Community.BreakfastLeadership.com Want to beat BURNOUT?  Pick up Burnout Proof today! 

In this empowering episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Robert Howard, a resilient entrepreneur whose story is a testament to grit, growth, and intentional transformation. From growing up in housing projects to becoming a successful real estate investor, Robert’s journey is one of turning setbacks into stepping stones. 🎙️ From Rock Bottom to Real Estate Robert opens up about his humble beginnings and academic challenges, including flunking out of college, which led him to a career in car sales. Despite the high-pressure, commission-driven world of auto dealerships, he never stopped searching for a path with more freedom. While working full-time as a general sales manager, he began building his real estate wholesaling business, driven by the belief that time is the new currency. 🚘 Navigating Car Sales Through a Crisis Michael and Robert reflect on the chaos of selling cars during the pandemic—a time when dealership lots were empty and uncertainty was the only constant. With Michael’s own family history tied to GM, this part of the conversation reveals the toll such careers can take on mental health, family life, and one’s sense of purpose. They both underscore the need to realign your work with your values as life priorities evolve. 💼 From Burnout to Balance Robert shares how he went from burnout in the auto industry to creating time freedom and financial stability through real estate. His turning point? Investing nearly $50,000 into mentorship and real estate education before finally landing a profitable deal. That one success changed everything, giving him the confidence to walk away from his day job and spend more meaningful time with his family. 🧠 The Entrepreneurial Mindset This episode dives deep into the mindset shifts required for entrepreneurship. Robert and Michael discuss the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a steady paycheck to follow your dreams. They speak candidly about the internal battles—like negative self-talk and fear of failure—that can derail your progress unless you intentionally choose to believe in what's possible instead of what could go wrong. 🚀 Taking the Leap: Risk vs. Reward Michael reflects on his own career leap from accounting to leadership consulting, emphasizing that all innovation comes from those willing to take a risk. Real estate, as they both agree, isn’t just a business—it's foundational to life. Robert begins to share the blueprint of how he exited a 20-year career in auto sales to become a full-time investor, offering valuable insights to those contemplating a similar transition. 🎁 Exclusive Wholesaling Resource Robert is generously offering a free educational resource for those ready to explore real estate wholesaling. Simply DM message the word “Jump” to his Facebook inbox to receive his proven property contract script, video tutorials, and a behind-the-scenes look at how wholesaling really works. Key Takeaway: Whether you're stuck in a career that no longer aligns with your values or you're looking to reclaim control of your time, this conversation is your reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story—with resilience, clarity, and a little bit of risk. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to bet on yourself—and win. Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/robert.howard.3150    

🔥 Episode Overview: In this high-impact episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with John Little, Founder and CEO of Winner’s Edge Coaching, to explore the messy middle of leadership transitions—and how confidence, culture, and courage can make or break your leadership team. With over 25 years of executive coaching experience, John unpacks what it really takes to thrive as a new leader, why micromanagement is often a mask for fear, and how organizations are hemorrhaging talent because they fail to support leaders at critical growth moments. This one’s for executives, HR professionals, and anyone ready to elevate from tactical to strategic leadership. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your own role or seen potential get stuck in the pipeline, you’ll want to hit play on this episode. 🧠 Key Takeaways: The Mindset Shift from Manager to Director: John explains why being a top individual contributor doesn’t automatically translate to leadership success—and how to “elevate your eyes” to think more strategically. Micromanagement as a Red Flag: We dive into how fear-based leadership behaviors stem from a lack of onboarding and imposter syndrome, not incompetence. Why So Many New Leaders Struggle: Without proper training or internal support systems, even your best employees can flounder when promoted—and unintentionally create toxic work environments. The Real Cost of Avoiding Leadership Development: From disengagement to legal risk, John shares the downstream impact of underdeveloped managers on your organization's culture and bottom line. "Get to" vs. "Have to" Work Culture: Learn how some companies inspire loyalty so strong that employees chose to keep working during the pandemic—even when they could have earned more staying home. Generational Differences in Leadership Motivation: Why leaders must adapt to evolving expectations from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how listening builds trust that money simply can’t buy. The #1 Job of a Leader? Developing others. If you’re not actively helping your team grow into their next role, you’re not just missing an opportunity—you’re the bottleneck. 💬 Memorable Quotes: “If you don’t trust your people to do the work, either coach them up—or let them go. But don’t micromanage them into the ground.” – Michael D. Levitt “Leadership isn’t about doing the work. It’s about creating environments where others can do their best work.” – John Little “Confidence and courage are what separate great leaders from accidental managers.” – John Little “Organizations are bleeding talent, and it’s not because people don’t want to work—it’s because they’re not being led well.” – Michael D. Levitt 📌 Resources & Links: Connect with John on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bigjohnlittle Take John’s Leadership Confidence Assessment: hrlci.scoreapp.com 📚 Related episodes and tools mentioned: Creating Psychological Safety with Amy Edmondson Burnout Proof: How To Establish Boundaries To Avoid The Stress Of Leadership Workplace Culture: Creating Environments Where People Want to Stay ✅ Action Steps for Listeners: If you're a director or new leader – Audit your mindset. Are you still thinking like a doer instead of a leader? HR leaders – Rethink your onboarding and internal leadership dev. Are you unintentionally setting up new managers to fail? Executives – Invest in your people. Developing your leaders is not a cost—it’s your greatest ROI. 🎧 Like what you heard? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone who’s navigating leadership growing pains. 📩 For speaking inquiries, burnout-proof culture training, or coaching: BreakfastLeadership.com  

Adapting to Challenging Times In this insightful episode, Damon and Michael dive into how leaders and professionals can stay grounded and proactive during uncertain times. Damon previews an upcoming solo episode focused on managing adversity without falling into panic. Together, they analyze current trends in the job market, especially how compensation changes and layoffs are prompting many professionals to reconsider their career paths. They explore the power of continuous learning, the urgency of adaptability in today’s fast-paced environment, and how leaders can build resilient, high-performing teams—even in tough seasons. From Athlete to EdTech Entrepreneur Damon Lembi shares his remarkable journey from being drafted by the Atlanta Braves to becoming the CEO of Learnit. After stepping away from professional sports, Damon started humbly as a receptionist at his family’s company—proving that reinvention often starts with humility. His story underscores how the discipline and mindset from athletics can translate into entrepreneurial success. With Learnit now having upskilled over 2 million professionals, Damon reminds us that our past experiences are powerful assets in building the future we want. Dot-Com Boom Recollections Michael and Damon reflect on their experiences during the whirlwind of the dot-com era. Damon candidly discusses his unexpected rise to CEO after stepping in for a misaligned leader, while Michael shares stories from his time at comScore during both its meteoric rise and sudden market correction. Both offer behind-the-scenes insights into the volatile recruitment landscape of that time—when job changes were rapid, and stability was a rare commodity. It’s a candid look at lessons learned from fast-paced growth and sudden market pivots. Marketing Strategy During Economic Downturns Should marketing budgets be cut in a downturn? Michael and Damon say absolutely not. They explore why companies that maintain or even increase their marketing efforts during lean times often emerge stronger and more visible. Damon also revisits his personal shift from a baseball career to the business world, offering a real-world example of how unexpected changes can spark new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Thriving in Economic Downturns Damon outlines his bold, counterintuitive playbook for thriving during economic turbulence—what he calls “possibility spotting.” From hiring top talent during recessions to acquiring competitors when others were retreating, he shares how Learnit stayed ahead while others hesitated. Damon emphasizes making smart, calculated bets—especially in areas like sales, product development, and marketing. His message is clear: Growth is possible, even when the world slows down. Adapting to Challenges in Business Using the metaphor of baseball trade deadlines, Michael and Damon explore the importance of recognizing opportunities in adversity. Michael emphasizes the need for strategic risk-taking and growth, while Damon reflects on his own business pivots—from overexpansion in 2000 to course correction in 2009. Their discussion reinforces a powerful message: long-term success requires a mix of perseverance, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve. AI for Small Business Advancement Damon and Michael explore how AI is becoming a game-changer for small businesses. Damon highlights how AI tools are now accessible for companies like Learnit, enabling them to streamline customer service, enhance marketing efforts, and even handle legal functions. Michael compares leveraging AI to fishing—reeling in customers through smarter, faster engagement. They agree: whether you're a startup or a legacy business, embracing AI is essential for growth and agility in today’s landscape. The Learn It All Leader Damon opens up about his latest book, The Learn It All Leader, which draws from his time with Hall of Fame coaches, his leadership journey in business, and his desire to pass on lasting wisdom to the next generation. He shares compelling stories about leadership wins and missteps, offering practical takeaways for those looking to lead with purpose. Damon also invites listeners to his podcast, The Learn It All Podcast, and extends a generous offer—a free class on essential skills like emotional intelligence or conflict resolution for those who connect with him on LinkedIn. For nearly three decades, I've led Learnit, a global training company. In that time, we’ve upskilled over 1.8 million individuals in the workplace. Through this journey, I’ve gained insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Coming to business from a career in baseball, I bring an athlete’s perspective on leadership and training to my informal mentoring of executives. I've distilled those hard-won insights into my bestselling book, The Learn-It-All Leader—Mindset, Traits, and Tools and keynotes on leadership, entrepreneurship, and life-long learning.  Website:  https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ When you reach out to Damon, mention you heard his interview on the Breakfast Leadership Show, and he will give you a free course (Thank you, Damon!) Shout out to https://tasteofrome.co/